a great deal of fun

It’s amazing how much difference a three-day weekend makes. It’s seems like such a luxury to be able to wake up a little later on a Friday morning, leisurely drink a coffee and then set out for your day at your own pace. It was The American’s birthday back in September and my present to him was a night’s stay at The Rose in Deal, a sweet little hotel by the sea. After a recent renovation, I’d seen lots of snaps of it on Instagram and thought it would be perfect for a trip away. We never do weekend’s away like this so we were both very excited to hop on the train to Deal and head to the coast.

The weather was beautiful on Friday. Arriving to deep blue skies and even bluer seas, we dropped our bags off at the hotel and made a beeline for the pebble beach. With the tide far out we had a good stretch of the legs, picking up pretty stones along the way. We even came across a few crab legs left over from a gull’s lunch and an unopened oyster which was merrily tossed back into the blue.

Deal itself is a very small seaside town with pretty shop fronts, bustling cafes and lively bars at night. Having had a quick explore of the narrow streets and cobbled lanes, we headed back to our hotel to relax before enjoying dinner downstairs in the restaurant. I luxuriantly took a bath and read whilst The American listened to records conveniently provided by the hotel. Feeling refreshed and at ease we hopped down the stairs where we swiftly order a coupe of champagne for me and a bitter negroni for him. Whilst the hotel accommodation is very sweet and perfect for Instagram, it is the food which I personally think is the best part of The Rose. I chose the daily special which was a smoked haddock fish pie, made with creamy mashed potato which crisped perfectly on top. The American enjoyed a rabbit cassoulet which was rich and velvety. Our plans to head out for drinks after were somewhat thwarted as we both slipped into a sleepy food coma however this was welcomed as we headed to bed for a solid night’s sleep.

Saturday the weather was somewhat greyer. But never mind, we had one more meal to enjoy: mushrooms and goats cheese on toast for me and scotch woodcock for him (scrambled eggs with anchovies, who knew). After a hearty breakfast we explored the shops and Saturday market. I picked up a pretty lithograph by William Alison Martin from 1915 from the local antique shop and we stopped for coffees and a pastry. As the clouds started to gather overhead we enjoyed one last foodie splurge and enjoyed fish and chips on the beach – we couldn’t visit the seaside and not do that!

We rather enjoyed our weekend away and vowed to enjoy more. Next on my list is a weekend in York. Even the thought makes me giddy with excitement!

L.