Review: 81 Beach Street, Kent

If your summer holiday is already feeling like a distant memory, why not consider a short train ride or drive down to Deal on the Kent coast.

Having been coming here for years and Deal being part of the history of my family, I thought I had always been biased in my fondness for the quaint British town, but recently a surge in ‘DFLs’ as they are locally called… ( Down From Londoners) has seen the town rise in prominence, and it is now well known for its artisan high street full of galleries and fine dining.

81 Beach Street has been part of the Deal seafront since 2004 and has a loyal following locally and attracts visitors to Deal. We went there on a beautiful sunny day and sampled their lunchtime menu, which is priced at a reasonable £17.40 for 2 courses and £23.00 for 3.

We started with bbq chicken wings and prawn cocktail respectively, which were delicious, tasty and light. I then had the chargrilled miso-glazed aubergine steak with pak choi, carrot and ginger puree, and soy and ginger dressing.

This was perfectly balanced and cooked to perfection, the aubergine delicate and tasty and all the favours were distinct, without being overwhelming.

The 6oz rump steak with triple- cooked chips, cherry tomatoes, and peppercorn sauce was stunning. A very generous portion and the steak was cooked as requested to medium rare and the chips some of the best I have ever tried.

The vegan chocolate mousse was an absolute show stopper, both rich and light at the same time, complemented with orange zest, and after such an ample first 2 courses we decided to share the pudding as portions were so generous.

All of this was washed down with some local Chapel Down sparkling wine which was crisp and clean and like much of the produce at 81, locally sourced.

81 describes itself as: “Celebrating local produce at every opportunity, and each dish being perfectly paired with each season”. This is definitely recognisable in the freshness and the quality of the ingredients.

Whilst 81 is a local favourite, it feels like it has earned its stripes and has evolved to become a destination restaurant in itself.  In good company in Kent, with the likes of Whitstable and Ramsgate and Margate down the coast, Kent’s culinary scene is stronger and more vibrant than ever.

The restaurant is easily located if you chose to get the train to Deal, as it is just a few minutes walk from Deal train station and a stone’s throw away from Deal Pier and beach.

Before or after lunch you can amble around the beautiful and atmospheric streets of Deal which has a rich history. Deal Castle was built by Henry VIII and is a short walk from the sea front which you can take a stroll to…..or you could stay in 81 and enjoy the cheeseboard and admire the sea view!

Both tempting options.

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