The Blue Pelican: A Kent Restaurant That's Capturing London's Culinary Imagination
Nestled in the coastal town of Deal, Kent, The Blue Pelican has emerged as a culinary sensation, drawing both local residents and Londoners since its opening a few years ago. This upmarket eatery has masterfully balanced appeal across diverse diners, offering an adventurous Japanese-inspired menu that could have easily alienated traditional tastes but instead has won widespread acclaim.
From Scepticism to Acclaim
Initially, some locals questioned whether Deal needed another high-end restaurant that might exclude community members in favor of tourist crowds. However, The Blue Pelican quickly dispelled these concerns by creating a welcoming atmosphere that caters to all. The restaurant gained significant recognition after esteemed food critic and MasterChef judge Grace Dent visited in early 2024, praising its menu as "one of the most intriguing and punchy menus you'll come across on the entire south coast." This endorsement helped cement its reputation, leading to its inclusion in SquareMeal's list of Britain's top 100 restaurants for 2026, where it ranked 85th.
The Dining Experience
On a typical rainy Sunday in February, the restaurant was bustling with couples, families, and friends enjoying relaxed lunches and drinks. The intimate space features two seating options: the chef's counter with 10 bar stools overlooking the open kitchen, and the dining room with elegant décor and coastal views. The ambience is warm and inviting, with candles on every table casting a snug glow. Service is friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, with staff demonstrating impressive understanding of ingredients and dietary needs.
The menu is concise and thoughtful, focusing on a few dishes executed exceptionally well rather than numerous mediocre options. Every Thursday and Sunday, The Blue Pelican offers a specialized ramen menu with three main dishes, sides, and dessert. Reservations are highly recommended, as the eatery frequently turns away walk-ins due to its popularity.
Culinary Highlights
The chashu ramen features an intense savory, umami-rich broth with katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) and smoky pork belly, complemented by Palourde clams for briny notes and a soft-boiled egg with a jammy yolk. The noodles are perfectly textured—neither soft nor rubbery but with an ideal bite that makes them irresistibly slurpable. For plant-based diners, the walnut miso ramen includes tempura hen-of-the-woods mushrooms in a flavorful mushroom broth.
Dessert at The Blue Pelican is equally remarkable. The Japanese-inspired crème caramel blends calamansi (a zesty citrus fruit from Southeast Asia) and kinako (toasted soybean flour), creating layers of tart, sour, and nutty flavors balanced by subtle sweetness. Served with tangy crème fraîche, it represents one of the most innovative and delicious desserts available on the Kent coast.
Atmosphere and Design
The restaurant's interior features a terracotta and white chequered floor with stone blue accents on doorframes and panelling, creating a contemporary yet inviting space. A beautiful mural by local artist Tom Maryniak hangs in the dining area, reflecting owners Alex Bagner's and Chris Hicks' passion for both Deal and Japan. This artwork ties together the restaurant's design, Japanese-influenced cuisine, and commitment to locally-sourced ingredients.
Practical Information
The Blue Pelican is located at 83 Beach Street in Deal, Kent. It is open for lunch Thursday to Saturday from 12pm to 2:30pm, and dinner Thursday to Saturday from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. The ramen menu is available on Thursdays for lunch and dinner, and on Sundays between 12:30pm and 3:30pm for lunch. Direct trains from London St Pancras International to Deal operate hourly via Southeastern, with journey times of approximately 1 hour 24 minutes to 1 hour 37 minutes.
Chef Luke Green has brought excitement and innovation to Deal's culinary scene, making The Blue Pelican a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. Whether you're a local resident or a Londoner seeking a culinary adventure, this Kent restaurant delivers an exceptional dining experience that continues to surprise and delight.
