Cool Down with Delectable Deal’s Top Four Ice Cream Creators
British summer time is not quite the same without Mr Whippy with a 99 flake, or – for today’s pallet proud nation – perhaps a little elderflower and crème fraiche magic. When in Deal you can sample both while you soak up the sun. Whether you are on foot or in the car, here are the top four choices recommended by locals and visitors alike. First, let’s show our respect to a Deal institution:
Deal Beach Parlour
Located on the seafront, this gem is a rite-of-passage for anyone visiting Deal. Built in the 1950s and opened by Prince Phillip, almost nothing has changed from the retro Formica tables to the knickerbocker glories. With views of the pier and the channel, you can sit and enjoy an ice cream soda, or a banana split as if you were Marty in Back to the Future. It’s the kind of place that generations of locals return to every summer, and you will want to too. Because it is so central (just five minutes walk from the train station) you can stroll through town and grab yourself a blue seat or a patch of pebble beach to enjoy your treat. (And if you want to step back in time for longer, check out the retro amusement arcade next door).
Located at 57 Beach Street, CT14 6HY. Tel: 01304 374120
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 9:30–17:00
Sid’s Ice Cream Parlour
Guaranteed to put a smile on your face (and that’s just at the pink and cream awning as you arrive) Sid’s is the sugar bomb. If you fancy a donut with a frozen fancy after a game of tennis or a swim in the sea, just stroll across Victoria Park to grab something with all the marshmallow toppings. Let’s be honest, not everyone wants brain freeze, and Sid’s donuts are the best in town. Grab yourself a box to go too, complete ice cream scoop additions. And if your pooch is peckish, there’s also dog ice cream on offer. This candy covered joint has something for everyone, including milkshakes.
An added extra: they also do delivery via Just Eat every Friday & Sat 6pm-9.30pm.
Located at 14 Park Avenue, CT149AL. Open Monday – Sat 10:30-20:00 and Sunday 10:30-18:00
Penny Licks
For those looking for an artisan ice experience, there is nothing quite like the small, family run Penny Licks. Available in Deal’s famous Saturday market (10am-2pm), their frankly brazen combinations will have your mouth watering flavours, from vanilla fudge ripple to elderflower and crème fraiche.
All the ingredients are inspired by the seasonal flavours available on the coast.
As the creators Larushka and Tom say, “It’s a taste of the glorious seaside in every lick.”
If you can’t wait until the weekend to pick up a tub, no worries, the wonderful Arno & Co’s deli stocks almost all the flavours (he can be found at 94 High Street, CT14 6EE).
NB: If you fancy having more than a tub – you can hire a Penny Licks ice cream bikes… and take their sweetness on the road.
For more info email [email protected] or. Tel: 07493322011
Solley’s Farm
Everyone has heard of Solley’s: it’s the king of the frozen stuff here in the South East. But here in Deal you can visit where the magic happens and take a tractor tour around the bright yellow fields, while sampling some of the fifteen flavours produced on the family run creamery. (We go every summer).
Solley’s make an eye watering 4,500 litres a day and so they won’t miss a scoop or three.
You’ll need a car to get there as it is based in Ripple, a village just outside the town, but it is worth the trip for award winning gelato. And if a quick trip isn’t enough, you can always camp there.
The Dairy, Ripple, Deal, Kent, CT148JL.
Open daily 10am-4pm April-August
