Business Details
39 Years
experience
Luxury Hotel & Restaurant in Deal, Kent
Established in 1987, Dunkerley's Hotel & Restaurant has become a cornerstone of Deal's coastal hospitality. Our family-owned business combines decades of culinary expertise with deep-rooted local heritage, offering guests an authentic experience of Kent's maritime culture. With 35 years of continuous operation, we have evolved from a modest restaurant into a 16-bedroom hotel featuring award-winning dining and sea-view accommodations. Our commitment to quality is evident in every detail, from the locally sourced ingredients in our kitchens to the historical charm of our listed building. We pride ourselves on maintaining traditional service standards while adapting to modern needs, having navigated challenges from economic recessions to pandemic disruptions.Our team, many of whom have stayed with us for years, reflects our dedication to nurturing talent and providing career development opportunities. The recent leadership transition to our son Ben ensures continuity in culinary excellence while preserving our family ethos. Located on Deal's iconic seafront, we offer guests unparalleled views across the English Channel, combining historical significance with contemporary comfort.
Services
Accommodation
Fine Dining
Bistro
Room Service
Event Hosting
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of continuous operation in Deal's hospitality sector
- Award-winning small hotel recognition since 2000
- Family-run business with multi-generational culinary expertise
- Commitment to locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices
- Historic seafront location with uninterrupted Channel views
What people say
Breathtaking views
Locally sourced ingredients
Family-friendly atmosphere
Historical charm
Award-winning cuisine
Services
Luxury Accommodation
Our 16 individually designed bedrooms combine historical charm with modern comforts. Each room features unique decor, with sea-view options offering uninterrupted Channel vistas. The principal rooms provide spacious accommodation with king-sized beds, while standard and budget rooms maintain comfort and style. All rooms include en-suite facilities and period features reflecting our listed building status.
Fine Dining
Award-winning culinary experiences using locally sourced ingredients. Our menus showcase seasonal produce with a focus on coastal cuisine. The a la carte menu offers gourmet dishes crafted by our experienced chefs, while the bistro provides more casual dining options. Both venues maintain our commitment to quality and presentation.
Event Hosting
Versatile spaces for weddings, conferences, and special occasions. Our venues combine historical character with modern amenities, including sea-view terraces and adaptable layouts. Full catering services available with menus tailored to specific events and dietary requirements.
Room Service
Complimentary room service for hotel guests, featuring breakfast options and light meals. Dishes use the same quality ingredients as our restaurants, delivered to your room with attentive service. Special dietary requirements accommodated with prior notice.
Local Exploration
Guidance on local attractions and coastal activities. Our team provides insider knowledge of Deal's maritime heritage, nearby castles, and coastal walks. Assistance with transportation arrangements and event bookings for guests seeking to explore the Kent coastline.
People
Ian Dunkerley
Owner
Founder with 56 years in hospitality, Ian started as a teenage entrepreneur and now leads Deal's iconic hotel. His maritime heritage and culinary expertise have shaped the business since 1987.
Linda Dunkerley
Owner
Co-founder Linda has been instrumental in the business since 1979. Her hospitality experience and local knowledge have helped establish Dunkerley's as a Kent institution.
Ben Dunkerley
Head Chef
Third-generation chef with 20 years' experience, Ben leads our kitchen since 2017. He maintains culinary excellence while innovating with local ingredients and modern techniques.
Questions
What are your check-in and check-out times?
Check-in from 2pm, check-out by 11am. Early arrivals and late departures accommodated when possible.
Do you offer parking facilities?
No private parking, but several public car parks nearby including 24-hour options. Free overnight street parking available on seafront.
Are pets allowed in the hotel?
Well-behaved dogs welcome in designated rooms with prior arrangement. Additional cleaning charge applies.
Can I book a table without staying overnight?
Yes, our restaurant and bistro welcome walk-ins and reservations for lunch and dinner services.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes, our chefs accommodate most dietary needs with advance notice. Vegetarian, gluten-free and allergy-friendly options available.
Is there a cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before check-in. Changes within 48 hours incur full room charge.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Matt O'Brien
Jun 16, 2022
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12 for a steak baguette and chips. May I recommend if you are to charge 12. You use a higher grade baguette, replace grated Cheddar with an Emmental melt, have a red onion relish inside and have home cooked chips. I'm just glad I didn't order a sandwich by the looks of others I witnessed. Your chef really needs to up their game. Felt absolutely mugged off at that price. And grated Cheddar. Come on wake up Staff were lovely and the ales were banging. The food arwful
Dawn Banfield
May 11, 2022
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Lovely hotel, rooms are clean and comfortable. Bar prices a little on the pricy side Nice quiet location despite being on main road
Darren W.
Mar 17, 2022
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Exceptionally good food, the staff were fantastic (shout out to Dan for joining in with some friendly banter from the table) and helped make my dad's 81st birthday party a great occasion. The scallops for starters were excellent, as was the duck.
Nigel Dudley
Mar 13, 2022
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5 star service, five star food, Thats what I have given here, my wife and I booked a late restaurant reservation here half hour later we arrived, my wife and I ordered the king scallops as a starter, absolutely fantastic, and then she ordered a fillet steak which also was amazing ( her words not mine ) I ordered the whole lobster with salad and chips, which wasn't on the restaurant menu but it was on the bistro special board ( I was pushing my luck ) but the young lady said it was OK, and it was cooked to perfection, and I even had others in the restaurant come over and said they were jealous that I was able to order the lobster so thanks to all the staff who are very friendly and professional for making our meals that little bit more special, we both highly recommend eating here
Gillian Smissen
Feb 12, 2022
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Our meal was outstanding. Scallops to die for, they melted in your Each dish was beautiful crafted on our plates and tasted gorgeous. Perfect for special meal which is why we attended Ross birthday. The bar has a menu that is more reasonably priced. Highly recommended this restaurant service was very efficient too.
Jason Best
Jan 16, 2022
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My family eats here on a regular basis and has done so for over 20 years. I can honestly say that we've never had a bad meal. Great location, excellent food, fantastic value for money and outstanding staff. Bar food, restaurant or just a drink, I can happily recommend Dunkerleys without hesitation.
Cleo Thompson
Jan 02, 2022
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Myself and my partner stayed here on 17th December 2021 and I booked the sea view room as a suprise. We'll even tho it was cold and raining it all looked beautiful outside.maybe it was the Xmas spirit . It was 90 for the night and breakfast was included. I love dunkleys and will always stay here when we have a function on in deal.
