Set up by former style editor of Wallpaper magazine Alex Bagner and her husband, Christopher Hicks, the opening of The Rose is essentially what put Deal on the map. With eight rooms, Alex's expertise in interiors shines here, each with its vintage style. The focal theme in them all is color, with huge gemstone-toned headboards, ditsy prints, clashing patterns, vintage furniture, and chintzy bathrooms with one pale pink bathroom suite. It's right on the main high street.

This traditional 17th century Kentish farmhouse is just 15 minutes from Deal's town centre. Inside, there's plenty of bold colour like the bright orange living room, along with a real mix of antique furniture and contemporary artworks. Dinner is served either inside or in the converted cowshed which is now a covered pergola that forms the garden restaurant, which is draped with clambering foliage and pretty twinkling lights.

This Japanese-inspired restaurant is also the work of The Rose owners, Alex Bagner and Christopher Hick. Though it's completely different in style, it has been given the same fabulous attention to the interiors with the orange and white checkerboard flooring, clashing cornflower blue seating and a modern take on the famous The Great Wave off Kanagawa covers an entire wall. There's also hints of a French cafe style with linen cafe-style curtains in the windows.

The Middle Street Fish Bar is the best place for fish and chips in town, when you can get them, that is. It's only open half of the week for a few hours, and they staunchly keep to their set times, despite the queues that often form outside during the summer which are the clearest sign that you know it's worth it. Another key element to know is its cash only, so make sure you go prepared. Local's say it's the best spot for fish and chips on the Kent coast, so who are we to argue with that?

Le Pinardier is the wine bar arm of nearby small plates restaurant, Part of the Frog &, also on the main highstreet a few doors down. Painted bright red, its name comes from the French naval ships which transported wine in tanks during the second half of the 20th century. As the name suggests, it specialises in French wines (and not just those from Bordeaux and Burgundy) but plenty of small producers, as well as a selection from around the world.

One of the newest openings is Cherub's, found above the Bohemians pub on Beach Street. It's a relaxed bistro, drawing on a medley of European influence, a bit of offal and Expect dishes like ox tongue with celeriac remoulade, chicken pie, clams in fino sherry or skate wing with tartare sauce. Dishes are served up on mis-matching vintage plates and the menu is designed around what's available from local producers.

One of the best butchers around, and not just in Kent, is slightly hidden down a little alleyway, but that doesn't mean it's not well known. You'll spot its little Victorian glass bay window and black sign, or its fairly large model pig outside the door first. Opened in 2014, it's run by Deal born and bred Lizzy Douglas who is harking back to traditional methods while also making the butchers accessible.

With its candy striped awning bright blue shop front, it's hard to resist having a nose at Arno & Co, and then even harder to avoid the temptation to buy plenty of its well-chosen goodies in the little grocery shop. It's a food-lover's dream with bouji store cupboard essentials from pasatta to its freshly baked goods. As well as gift-worthy items like chocolate bars from independent chocolatiers, there's often kombucha, jam doughnuts, sourdough loaves, wine and plenty more.

On the main highstreet is Mileage, a vintage furniture store with plenty of upcycled furniture in fun bright colours. Expect plenty of timeless classic chairs that might have been reimagined in a fluorescent hue, or midcentury pieces, pretty lamps or dining room table and chair sets. Even if you don't leave with something, it provides plenty of inspiration for how to inject colour into your home. It wins extra points as often the owner's friendly little sausage dog is found roaming around.

One thing you'll notice on Deal high street is the number of shops selling local art and a number of small galleries. One just off the main highstreet to visit is Linden Hall Studio, a family run contemporary gallery. It's a bright and light space, showcasing art and sculptures often of British artists with 11 shows a year, as well as regular events like masterclasses and film screenings.

As one of the best remaining examples of a Tudor artillery castle, Deal Castle was built during Henry VIII's reign in the 16th century as a fortification against invasions from the French. From above, the shape is sort of a rose design, owing to the architectural design of six semi-circular bastions, which would have had a moat too. After climbing the stone steps to the top, the reward is glorious views across Deal beach. There's also passageways underground to explore too.