Deal Pier restaurant should have been one of the six shortlisted designs for the 2009 RIBA Stirling Prize Building of the Year.

That was the opinion broadcast at the final on Channel 4 by Sarah Gaventa, who described the new design as “one that got away” in the annual award.

The member of the executive team from CABE, the government advisor on architect, urban design and public space, was filmed on the pier as part of the programme.

She said the restaurant deserved to be one of the six finalists, yet not just for its good design by Niall McLaughin architects.

“But also because of the aspirations it represents, a return to architectural innovation and quality.

“It has an interesting design as it protects you from the harsh elements but connects you from the sea. It is weird that as an island we seem to have lost that connection.”

The film showed the restaurant’s distinctive features, the kitchen, the customers and the panoramic views, including the white cliffs at Kingsdown.

Maggie’s Centre, in London, won the Royal Institute of British Architects award and the £20,000 top prize.

* The new look Deal Pier cafe opened on November 2008 and was part of the £1.35 million transformation for the landmark, which won the 2008 Pier of the Year Award.