Fish and chips should be on the menu at Deal Pier Cafe according to readers of the Mercury and our website www.eastkentmercury.co.uk

Last week we asked if the restaurant’s new lessee, Jasin Kaplin, of the Telegraph Chippie, should serve up the seaside delicacy when the renovations are complete.

And a number of readers were so incensed, they added comments in support of the choice on the Speak Out section of our website.Kevin Atkinson was born and bred in Deal and is the same age as the pier.

He now lives in Ethiopia, where all the fish is frozen and imported.

He said: “I can assure you that during my next return home I will not make the effort to walk to the end of the pier for a spaghetti bolognese or a chilli con carne. “I will for a locally caught fish and chips looking out over the very water where the fish was caught.”

He was joined in sentiment by Mandy Marsh, from Walmer, who said fish and chips and reasonable prices is what the pier is all about.

“People will not go for a nice walk and stop for a break at the end of the pier if the food is posh and expensive.

“The pier cafe is an added bonus for fishermen and the menu should reflect this,” she said.

Deal resident Beverley Spicer wants variety at the end of the pier.

“I would like to see a varied menu. Breakfasts in the mornings, snacks, sandwiches and light meals served during the day.

“This could include fish and chips, perhaps if possible as a venue in the evenings too.”