Peen's promotes Viking Trail with free soup for April Fool's swimmers

Peen’s Gastro Bar – ideal pit stop for marathon training

Midway point on Viking Coastal Trail perfect for marathon runners, walkers, joggers, cyclists.

Free soup offer for April Fools’ swimmers


Broadstairs’ renowned Peen’s Gastro Bar, midway along of the Viking Coastal Trail, which at 27 miles long extends for almost the exact distance of a modern marathon around Kent’s Thanet coast, is encouraging runners entering the London Marathon (25th April) to use it in their training regimes.

Overlooking the award-winning sandy beach at Viking Bay, Peen’s also offers warm and nourishing options for hardy souls braving the sea. In fact, Peen’s will offers a free mug soup for any hardy souls braving the sea at on All Fools’ Day 1st April. Just let the staff know before you get wet and it will be piping hot as you emerge from the waves. More over chef-patron Matt Peen will make a donation to the Action Against Hunger charity for every swimmer.

There will also be a competition prize of a meal for two for the best-dressed swimmer – be at a stripy Edwardian full piece bathing costume or sperm whale outfit. The wearing of wet suits will be deemed as “cheating”.

Peen’s serves food and drinks from 10am to 10pm, and has outdoor seating, offers a variety of healthy options including organic fruit smoothies, herbal teas, super-food salads, delicious tapas and light snacks.

The beach front bar is also an official ‘refilling station’ for TapWater and organisation that encourages people to rehydrate by using tap water and reusable water bottles.



The trail’s terrain is mostly flat with a few short sharp hills, two thirds of the route is off road and ideal for family outings. It is signed throughoutand there are a number railway stations en route: Minster, Ramsgate, Dumpton Park, Broadstairs, Margate, Westgate and Birchington.

Along its length there are a number of themed ‘mini-routes’ to explore: Six Churches (9.5 miles), History, Art and Architecture (4.5 miles), Historic Broadstairs (3.25 miles), Path of St Augustine (4.5 miles), Smugglers' Haunts (3.5 miles), Beaches and Bays (5.25 miles). Trail maps can be downloaded at: www.visitthanet.co.uk/viking/trail_map.asp

Owner Matt Peen, who finished half the Kent Coastal Marathon, in a time of 2 hours and 3 minutes said, “The Viking Coastal Trail is great for anyone wanting to get seriously fit or just have a pleasant stroll to work up an appetite and Peen’s is an ideal stopping off point for a breakfast, lunch dinner or just a refreshing drink.”

Peen’s Gastro Bar will be introducing locally foraged wild plants, herbs and seaweeds for use in some of its dishes in 2011. Matt Peen has been working with Thanet’s ‘Rock Dock’ Alisdair Bruce, a local archaeologist who leads free coastal walks throughout the year. educating the public about the chalk cliffs, flints and fossils. Alisdair, also a keen foodie and collects wild herbs, seaweed and shellfish to eat at home, has been educating Matt as to the edible species. Matt has been experimenting with these in the kitchen with a view to introducing them to diners in the New Year. Places on the walks which last from 1 to 2 hours can be booked online at: www.thanetcoast.org.uk.