The best pubs and places to eat and drink in Lewes, East Sussex
A virtual pub crawl of the best pubs, cafes and laid back places to eat and drink in Lewes, East Sussex.
Heading to Lewes and don’t know the answer to the all important question ‘where are the best pubs?’ Then fear not as we take you on a virtual tasting tour (aka, a pub crawl for grown ups).
The historic market town of Lewes, East Sussex, is home to a fine selection of pubs, cafes and other places to wet your whistle.
Whether you’re looking to quench your thirst after a hard day walking the South Downs Way or you’re seeking a spot to soak up some Sussex sunshine, there are plenty of established watering holes to choose from.
From quirky 17th century taverns to pop-up bars and breweries, you will find ample choice for sampling the local produce, including craft ales or one of the region’s many award-winning sparkling white wines - you can read more about East Sussex wine here.
Let us whet your appetite as we take you to…
The best pubs and bars to eat and drink in Lewes
The Swan Inn, High Street, Lewes
Old school charm for those who want a proper pub
An old favourite with friendly staff and very reasonably priced food.
Quiz nights, live music, a huge (award-winning) garden, good food and drinks and old-school charm. The Swan Inn Lewes features all the components of a proper pub.
They have a ‘vinyl only’ music policy and pride themselves on their friendly service, inclusive attitude, individual style and of course, their stunning gardens, which include both a walled lawn garden and a huge covered cobbled courtyard.
Within walking distance of the train station and located at the end of the charming Southover High Street, this pub is a great option for those travelling on to other destinations or staying locally in Lewes.
Family friendly vibes.
Image courtesy of The Swan Inn
Image Courtesy of The Dorset website
The Dorset, Malling Street, Lewes
Soak up 350 years of history.
Established in 1670, The Dorset is one of the oldest pubs owned by Harvey & Sons. It was erected on the site of an illegal workhouse, about 100 steps from the famous Bridge Wharf brewery. Located under the famous 'Cliffe' at the lower end of Lewes town centre and close to the South Downs Way.
The pub is a haven for walkers and cyclists taking a break from the South Downs Way as well as locals and those passing through Lewes.
They have a large menu with plenty of meat, veggie, vegan and children-friendly options, a paved ‘sun-trap’ courtyard garden, 6 ensuite bedrooms and a function room to host events and parties.
Family & dog friendly.
The Lewes Arms, Mount Place, Lewes
Over 220 years old - this is THE quintessential Lewes pub with a convivial atmosphere.
The Lewes Arms has surmounted itself as the ‘go to’ social gathering places in Lewes. Oozing with character and heritage and right in the heart of the historical centre and just a stone’s throw (or arrow’s shot) from the Norman Castle.
The pub has become renowned for it’s weird and wacky events like The World Pea Throwing Championships, Dwyle Flunking and Spaniel Racing. It has to be seen to be believed! Also, on a warm day you are likely to come across local Morris Dancers doing their thing, right outside in the crossroads.
They have an extensive food menu but specialise in pub classics, they do cater to veggies & vegans and have a great list of chip options! - the Sunday roast is not to be missed and they do kids size portions too.
Dog & child friendly.
Image courtesy of The Lewes Arms
Image Courtesy of The Pelham Arms website
The Pelham Arms, High Street, Lewes
Sample the latest Abyss beers and eat some of the finest burgers in town.
This 17th-century pub has kept much of its classic charm boasting original oak beams and an inglenook fireplace, great for curling up by and reading a book. The pub was the launchpad for Abyss Brewing, which has recently expanded operations to a nearby brewing site to meet demand.
The Pelham Arms is still the tasting station for new beers. From Thursday each week you can try two new brews before they hit general release. Pair your pint with a proper burger or cured meats from the on-site smokehouse (the first in Lewes). They also have a sunny courtyard style beer garden.
Family & dog friendly.
The Rights of Man, High Street, Lewes
Stylish pub with a fabulous roof terrace and a mouth-watering selection of gins.
For something a little more upmarket, visit The Rights of Man, named in honour of Lewes resident Thomas Paine who wrote the book of the same title in 1791.
This cosy and stylish tavern, slap bang next to Lewes Crown Courts, features a phenomenal selection of craft ales, fine wines and some 40 world gins.
The seasonal menu has a strong continental lean, boasting locally sourced fish from Brighton Fish Market, and meats from farms around Kent and Sussex.
This is not your average boozer! Make sure you book in advance to avoid missing out.
More suited to grown-ups.
Image courtesy of The Rights of Man Facebook
Image courtesy of The Gardeners Arms
The Gardeners Arms, Cliffe High Street, Lewes
The smallest pub in Lewes?
Quite possibly the smallest pub on the list, and possibly in East Sussex,The Gardeners Arms makes up for what it lacks in size, with extra charm. While seemingly more of a no-frills option than others on the list, this friendly joint is the kind of place you’re most likely to get chatting to a local Lewesian while enjoying one of their many real ales.
It has a sort of timeless quality, the perfect place to just slow things down a bit. Added bonus, you feel like you are sitting in someone’s front room! The famous Bonfire Night procession also passes straight outside the pub every 5th November.
More suited to grown-ups but also dog friendly.
The Snowdrop Inn, South Street, Lewes
A relaxed yet colourful boozer with a huge varied menu and superb Sunday roasts.
Despite its name (referring to an avalanche, not the flower!) this charming pub is packed with character and colour, including a beautiful display of hanging baskets in the summer months. Nestled at the bottom of Lewes’ stunning white cliffs, it has a secluded vibe and is a total sun trap. The quirky interiors include an array of ornaments and art, not to mention a cast iron spiral staircase.
The menu features a huge variety of free-range local produce with a mix of traditional and contemporary classics that can be enjoyed inside or in the quirky beer garden.
Visit The Snowdrop Inn Facebook page for more info. Open Thursday through Sunday.
Family & dog friendly.
Image courtesy of The Snowdrop Facebook page
Image courtesy of the Ram Inn website
The Ram Inn, Firle, Lewes
Open fires and open spaces for any weather.
Situated in the picturesque and quintessentially English village of Firle, The Ram Inn is ideal for those walking nearby or incorporating a visit to Charleston House, Gardens and Gallery. This stunning and large country pub attracts visitors of all ages throughout the year thanks to its high quality food, furnishings and friendly atmosphere.
You can choose from three beautiful rooms to wine and dine in, each with its own open fire, as well as a large outdoor space. There are also five quirky B&B rooms above the pub.
Family & dog friendly.
And for something a bit different….
Beak Brewery, Cliffe Industrial Estate, Lewes
A hip hangout with street food below the white cliffs.
Break Brewery is the place to be on a weekend. Just a 10 minute walk from Cliffe High Street. This contemporary taproom and courtyard have fifteen kegs of the freshest local beer, as well as a guest beer fridge and a natural, bio-dynamic wine list.
They have both indoor and outdoor seating. Their outdoor seating is undercover and on cold days/nights, they fire up the fire pit and patio heaters.
Alongside world-class drinks, they offer an ever-changing roster of street food every Friday (5-11pm) and Saturday
(12-11pm). Tables must be booked in advance, so don’t miss out.
Dog & child friendly.
Image courtesy of Beak Brewery Facebook page
Image courtesy of ABYSS Brewery
ABYSS Brewery, Davey’s Lane, Lewes
Another hip hangout in Lewes with the best Mexican street food from Brighton’s Carlito Burrito.
ABYSS is a forward thinking Micro brewery born under Lewes, East Sussex. Their taproom is the newest addition to the drinking scene in Lewes. Carlito Burrito
The Davey’s Lane area of Lewes is steeped in brewing history. The Brewery + Tap is inside an old Maltings building that used to serve the South Downs Brewery (still proudly standing next door on Thomas Street).
It’s a really fun evening out at ABYSS with great food, amazing beer and a selection of low intervention wines and cocktails. They also serve freshly roasted coffee from another newbie - their neighbours, Tigermoth Coffee Roasters.
Check out their website for DJ nights and special events.
Currently only open Thursday, Friday & Saturday, no need to book - just head on down.
Dog & child friendly.
The Patch Beer Cafe, Market Street, Lewes
Laid-back cafe vibes day and night.
The Patch is an independent cafe bar serving contemporary craft beers and fresh food daily. In the morning, they serve hearty breakfasts for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans alike, along with some seriously fresh coffee.
The evening menu includes Spanish-style pintxos, as well as larger meals and a wide selection of local and world wines and other drinks, including 10 keg lines to choose from.
More suited to grown-ups.
Image courtesy of The Patch Facebook page
Book your 2022/23 holiday at The Grain Store Lewes
The Grain Store is a 3 bedroom luxury holiday home, a stone’s throw from Lewes, so you can take your pick of any of the many fine pubs in Lewes.
You can also enjoy a delicious glass of fizz from the Albourne Estate in our garden, as a complimentary bottle is included in your welcome bag.
Of course, we can advise on many things to do, including family days out, active days or cultural days. Visit the Things to do page for more inspiration.
+44 (0)1273 713 339
business@thegrainstorelewes.com
Updated June 2022 by Pip de Villiers
(Original article by Katherine Murphy)