Foodie Heaven

Food in Lewes is renowned for its freshness and flavour, because so much of it is grown and sourced locally.

One of the best Lewes farmers’ market events, Lewes Food Market runs every Friday offering an abundance of high quality food from local producers - including artisan breads, organic fruit and veg, free range eggs and meat, craft-roasted coffee, and mouth-watering cakes. A wide range of regional produce can also be found at the Sussex Food Hall at the South Downs Heritage Centre in Hassocks, 15 mins from Lewes.

For fresh fish and meat in Lewes, head to Bickerstaff’s fishmongers and NOSE2TAIL, both at Riverside on Cliffe High Street.

The excellent Park Farm Shop at Falmer, just a mile from The Grain Store, is ideal for stocking up on high quality, locally sourced farm produce. Middle Farm Shop, just outside Lewes, also sells a fantastic selection of Sussex produce.

Symposium Wine Emporium in Lewes offers an impressive selection of wines, spirits and beers, with wines by the glass and a small food menu.

East Sussex is home to many superb vineyards producing award-winning English sparkling and still wines to rival the best from Europe and the New World. One of our favourite Sussex wineries is Beacon Down Vineyard in Heathfield, who organise tours and tastings with picnics to savour after your sampling! Ridgeview in Ditchling and Rathfinny in Alfriston are also definitely worth a visit.

You can also read our blog for The best vineyards and wine tours in East Sussex.

Caccia & Tails serves up seriously good homemade pasta, sauces, focaccia, and cakes for takeaway. Also enjoy their delicious food served right next door at The Lansdown Arms.

This is a Turkish Meze Grill & Bar with a stunning selection of mezes, chargrilled kebabs and cocktails. Good food, fresh ingredients, and awesome vibes.

A hugely popular bakery in the heart of Lewes specialising in slow fermented breads, delicious salads, and handcrafted pastries.

The original Bill’s, offering seasonal, casual, family dining from breakfast through to dinner. You can order takeaway online too.

Located on Cliffe Industrial Estate next to Beak Brewery, Pharmacie Coffee Roasters serves superb coffee and delicious food.

Fork is a neighbourhood restaurant in Lewes serving modern British cooking.

Modern, all-day French brasserie chain, serving regional specialities and traditional classics. Open all day.

Pestle and Mortar is a happy blend of noodle bar, tea room, café and Asian grocery serving superb, fresh flavours in an informal setting. Excellent for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free foods.

Found in the heart of Hurstpierpoint, the picturesque village nestled closely to the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park, The Fig Tree is an elegant dining venue offering fresh and seasonal dishes.

The Pelham serves a good selection of food including big, homemade burgers, and local beers and wines. Families are welcome and it’s dog-friendly in the bar.

Over 200 years old and one of Lewes’ favourite traditional pubs. Positioned close to the town’s striking Norman Castle, this is an authentic pub with a rustic interior and down-to-earth atmosphere.

The Swan is a quaint locale with old-school charm featuring British pub fare, DJ nights and garden seating.

The John Harvey Tavern is a traditional pub with a rustic feel, situated opposite Harvey’s Brewery and next to the River Ouse.

A small independent brewery and taproom making everything from hop-forward IPAs and best bitters to saisons and imperial stouts.

ABYSS is a forward thinking microbrewery making modern beers with big personalities.

An award winning, fabulous gem of a pub. Located in an idyllic countryside setting in the hamlet of East Chiltington, it’s just 15 minutes from Lewes.

A traditional 14th-Century pub and restaurant near the town of Uckfield. With its interior of original dark wood beams, parquet wood floors and open fire places, this is a cosy, characterful hostelry.

The Ram has been at the heart of Firle village life for over 500 years. The rambling, old brick and flint building has three main rooms, each with its own open fire. Dark, inky-coloured walls contrast against glittering chandeliers in the upstairs dining room.

One of the oldest buildings in Ditchling, at the foot of the South Downs, The Bull dates back to the early 16th century. It boasts a warm and vibrant atmosphere for everybody to enjoy.

A 200 year old traditional country pub in Plumpton, ten minutes from Lewes and the charming village of Ditchling.

The Bell is a quirky hotel and pub, a home-from-home for everyone, in the heart of the old East Sussex village of Ticehurst. About an hour’s drive from The Grain Store.