Top 10 Places to Drink in the Lewes District

Our district is home to Harvey’s Brewery, so many of our drinking establishments have a great selection of top quality ales; some even receive their delivery by Harvey’s dray horses and cart. There’s nothing better after a walk on the downs than sitting down to a delicious pub lunch prepared with local ingredients or taking refreshment in one of our many beer gardens. From our historic and quirky pubs in Lewes Town to a riverside Inn at Barcombe Mills, a visit to one of our many hostelries will really add something special to your day trip or holiday. Whether you are staying town, coast or country, we’ve chosen our top 10 places to take a sup this summer. Cheers! Salute! Prost!

The Lewes Arms

A quirky, historic pub which has retained its popularity for over two hundred years. Situated just a stones throw from Lewes’ Norman castle, it’s the perfect spot to pause when sightseeing and to sample some of their real ales or home cooked fayre. The traditional game of toads can still be played here and they hold some pretty eccentric contests such as pea throwing and the famous dwyle flunking match. For directions and peruse their menus VISIT

The Lewes Arms,1 Mount Place, Lewes,East Sussex, BN7 1YH

TEL:01273 473152

Harvey's Brewery

If you are visiting Lewes Town, Harvey’s brewery shop is well worth a visit. Here you can pick up the full range of ales brewed on the premises as well as wines, spirits and gifts. Sometimes you can smell the hops brewing all across the town and if you visit on a Tuesday you may be lucky enough to see the Harvey’s horses in action delivering barrels of beer to the local pubs. For directions to Harvey’s or to find out which pubs carry their beer VISIT

The Rights of Man

A traditional pub close to Lewes Castle. Tastefully renovated by Harvey’s Brewery, this establishment exceeds expectations with wooden panelling and intimate booths. The food menu is exceptional with fresh tapas made to order, and the drinks made and served with the utmost care. Obviously the beer is well kept, but if you like a good gin and tonic this is the place for you as they offer a staggering range of over 40 types.  An ideal venue to take supper or lunch with friends, if the weather is fine you can also take your drinks up to their roof terrace which has a view of Lewes Castle.

For further details and to peruse their menu VISIT

6 Cliffe High Street, Lewes,East Sussex, BN7 2AH

01273 480 217

The Roebuck, Laughton

During the summer months there is nothing better than a cool beer in a country pub beer garden, especially after a long walk on the downs. If you are staying Lewes this summer,  we have some really special pubs where you can eat al fresco and enjoy the last of the evening sun.The Roebuck Inn is an historic coaching Inn set in Laughton in the heart of the South Downs. Sister pub to the award winning Snowdrop in Lewes, the  proprietors Dominic McCartan & Tony Leonard have worked their magic to create a country pub of the highest order. Local ales, meals prepared with locally sourced produce and a stunning garden complete with micro pigs and happy hens. You may not want to go home but that’s ok, they have rooms to rent complete with a home cooked Sussex Breakfast. This is a quickly, warm and fun pub with possibly the most unusual men’s loos you’ve ever seen.

For directions and to see their menus VISIT

Lewes Road, Laughton,East Sussex,BN8 6BG

TEL 01323 811244

The Anchor Inn & Boating

Situated on the west bank of the River Ouse, just four miles upstream from Lewes Town,  The Anchor Inn is the perfect place to spend a summer’s day. You can hire a boat for a leisurely paddle up the river to fish ladder falls and once you’ve worked up a thirst you can enjoy a cool pint in their beer garden or a meal cooked with seasonal produce. Places like this are where summer memories are made; Ice cream, paddle boats, wildlife and a cool drink in the shade, adults and children alike will enjoy a fantastic day out at the Anchor Inn and boating. For further information VISIT

NOTE: If you have your heart set on a paddle up the river on hot day, you need to arrive early as it can be incredibly popular.

The Anchor Inn, Anchor Lane, Barcombe, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 5EA

TEL: 01273 400414

The Juggs

The Juggs in Kingston, just outside Lewes town is ideal for those walking and cycling on the South Downs. You can take a ramble from Lewes town, the walk takes about half an hour at a fast pace or about an hour for a family group. On your walk you can enjoy some stunning views of the south downs, horses and the resplendant white, six sweep Ashcombe windmill. The Juggs is a popular and friendly pub that serves a large variety of good food, ales and wines. Inside you will find original oak beams and outside they have a large garden for those who enjoy supping in the sun and a covered terrace who like to enjoy their meal in the shade. They are situated next to a playground and have a full children’s menu so it’s perfect for a family pit stop.

For directions VISIT

The Street, Kingston, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 3NT

TEL: 01273 472 523

The Wellington

The wellington Hotel is a traditional pub in Seaford situated close to the seafront and town centre. They take their ales very seriously here and have up to 10 real ales on tap at all times, so if you’re a real ale fancier this is the place for you. They also serve food until 9pm from Monday – saturday (4pm Sunday) and have devised a menu to cater for all tastes. From a wide selection of burgers with names such as The Bardot,  to tapas and classic pub favourites such as ham, egg and chips, the food here is reasonably priced yet delicious. The Wellington also offers B & B accommodation and their breakfasts have received great reviews from visitors.

For Further information VISIT

33 Steyne Road, Seaford, East Sussex BN25 1HT

TEL:01323 899517

The Ark

The Ark in Newhaven is a hidden treasure, situated on the river with views of the working harbour. The proud nautical history of the town is reflected in the decor and the decked garden has a fun beach theme complete with beach huts. The food here is freshly prepared and their seafood is delivered daily from the local fisheries. Don’t expect fast food, but well cooked tapas, seafood platters and paella all  at reasonable prices. They also cater for tee totalers and drivers with a wide range of soft drinks and good, fresh coffee. The ark is also dog friendly and they have a resident dog called Pepper with his own dedicated web page.

To meet Pepper and to find out more VISIT

The Ark Bar & Restaurant, West Quay, Newhaven, BN9 9BP

TEL: 01273 517808

Chaula's Cocktail Lounge

If you like a little spirit with your spice, you really must visit Chaula's rooftop cocktail lounge. Above the restaurant and the bustle of Lewes town you can enjoy classic and innovative cocktails, mixed with fresh ingredients like mint and ginger. You can take a cocktail or two before heading down to dinner, or enjoy their range of authentic Indian snacks including pakoras, samosas and chaat wth your Mango Mule. Prices start at £6 for a classic cocktail and they also serve a cool draught cobra beer alongside a selection of wines and fruit juices. Our favourite is a Brighton Gin & Tonic mixed with ginger, chilli, lime, coriander, tamarind and mint, perfect for that sun down chin – chin.

For directions and to View their cocktail menu VISIT

6 Eastgate Street, Lewes, BN7 2LP

TEL:01273 476707

The View

No holiday is complete without a drink taken enjoying the best local views.  Situated high on the cliffs of Seaford Head, The View boasts stunning 360º panoramic views over Seaford Bay, Seaford Town, the Seaford Head Golf Course, Seaford Beach and the Sussex Downs countryside. The bar here is open to all and serves a range of beers, spirits and wines including local offerings such as ales from the Longman Brewery and Blackdown Sussex dry gin. The View is also a restaurant, serving everything from breakfast through to afternoon teas, burgers, roast dinners and healthy options. Keep an eye on their events page for their regular Jazz and comedy and regularly updated special offers. If you’re a fan of golf you can also visit The View after a round or two at the Seaford Head Golf course down below.

To find directions and see their full menu VISIT

Southdown Road,Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 4JS

TEL:01323 890139