Lewes Arms

Unpretentious and cheerful little local, several real ales, enjoyable, homely bar food, and friendly staff

Run by the same people as another of our Sussex main entries, the Basketmakers in Brighton, this is an unpretentious little back street local with a friendly welcome for all. There' s a tiny front bar on the right with stools along the nicely curved counter and bench window seats, and two other simple rooms with half-panelled walls in cream and brown or pink hung with information and photographs to do with the famously noisy Lewes bonfire night, and straightforward tables and chairs ranging from high-backed settles to cushioned wheelbacks and other dining seats; stripped wooden floors throughout, a couple of Victorian fireplaces (with a decorative woodburner in one), beer mats pinned over doorways, and a cheerful, chatty atmosphere. Fullers ESB and London Pride, Gales HSB and Seafarers, and Harveys Best on handpump. At the top of some stairs, a door leads to an attractive small back terrace on two levels with picnic-sets under umbrellas, outdoor heaters, and a barbecue.

Generous helpings of good value bar food using organic produce includes lunchtime sandwiches, soup, country pork pâté, a plate of mezze, home-made burgers, vegetable curry, beer-battered haddock, jerk chicken, moussaka, sirloin steak, and puddings like treacle or chocolate puddings.