BITE user comments - ghostofcaptain
Comments by ghostofcaptain
Under the current management the Lewes Arms is hugely improved. The beer is spot on - even the Harveys - and there is a good selection. The food is unpretentious and fantastic value. Staff are hard-working and very friendly. The place is a bit of a rabbit warren so it does get very crowded around the tiny bar - but that's the price of an historic and unspoiled building. They have extended the hours when the kitchen is open, transformed the toilets and are trying really hard. A must when you visit Lewes.
18 Aug 2011 11:14
Landlord John died earlier this year and his wife Glenys left a few months after. Terribly sad as John was one of a disappearing breed of classic landlords - he could appear curmudgeonly at first but he earned the respect and affection of his customers and looked after them very well in return. 100's turned out for his funeral. Harveys have put in a temporary team to manage it while they decide what to do with the place. Last time I visited it had that flat atmosphere you get during an inter-regnum. I hope Harveys do something imaginative and classy - this place is bursting with potential and big enough to have a great locals bar yet still offer a more extensive and ambitious menu.
18 Aug 2011 11:05
I couldn't disagree more with the critic who claimed not to have seen worse toilets since visiting "Hungry" on his holidays. They are by far the best part of this place being classic Victorian tiled basement bogs. Yes they could do with some cleaning and titivation, but not half as much as the staff and customers who scream chav and serve/drink badly kept beer and pints of wife-beater. A shame because the building has some nice features and could be great - but avoid like the plague for the moment.
18 Aug 2011 10:51
Each of the two bars has a completely different character. The Public bar has a projector TV, fruit machine,darts board and pool table so its quite laddish. The front bar may not have a swirly carpet but it feels it ought to have one under the slightly chintzy decor. The beer is always in great condition and the food is highly thought of and very reasonably priced. I would go in more frequently but am put off by feeling lost in a time-warp back to the 70's. Warning to large (bodied) blokes - the Gents have been designed by a midget trying to save money,not a good combination.
18 Aug 2011 10:45
Definitely more for foodies than drinkers. I think they've madce a mistake in cramming in too many tables so everyone feels a bit cramped - still, we all know that's where the profits are. Have tried it a couple of times but never felt able to relax.
18 Aug 2011 10:35
Hugely improved since being re-acquired by former host Ben and Viv. Don't be put off if you have visited in the last few years and didn't "get it". Its now sanitary (without being antiseptic) ,offers some good stodge to soak up the beer , a quirky, bohemian atmosphere, friendly staff and should definitely be on your list if visiting Lewes or waiting for a train.
18 Aug 2011 10:28
The Elephant and Castle, Lewes
Easy going Pub with straightforward but well-cooked and presented food - nothing fancy. Beers are well-kept. Owners and staff very friendly and welcoming, Function Room upstairs used by all sorts of local societies. Multiple TV screens will not be to everyone's liking but great for Sports fans for whom this is the premier pub in Lewes.
18 Aug 2011 10:19
The Elephant and Castle, Lewes
Always a good atmosphere and Huw and his team look after the beer very well. Food excellent value and unpretentious. It is sport-orientated and can get busy and noisy at peak times - not the place to take your maiden aunt for a sweet sherry. Much better to go with your mates for a skinful.
3 Dec 2009 10:24
Lovely town centre Pub now run by a very hard-working and enthusiastic couple. Tiny rooms have loads of character so it does get very busy . However service is excellent and food very good value. No gastro nonsense but perfect for soaking up gallons of very well kept beer.
Loads of madcap events organised by barking - but very pleasant - locals. A treasure.
3 Dec 2009 10:14
Excellent traditional boozer run by enthusiasts. I have used it for more than 10 years and recommend without hesitation. Great choice and great quality control.
2 Sep 2007 11:26
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The Abergavenny Arms, Rodmell
A fantastic village pub with lots of history. Recent years have been hard and many in the village feared we would lose it. Since September Jon and Lucie have bravely taken a 10 year lease on the place. They have already transformed the atmosphere and are gradually upgrading and repairing the rather tired decor as funds allow. This is well worth a visit especially if you haven't been in in for a while. The Harveys is excellent and they also have a good guest beer, sometimes two at busy times of the year. The food is good and the games room now features a pool table, dart board and Toad.
7 Feb 2013 17:12