please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
This was possibly the best of 6 Lewes pubs tried on Saturday. It has a couple of rooms. As mentioned, the front room is more traditional and seemed to be populated by an older clientele, many of whom were eating. The rear room had a much younger customer base, with a pool table and a TV showing the Old Firm football derby. We positioned ourselves next to the dart board and the Toad in the Hole game. Whilst there were instructions, it still wasn't clear about what serves as the 'toad'! Ales were Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter & Old Ale, Gun Extra Pale, Skinner's Betty Stogs & Tring Ridgeway. There were also a couple of real ciders - Biddenden's Dry & Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. A 5% CAMRA discount is offered.
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Well situated pub in the high street of this picturesque town. The front part of the pub is very traditional looking, but the back part looks like an add-on. Excellent selection and quality of food, very reasonably priced. Selection of real ales too.
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This pub is very near perfection,service, beer,food are all great,perhaps the tearful Brighton fans who come In about 17:20 on a Saturday are a let down,all three of 'em,I always ask them the score. Lewes has several great pubs and this just pips it as the best.
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really good meal, with top notch ale
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As a traditional English boozer, the Brewer's Arms can't be faulted. An excellent and rapidly turning-over selection of real ales, a comfortable atmosphere and - yes, reviewers have note the preponderence of locals, but they're all very pleasant. Outside the lavs is a list of quotes compiled from regulars which is funny and worth having a look at - they've been published as a book, which is available behind the bar.
Food is stunningly good value - the range of what you get here for £4 defies belief. TV sports are available in the back bar but they don't impinge on the settled environment of the front bar at all.
Well-organised bar staff - but don't push for the 5% CAMRA discount of a full round because you might not get it - "I'm just following the rules" announced the bar minion. Hmm. Pint of Jobsworth's Pedant, please...
As it's Lewes, a Harveys ale will always be available but The Brewer's Arms offers relief to those of us unenamoured with the local brew.
Me? I loved the place.
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It's okay and the ale was decent enough but it you aren't one of the tribe then you're unlikely to linger long.
anonymous - 1 Nov 2015 21:38 |
A trip around Lewes - this was the 1st stop of the night. No-one behind the bar, which was a struggle to get to because all the locals sit around it. One summonsed the staff with a whistle and a decent pint of Harveys best was purchased.
Nothing really to make it stand out, OK.
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Having ticked all of the pubs I wanted to do in Lewes on Saturday there was still time for a couple more pints.
With our travelling party down from 7 to 2 we took the short walk from The Rights of Man to The Brewers Arms.
It was around 7pm when we arrived, the front bar which is a lot cosier was fairly quiet back the large back bar was busy with the TVs showing darts and football.
The first pint was had while sat in the peace of the front bar before we moved into the back bar to watch the darts, pool table and dart board also in this bar.
A good selection of ales, I had a few pints of Long Man American Pale Ale @ 4.8%.
We stayed for over an hour, mainly youngsters in & it was encouraging to see most of them were drinking ales.
I’ve been here before on a Saturday afternoon when it was a lot busier.
A decent pub that is worth having a pint or 2 in.
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The first venue on our pub crawl round Lewes did not disapppoint. The pint of Harveys Old Ale was excellent. The clientele on a Monday lunchtime was predominantly elderly and genteel - one old chap had already fallen asleep over his book about Churchill and it was only 12.15. I presumed he had not already downed a skinful.
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Impressive building nd worth the walk from the station. Comfortable front bar with a sports room at the back. Good mix of clientele and no hassle with both sets of football supporters mingling well (it is busy with home and away fans on match days). Food looks generous but we decided yo eat elsewhere, however the beer range was good (Dark Star/Harveys and guests) but we stuck to Harveys Best Bitter which was superb. Plenty of staff on duty so no waiting for drinks.
We stayed for two pints and could easily have had a few more - but we had to move on - so The Brewers gets our reccomendations.
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Lovely pub, great food, great choice of beers and they have recently won an award from Harveys, which we think is well deserved.
Saturday lunch gets very busy in the front bar. We often eat here on our trips to Lewes.
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A little run down like many town pubs but the pub has a good atmosphere, six well chosen real ales in good nick usually local but Crouch Vales Summit and A Magic Rock ale were on on my visit. The large back room has a pool table, the service is swift and friendly, not much more could possibly be asked for.
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A little run down like many town pubs but the pub has a good atmosphere, six well chosen real ales in good nick usually local but Crouch Vales Summit and A Magic Rock ale were on on my visit. The large back room has a pool table, the service is swift and friendly, not much more could possibly be asked for.
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Run-down, 30 years out of date, even seating shot. Needs a strip-out. Beer fine & staff fine.
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Decent, crowded when we arrived.
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Return visit here, we always call in when in Lewes for Biddenden cider and the warm and welcoming atmosphere, didn't eat there this time but have had some good meals in the past (even on the day after Boxing Day when few places bother with cooking)
Find the remark by neil10 offensive.
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would just like to say that has camra first prize for the local area well done keep up excellent service and good food
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I and a lot of the regulars take great exception to the last cheap post...how cowardly is it for someone like you who hides behind anonymity to say something do stupid and crass about someone he/she doesn't even know? If you did know Kathy you'd know she is the daughter of the family that has been running this exceptional and truly family pub for about 15 years (they must be doing something right)...if you did know Kathy you�d know that unlike Rose West she is warm hearted...unlike Rose West she is funny and full of the pleasant banter the regulars love about this pub...unlike Rose West she is professional and makes 100% sure her pub gives thousands to charity each year...unlike Rose West she does not tolerate even the slightest rowdiness in her pub...Now what don�t you like about any of that about a pub and its landlady? And finally...unlike Rose West she probably wouldn't even bother saying anything like this to someone so ill mannered and obviously out of touch with politeness and fairness as you. Would you say your cheap Rose West joke to her face? No, I thought not. What does your snide remark have to do with assessing whether the beer is kept in tip top condition (which it is) or whether the kitchen produces exceptional food at affordable prices (which it does) or whether the building and decor is kept spotless and comfortable (which it is). I think you really ought to post a retraction of your childish comment.
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not bad but the landlady looks like rose west. very freaky.
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It's got everything - good choice of beer & cider, remarkable home cooked food at reasonable prices and pleasant and efficient staff. Congratulations due to all who work at this gem.
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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.
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just had a superb Chicken Madras accompanied by a perfect pint of Harveys.
Staff very welcoming too. Highly recommended!
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excellent staff, good service the food is homecooked and always top quality great range of beers and wine worth a visit
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Have been here several times but only just registered on BITE. Cannot really fault this pub. Had dark star festival then harveys porter, both gorgeous. My steak pie with real gravy was splendid. More proper pubs like this please!
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What sets this pub apart from others is the professionalism of the staff. As soon as a table is vacated they are there in a flash to wipe it down, clear the glasses, rearrange the chairs and put down fresh beer mats. Also always smartly dressed in the manner of bar staff in places like Belgium. A lot of other pubs could learn from the little touches such as this.
Add to that a solid choice of ales and other beers and tasty reasonably priced food and you really can't go wrong.
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As a follow up to my last post what I would like to say is watch out for and ask for the AMAZING Tracy. x
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A very professionally run family pub with excellent food. But watch out for Tracy!!!
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Visited this pub for lunch on Wednesday in February 2011. Fantastically generous and tasty lunch of cottage pie and plenty of plated delicious veg washed down with a most agreeable ale (Harvey's Best) (mum's cider was bliss). Proper pub with locals at front Bar/Old Blokes with dogs and funny conversation. Landlady and staff were extremely welcoming and service was very good. Wasn't sure it was going to be so great as I hovered at the door and wondered if I should go in - I have a bit of a thing about the smell of deep fat fryers - but inside the smell was of ale and fine food. Very hospitable and worthy of many more visits.
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Popped in the Brewers again today after a year since last visit, had a couple of pints of RIP Snorter which was perfectly fine, had Harveys Best on last visit. Stayed in the quiet front bar again and had some Tomato Soup aswell. Good, Friendly Service much the same as last time and will pop in again when in town. Bit of a climb up the hill from the station but well worth it always has around half a dozen Ales on pump including Harveys and some guests.
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I lived in Lewes for several years before moving, and whenever I visit Lewes the Brewers is the first pub I head for (although I will always fit in a visit to the Gardeners as well). The Brewers always has a great range of ales in excellent condition, the staff are welcoming and friendly and very efficient, and the landlady is lovely! The pub is always spotless, the food is great (particularly the chilli) and the conversation in the front bar is always entertaining, if a little mad. I can't fault this place at all.
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I was in a real rush when i visited this pub and did not have the time to do it justice, I should have taken longer. The hospitality was great, the ale choice was also great six very well chosen ales, two from Dark Star,Arundel etc.The quality of my ale was exceptional,. the pub has a suggestion box and is really spotless throughout. Do not overlook a visit to this pub!
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Have visited this pub t lunchtimes and have always been warmly welcomed. Although I am not local they always seem to remember me. Nice pint too, although I got slightly scared by the cat!
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Run by a stuck up women totally agree with leweslandlady avoid there plenty of good pubs in lewes this is not one of them try the pelham or gardeners if you want a warm welcome and fare landlords. the one star is for the building not the owners could be a great pub under the right management.
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Visited last sunday night, Dark Star Golden Gate was fantastic. Rowdy group in back bar but they either left or were kicked out pretty quickly. Overall a really good experience- good beer, good pub, recommended
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Here we go again. No reviews for two months and suddenly its the best pub in the land. As a publican myself should I resent this self promotion by pubs or should I join in? I tend to opt for the former because being nicely surprised by a review being posted and remembering serving them is what this site is all about. I dont consider its about all yr regulars bigging you up to see your name in the top spot, more about the random visitor who sees yr pub with fresh eyes and reports accordingly. AND if your pub is up to scratch they will award you good points and you will rise to the top 40 which is a great reward in itself for a good job well done.
Apologies if this ruffles a few feathers but its the way I see it.
ps having never visited this pub I cant give it a rating
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As toss up between the Brewers and the Gardeners as the best pub in Lewes. Both very different in style, yet according to your mood, both equally satisfying. (Please note these comments apply to the front bar only). On a Sunday night a pint here can be an uplifting experience, avoid on a Friday night when all the teachers from the Grammer School nearby are baying at full volume - not nice!
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Excellent choice of beers on here, the Harvey's Old Ale was a good choice. Came here after walk on the Downs with largeish group of people and were made to feel welcome with friendly service. Will definitely be back when next in Lewes.
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I love this pub, but I don't love the management on power trips! They are too quick to ban innocent people from their premises, while the guilty parties carry on drinking in their regardless. Kevin was one of the greatest Landlords in Lewes history, but I'm afraid that that title doesn't carry down to the women of the family. Very nice ladies, don't get me wrong, but they do have an issue with banning people! Fab drinks, fab atmosphere, fab people. Just bring back Kevin!
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This place was very busy during my recent visit, so much so that I couldn�t get to the bar, but thankfully the nice barmaid spotted me and I was served promptly. She even brought my Guinness over to my table once it had settled and been topped up which I found very thoughtful.
I noticed eight hand pumps on the bar and although three were not being used Harveys Best, two guest ales and Biddenden cider were all available.
I sat at the front of the pub, but I did wander around to the back and spotted a pool table and dartboard along with a plasma screen and projector for showing Sky Sports.
I liked it in here and would definitely return if in the area again.
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Standard pub. Pub carpet. Range of bottled beers on a high shelf. Eight pumps - five on: one Harveys Best (of course), the others are micro guests. Average, but credit for the beer range.
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One of the better pubs in Lewes, a genuine free house with 6 changing beers, Bidenden Cider and a number of bottled beers. Everywhere you look there is something of interest, from the carved wooden fireplace, local prints and old bottles and trays on a shelf running around the front bar. There are reference books, newspapers and board games available plus maps and leaflets for local attractions. The back bar is more lively with a loud juke box, dartboard and pool table. Sporting prints adorn the walls including an interesting framed display of spent, or I assume they were, bullets and cartridges.
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Nice little pub with contrasting front and back rooms - front room is small, quaint, old-school british country pub, whilst the rear hosts a younger crowd, jukebox, pool table and big screens with Sky Sports. Move between the two depending on your mood, yet still enjoying the same friendly staff.
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Decent town pub, the front bar is comfortable with upholstered banquete seating, high shelves with old bottles, beer trays, clock etc, decorated with pics of old Lewes, display of clay pipes and a nice touch, the old plans of the building showing the original multi room layout. One complaint, it was very warm in the front room, nice day outside but no need for heating.
The rear saloon bar was livelier, sport on the big screen, pool and darts going on.
The selection was, Harveys Best, Armada, Salopian Matrix, Hammerpot Madgewick Gold, Cairngorm Trade Winds and Biddenden Kentish cider. Coming soon are Dark Star Festival and Faversham Whitstable Creek. One pump was unclipped, another reversed.
A fine pub, clean and tidy, nice to see tables wiped and cleared straightaway as punters left.
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Now the best pub in Lewes, top beer selection, cheap food, quick service and friendly locals.
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Few pints and lunch before going to The Dripping Pan. Harveys very well kept and lunch excellent value with really good service. Perfect for a Saturday lunchtime, a proper town pub.
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one of the nicer pubs in lewes , people watching in the front bar is spectacular ... oddballs united . great beer adds to the mix .
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No complaints whatsoever about this place. Excellent turnover of some pretty good guest ales plus harveys is always there too. Tasty food at good prices, probably not the greatest pub you'll ever visit but certainly better than some other ones in Lewes. Never not enjoyed a trip there.
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A good choice of beers, well-kept. We enjoyed Hidden Pleasure and Sheepdog while visiting. Friendly people
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Welcoming, comfortable pub with good range of beers available.
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good traditional pub, quietish late Sunday afternoon but certainly worth a return visit..don't go if you want music and sports!
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A very pleasant surprise.
Randomly chose it for lunch,can't rate the value for money highly enough--2 decent sized lunches under a tenner--excellent--thoroughly recommended if you're just dropping by and in need of sustenance.
1dave - 27 May 2008 08:07 |
good food, good service, good place. One of my favorites in the lewes (and surrounding area)
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I like this pub despite finding it odd (it's a bit spread out and despite being big doesn't seem to have much space, probably because most of the space is a through-passage for other customers). Friendly staff (priceless), a regularly changing great selection of ales, and never any hassle. Since the Pelham Arms went downhill this is where we go to for a quick pint in the evening / on the way home from work.
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This was my first pub on my first visit to Lewes, and I really enjoyed the selection of ales. One from Northumberland and one from Shardlow tried. The garden was a little out of the way having a fire escape entry. Nice clean pub.
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Nice traditional pub in the old part of town on The High Street. There are 2 bars, the public bar at the rear has a pool table, a painted sports mural and some framed memobarilia from old pub games in ages long gone.
The front bar is the saloon bar and, based on my visit, is very popular with the local CAMRA real ale fraternity.
There is a good range of real ale on - The Tom Woods Harvest Bitter was a tasty, hoppy pint. The pub serves Biddenden cider on draught, which has an ABV of 8% - a bit strong for early morning drinking. Pub opens at 10 am in the morning and it was already quite busy when I turned up just before 11 am last Saturday.
Note the Page & Overtons insignia outside by the front door - a long gone Croydon brewery apparently ( even before my time !)
This pub is well worth visiting - very enjoyable visit
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For the ale enthusiast this is a key venue in Lewes, with several well-kept and interesting ales being served up, with an accent on Sussex brews.
It is very much a town pub with a mixed, cosmopolitan clientele, which is to be commended. I always make a point of coming here for these reasons alone.
On the matter of staff, I'm nowhere near regular enough to comment, other than to say in my experiences I have always found it more than pleasant, as I have the locals who I've met in there and chatted to. I was even served by a charming young AMERICAN girl in here last year - that's as unusual combination! So give it a chance, and make up your own minds.
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I have always found the staff in this pub pleasant and welcoming, so "anonymous" must have caught them on a bad day. This is one of the better pubs in Lewes, though by no means the best. The front bar can sometimes seem a little quiet and lacking in atmosphere. However, when live football is on in the back bar it gets quite lively, though never threatening, and it's wonderful to be able to watch sport in a pub which serves decent beer.
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Been in this pub twice now with my partner and on both occasions were served by two young men who showed NO customer service what so ever!!! NO welcoming!NO smile! NO common courtesy! just SURLY and IGNORANT!! such a shame as it seems quite a nice, clean well kept pub. I'm amazed that the LandlordLanlady can't see what they have employed or do they just dont care!! If and when you the LandlordLandlady read this please make yourself and your staff aware the importance of customer service!!! ask yourself; would you like to be greeted and served by IGNORANT and SURLY STAFF!!! who dont make you feel welcome!!
anonymous - 18 Aug 2006 00:42 |
The Brewers has improved for non-smokers recently with the smoking ban in the front bar. Food is good and served quickly. Ale is very good. Always has Harveys Sussex Best Bitter as well as two or three guest ales - often from far afield (For example this week Hardy & Hansons Olde Trip which was in very good condition). In the top three or four Lewes pubs.
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Seems like a proper real ale pub. The barman was very chatty and the pint he recommended was quality, not that I can remember what it was. One of Lewes's better pubs, although there are many.
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pleasant pub, decent grub, well kept ales - including guests
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nice friendly pub, family run, good beer and food!
Excellent for watching football games in the back room!
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Managed to get a table in here last night (Nov 5th) which was a result after standing on the street rooted to the same spot for 3 hours. Nice place, didn't get to see too much of it but I think it's quite big and goes on at the back. Friendly people but difficult to form a proper opinion on Bonfire night. Didn't think much to the Stella but then I haven't been drinking much of it lately so perhaps it's my pallette. Plus point that it didn't shut its doors to non-locals on this the busiest night of the year. Negative point is there is only one ladies' toilet which if this pub DOES extend to the back, is a little silly.
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