Foodie Heaven

A selection of five gourmet dishes on a tabletop, featuring roasted squash with pumpkin seeds on a purple plate, grilled mushrooms and onions on a white plate, a dish garnished with grated ingredients and herbs, caramelized onions and greens, and a green plate with scallops or similar seafood accompanied by nuts and herbs.

Discover local food and drink producers in East Sussex

From award-winning cheeses to sparkling wines, Lewes and East Sussex are the pearly gates to food heaven.

  • Various gourds and squashes displayed in black crates at a market, including striped yellow and green decorative pumpkins.

    Farm Shops & Markets

    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.

  • Two bottles of wine labeled Pinot Gris and Bacchus on a wooden table with two empty wine glasses; vineyard in the background.

    Vineyards in East Sussex

    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.

Check out our favourite places to eat and drink in and around Lewes.

  • Caccia & Tails

    Caccia & Tails, a beloved Lewes institution, dishes out irresistible homemade pasta, rich, flavour-packed sauces, freshly baked focaccia, and indulgent cakes—all perfect for a takeaway treat.

  • Flint Owl bakery & café

    a highly-rated artisan bakery and cafe specialising in organic, handcrafted, and slow-fermented sourdough bread. It offers a cosy, rustic atmosphere with a rear courtyard garden, serving breakfast, lunch, and a variety of cakes and pastries alongside speciality coffee.

  • Taith coffee

    Taith Coffee is an independent, owner-operated speciality coffee roastery, café, pottery studio, and bookshop. It is renowned for its ethically sourced, on-site roasted coffee, minimalist, sustainable interior, and a rear room offering scenic views.

  • Café du Jardin

    Café du Jardin is a French-inspired bistro and café located at 15 Malling Street in the Cliffe area of Lewes. Tucked away in the courtyard of a former coaching inn that now houses Pastorale Antiques, it is often described as a "hidden gem".

  • Pharmacie Coffee Roasters

    Pharmacie Coffee Roasters is a prominent independent speciality coffee roaster located in Lewes. Known for its vibrant industrial aesthetic and commitment to ethically sourced, high-grade coffee, it serves as both a production facility and a community hub.

  • Zorba

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

  • Dill

    Dill in Lewes is a highly regarded, intimate bistro on South Street, opened in 2022 by chef Dan Cropper, specialising in seasonal, locally sourced sharing plates. It is a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, offering creative, globally-influenced food in a rustic, unpretentious setting with a focus on sustainable, low-intervention wines.

  • No. 34

    No.34 is a warm, open and inviting restaurant in the heart of Lewes. Housed in W.E. Baxter’s old printing firm on the High Street, No.34 is a low-intervention wine bar with excellent food.

  • Squisito

    Squisito is an independent Italian-inspired bistro and bar located within the historic The Needlemakers building in Lewes. It is known for its "unauthentically Italian" but "authentically good" cuisine, featuring handmade pasta and locally sourced Sussex produce.

  • Bill’s

    Bill’s is the original flagship location of the now-national UK restaurant chain, founded by local greengrocer Bill Collison in 2001. Situated in the heart of the historic town near the River Ouse, it is described by the brand as the "OG" and remains a highly popular destination for its vibrant, rustic atmosphere.

  • Pestle and Mortar

    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.

  • The Fig Tree

    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.

Pubs in Lewes and Further Afield

  • The Pelham Arms

    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.

  • The Lewes Arms

    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

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

  • John Harvey Tavern

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

  • Beak Brewery

    A renowned independent brewery and taproom located on the Cliffe Industrial Estate, known for its hop-forward IPAs, New England pales, and mixed-fermentation projects. Founded as a nomadic project by Daniel Tapper, it opened its permanent, dog-friendly taproom in 2020, featuring 15 keg lines, outdoor seating with stunning white cliff views, and weekend street-food vendors.

  • ABYSS

    ABYSS Brewing is an award-winning, modern craft brewery founded in 2016 in the cellar of The Pelham Arms. Known for hop-forward, big-personality beers and unique, psychedelic-influenced branding, they operate a popular, industrial-style taproom in a historic Davey’s Lane malthouse, featuring 12 taps, guest beers, and resident Mexican food vendor Boho Baja.

  • The Jolly Sportsman

    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.

  • The Blackboys Inn

    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 fireplaces, this is a cosy, characterful hostelry.

  • The Ram Inn

    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.

  • The Bull

    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, vibrant atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

  • The Half Moon

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

  • The Bell in Ticehurst

    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.

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well”

— Virginia Woolfe, A Room Of One’s Own