The Dorset, Lewes

A slightly hidden away Harvey's local on the side-street out of Cliffe to (South) Malling, with a bar that has been opened out and refurbished at some stage but its character probably remains little altered in recent years. The most notable feature is probably the effigy of a cardinal (?) beside the front door, explained by this being the home of one of the (in)famous Lewes bonfire societies. Anyway, on the real ale front, Sussex and the Old Ale (£4.40, and in excellent condition) were available from the pair of handpumps.

Official site of The Dorset - www.thedorsetlewes.co.uk

Official site of The Dorset - www.thedorsetlewes.co.uk

Traditional Harvey's pub with six handpumps and a decent range of Harveys Beers. Refurbed a good number of years ago ,its smart but I found it to be rather characterless and not a place I would make a bee-line to if back in Lewes.

Standard Harveys options with Best & Olympia both in good condition. Larger bar to left leads round to accommodation area, smaller more traditionally furnished room to rt of entrance where we were the sole occupants, so we took advantage of the 'toad-in-the-hole', although wouldn't fancy sitting there with others playing and brass coins ricocheting around the room, just occasionally of course!