The Snowdrop Inn, Lewes

The Snowdrop Inn is located at the foot of the chalk cliffs in Lewes and apparently gets its name from an avalanche that occurred on 27th December 1836. This was caused by a week of very heavy snow and eight people were killed when the debris came crashing down upon the workmen’s cottages on what was Boulder Row and is now South Street. Long gone is the destruction as the Snowdrop stands between two large lawn beer gardens that are full of picnic tables. Inside the pub there is an island bar that is stocked with a couple of Meantime products and some other interesting keg beers. I counted seven hand pumps which were drawing some Harveys beers alongside a couple of Dark Star brews and a couple of guests that I had not heard of. The furniture is made up of wooden tables and benches and there are a few knickknacks on the walls. A rainbow painted cast iron spiral staircase leads upstairs, but I did not venture up there so I’m not sure what secrets it hides. There is live music most nights of the week and during my visit on Thursday evening there was some folk music being played on guitar and some sort of bagpipe shaped like a sheep. Food is served and there was a smell of fish throughout the pub, but I didn’t see anyone eating or spot any menus. There was a good mix of people here ranging from Sussex yokels to ramblers and the younger inhabitants of the area. The staff were also very friendly which created a very relaxed atmosphere. This pub is certainly worth the walk from the Station and I will return when possible. Also, a big sign outside this pub indicates that this is the headquarters of the South Street Bonfire Society which is involved in organising the Lewes Bonfire night which is the largest in the country.

A very nice pub with a canal boat theme, even with the panelling below the bar being in Roses & Castles style. This one roomed pub has the bar in the middle of it. A good range of ales, mainly from The local brewery of Harveys with the odd guest ale including one or two from Dark Star. this is well worth the walk from the centre of town.

Get to the Snowdrop in Lewes on 25th September to see SHAKEDOWN guitar driven R&B band strutting their stuff.