The Volunteer, Lewes

My ancient Sussex beer guide reveals that this was originally a two bar Bass Charrington house. Today it's a rather boorish large pub company (I assume) town centre pub. It's a single open plan room with the bar on the left and a few hand pumps. One of these had Harvey's Best and another Old Rosie cider. There was a dart board, TV screens and live music advertised. I only came here as I had a 20 minute wait for the bus a few yards away and needed to use their toilet. There were signs everywhere saying the toilets were for the use of customers only so obviously people prefer to use the toilet without having a drink. The Harvey's Best (£3.40) was mediocre. It's pubs like this with Harvey's Best as a token real ale that give the beer a bad name. A town the size of Lewes needs a Wetherspoons which would either force places like this to up their game or close. I thought it was pretty poor.

Town pub refurbished in modern sub-gastro style. Fairly open plan, with rear areas styled for eating. Has annexed the front garden next door for some outdoor space. The beer was a bit iffy but was probably first out of the barrel. Not especially wonderful but tolerable.

Has a nouvelle look to it outside but is fairly traditional inside. There were four hand pumps but none were on. To be fair the guy behind the bar was very apologetic and said they'd had a busy weekend and the new barrels weren't yet ready. Went for a bottle of Westons Cider.

I thought that the barmaid in here was polite and my Guinness was well served. Harveys Best, Tribute and Doom Bar were also available alongside Old Rosie and a standard draught selection. The background music was decent and at a nice volume and I collared a couple of friendly locals who were very forthcoming in their explanation of the toad-in-the-hole game which I had not come across before. I'd certainly pop back in here for a pint again if passing.