The Rainbow Inn, Lewes

Country inn located about 1/2 mile north of Cooksbridge Station. The car park entrance leads to a relatively small bar, although the small lounge area at the end by the blazing log fire was unsurprisingly the most popular spot on a cold winter day. The larger dining rooms are off to the left. Harvey's (as required by the local byelaws) and the 360° Session IPA (£6.20 with a packet of peanuts) offered from the pair of handpumps.

The entrance of the Rainbow Inn leads to a relatively small parquet floored bar area with an L-shaped bar counter that supports premium keg alongside Harveys Best and Long Man’s Blonde that are available from the two hand pumps. There are some bar stools around the counter and to the right is a mix of furniture that is faced by an inglenook that houses a burner and lots of chopped logs in the right-hand wall. There are board games and also a locked ‘secret’ door that is covered by bookcase wallpaper. I think it just goes to the kitchen so no real excitement there. A chalkboard up on the wall lists a varied selection of ‘grazing’ items, such as chicken wings and potato bites. These were priced at £6.50, or three for £15. The family decided to have some cheesy chips which were very well made with plenty of cheese that, I was told, went all the way down. To the left of the bar area is a larger carpeted open plan seating area that was full of diners who were tucking into the Sunday carvery, I think food was available until 17:00. More diners could be found in the tile floored open plan rear section where access can be gained to the toilets and the large back garden where a patio sits to the right and a lawn to the rear. I was surprised to find this space empty because it was a lovely sunny afternoon. This pub’s location dictates that it is dry led and as such I wouldn’t head here for a session, but I’d consider a revisit for a bite to eat again.

The Rainbow sees 2 rooms to the left of the door laid out for dining, though the bar area is left for drinkers. While I was there, a steady stream of diners and enquirers came through, so I think it's fair to say that's where the profit is. Nevertheless, I wasn't the only one primarily looking for a pint or a glass of wine. On the bar, only one hand pump of the 3 was badged; this was serving up Harvey's as you'd expect, and in excellent condition I'm pleased to say. A more extensive range of lagers is also offered. The recently installed management team are looking to add a second cask line and maybe a craft keg beer, so worth a look-in on that score at least.

Official site of The Rainbow Inn - www.rainbowinn.co.uk