The Kings Head, Lewes

Official site of The Kings Head - www.thekingsheadlewes.co.uk

Official site of The Kings Head - www.thekingsheadlewes.co.uk

This is a traditional-looking pub located about halfway along Southover's historic High Street, so the comprehensive refurbishment of the slightly split-level interior comes as something of a surprise. This features stripped pine furniture and flooring, white paintwork and low-level lighting. As could be predicted in these parts, the solitary real ale available from the pair of handpumps was Harvey's (£4.50).

The impressive old frontage is now sadly let down by the radical refurbishment inside, with stripped floors, soft grey walls and sundry chic furnishings giving a trendy wine bar feel. Tabletops are mainly constructed from old scaffold planks, while in one corner lurk a couple of armchairs with shaggy cushions. A large plastic toy castle seems totally out of place. It still retains a couple of handpumps though, with just Harvey's Best on at time of visit, plus a Purity Mad Goose clip reversed. One to take the girlfriend out to dinner at rather than a drink with your mates.

Re-opened on 26th Oct and now part of the Revived Inns group. Pretty much unchanged internally apart from a lick or two of paint. Emphasis very much on food but the are three real ales on; Harvey's Best is a regular plus two guest beers which at the time of visiting were London Pride and Long Blonde. Expect to have Long Man Brewery American Pale Ale back on soon plus a dark beer. Check out the pub's website at https://www.revivedinns.co.uk/the-kings-head