John Harvey Tavern, Lewes

Being the brewery tap this pub seemed a good spot to start the day. Pretty busy even just before 12, with a mix of people drinking, chatting and ordering food. Stone flagged floor, beamed ceiling, a few brasses and nic-nacs, wood panelling and a fireplace to one end with a portrait over of whom I imagine is the original John Harvey. Two booths either side formed of barrel surrounds. The smaller "History Room" has a couple of sofas and a few tables. Hadlow, Armada and Mild on handpump, plus Addlestone's cider. Sussex Best on stillage behind. The brewery and shop are located at the end of the street by the bridge. Second visit early evening found the pub just as busy meaning we sat outside until the chill sent us on to The Gardeners.

A must visit if in Lewes I'd say, the problem is so does everyone else so it can get busy. They do have plenty of staff though and they all seem to want to be there serving you which makes for a nice experience. Three Harvey's beers on plus a line of the flagship Sussex Best on stillage. Does it taste better here? Well I‘m not a great fan but I thought so.

I enjoyed a decent pint in here sitting at some of the seating made from old wine vats that straddle a log burner at the far end of the pub. To be honest the rest of the pub is a little bare and the history room has no more pictures on the wall than a normal pub does. There is a function room upstairs, but I'm not sure if the jazz nights on Wednesdays or the folk nights on Tuesdays are held here or in the bar area. There were three hand pumps on during my visit along with three gravity fed barrels at the back of the bar, which I think were all Harveys beers. I liked it here, but I'm not sure that I'd make a special trip to visit again.

Official site of the John Harvey Tavern, includes menus, wine list, real ale details and forthcoming events - www.johnharveytavern.co.uk

Official site of the John Harvey Tavern, includes menus, wine list, real ale details and forthcoming events - www.johnharveytavern.co.uk