Where creativity meets connection
Rites Of Man
179 High Street, Lewes BN7 1YE
Lewes has a reputation for offering contradictions which somehow complement each other. Inside, the Rites Of Man presents itself as a stylish pub with a traditional feel, but to the rear sits a sizeable terrace which might fool you into thinking you’re outside a Mediterranean bistro – admittedly one which an iconic English castle quietly keeping watch.
Its name references a classic work by American Founding Father, Thomas Paine, who lived in Lewes and left an indelible mark upon the town. As you’d expect, they offer ales from Harveys, while their food menu boasts plenty of pub standards served with Continental flair. In a community boasting some amazing hostelries, the Rites Of Man manages to stand out.
The Seasons Wholefoods
16-17 Cliffe High St, Lewes BN7 2AH
Since 1971 The Seasons Wholefoods has been proving that good has the power to regenerate our , the Earth and our communities. Originally starting with a flagship shop in Forest Row (which has a fabulous café next door), they’ve since opened a second store n High Street. And that’s before we’ve even mentioned their home delivery service which uses electric cargo bikes... The business is now run by Robin Walden and family, who continue to use The Seasons’ 50-year-strong reputation and voice to both grow awareness and progress the movement towards regenerative agriculture and food.
The Seasons supports Organic, Fairtrade and local suppliers, working collectively to foster regenerative food systems which nourishes our biodiverse planet and all her inhabitants. The ambition is to create a retail sector where shops like theirs don’t need to work against the grain; don’t have to spend more, work longer hours, take extra risks, or worry about money, any more than our competitors. They want to help build a world where ethics, transparency and regenerative agriculture are standard practice.
Bunny & Belle
16 High Street, Lewes BN7 2LN
With a sister store in Bexhill-On-Sea, this friendly local boutique is a brilliant destination for anyone wanting to be on-trend without breaking the bank. Featuring the latest in women’s fashion, it’s full of bold prints and lovely fabrics – all backed up by friendly and knowledgeable service.
www.facebook.com/bunnyandbelleshop
Piper
The great outdoors
Have you heard about Piper yet? We all know about the benefits of moving about and getting some fresh air. For a start, it’s a mood booster. Even a gentle stroll, signals your body to release endorphins, which improve mood and trigger positive feelings. What’s not to like?!
But no matter how great you feel after exercise, getting off the sofa and taking the first step when you have a cuppa and Netflix to binge, can be hard work. Studies have shown that if you make a commitment to exercise with a friend you’re far less likely to bail and reach for the remote. But we don’t always have friends or family who share our active interests, and that’s where Piper comes in.
Piper is a free website where you can meet like-minded folks who want to get out and about or try new things. Create a profile and the match technology will find people in your area who are interested in doing the same things. Message them using the secure on-site messaging, and arrange a meet up. From walking to climbing, kayaking to tennis there’ll be somebody out there who’s keen to get out and about with you. And apart from having a buddy to coax you off the couch, there are many more benefits to exercising with a friend.
• It’s more fun! You’re less likely to get bored when you’re with a buddy.
• You’ll have more choice. Suddenly tennis, badminton or rock climbing become options when they weren’t before.
• You can be more adventurous. It’s easier to try new things with a somebody else.
• You can broaden your mind. Chatting with a new buddy about things you don’t always talk about with your friends, can open you up to new ideas and interests.
• You might go somewhere new. You buddy might have a great new walking, running or cycling route you’ve not tried before.
• And with Piper, you can specify your level of activity. Finding somebody who’s similarly active makes us all feel better.
They also organise group activities like bike rides, summer sea swims and walks. And members have access to a special Facebook members’ page to keep up to date with what’s on!
Middle Farm
West Firle, East Sussex BN8 6LJ
Situated on the A27, just below Firle Beacon, Middle Farm has become a prime destination for those looking for local produce and cider (there is an amazing range of cider). But this 625-acre working family farm has something for everyone. As well as stocking the finest food and drink from the British countryside, including meat, vegetables, fruit, creams, milks and locally made ice cream, there’s a chance to look around the site and better understand how modern farming works. There are regular events allowing you to get up close to the goats, pigs and smaller animals they keep, like chickens, and ducks. Even in the colder of months, there’s plenty of activity in their animal barn.
Audioways
Across Lewes
This free QR trail around the Lewes district recounts a broad range of stories - from local ghosts and wartime pig adoption to the fascinating history of the chalk and flint which surround the town. You'll find Audioways codes placed on signs across the area, and at nearby railway stations. All you need is a smartphone, and you can discover loads about the history of this vibrant community.
Lewes FC
The Dripping Pan, Mountfield Road, Lewes BN7 2XA
Owned by the fans and fiercely community-minded, Lewes Football Club has been making some big waves recently. The club’s ethos is to challenge all the negative aspects in the sport, including inequality, ineffective governance and poor use of resources. The game has global appeal, so the reasoning is if they can improve it, they can help change the world.
They stand as the first gender-equal club in the professional game, equalising resources between the men’s and women’s teams, they share the same budgets, same marketing, same facilities and same stadium. This has proved immensely popular with the fans, seeing attendances steadily grow, along with more sponsorship and buy-ins from the fans. The football has also improved dramatically, and that’s surely no coincidence.
Depot
Pinwell Road, Lewes BN7 2JS
An award-winning independent cinema in the heart of Lewes, showing everything from the freshest blockbusters to the best independent and world releases? Sign me up for this! Situated next to the station, this welcoming three-screened accessible venue also has a bar kitchen, garden and events space.
Offering an innovative programme of mainstream, arthouse and classic films, there’s also a selection of live art events, special Q&A’s with guest speakers and educational film and creative workshops. While it’s run by and for the community, that doesn’t mean you have compromise on quality. The Deport provides one of the best screening environments you’ll find in Sussex, with high specification seating, Dolby Atmos and 7.1 sound, and 2K and 4K projection technology.
Pells Pool
Brook St, Lewes BN7 2BA
It’s spring, and almost time for us to return to this fab lido again. Recognised as the oldest freshwater outdoor public swimming pool in the UK, Pells Pool welcomes visitors every year between May and November for a unique experience.
First opened in 1861, it’s an unheated, spring-fed pool, along with a paddling pool for the little ones, a sun terrace and a beautiful tree-lined lawn, where you can enjoy a opicnic before cooling off in the freshest of water.
Lewes Castle
169 High St, Lewes BN7 1YE
As old as the town itself, there’s been fortifications on this site for almost 1,000 years. Started just after the Battle of Hastings by supporters of William the Conqueror, this unmissable landmark can be seen from right across the valley. Climbing the steps to it’s central keep gives visitors a stunning view of the lush Sussex countryside. There’s plenty of chances to find out more about the life of this ancient fortress and it’s role in British history.
Also on the grounds is the fascinating Museum of Sussex Archaeology, which displays artefacts from the county’s history, along with temporary exhibitions which showcase treasures from the extensive collection held by Sussex Past. You can also trace the story of Lewes through a detailed model of the town and film display, along with loads of special events, talks and workshops.
www.sussexpast.co.uk/attraction/lewes-castle
Mark O'Donnell
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