Lewes Beer Mile

We've clubbed together with our friends at Beak, ABYSS and Harvey's to create the Lewes Beer Mile - connecting Lewes’ rich brewing history with its thriving new scene of craft breweries.

Our BrewCafe at the Malling Community Centre marks one end of the route, with Beak’s taproom at the other. In between you have two more stops: The John Harvey Tavern and the ABYSS brewery + Tap.

How it Works

Grab a map (available at each stop, and the town tourist office at the top of the high street), enjoy a bevvy and collect a stamp at each venue. When you’ve visited all four, you get a special edition Lewes Beer Mile tote bag - great for carrying home some souvenir cans. 

The Lewes Beer Mile is built to amble: as well as world class beers, all four locations sell low and non-alcoholic beers, a variety of wines, plus lots of alcohol-free drinks, alongside great food options (and FREE DOG BISCUITS).

There’s no set route and no need to complete it all in one day, so you can go and explore the rest of Lewes. As well as the big castle and Anne of Cleves House you can take in the historic Lewes Town Hall (which itself used to be an inn!) and watch a show at the All Saints Centre or a movie at The Depot cinema. During the football season, you can catch a game at Lewes FC’s world-famous Dripping Pan ground. And in the summer, you can brave a dip in the freshwater Pells Pool or walk the grounds of the ruined Lewes Priory. And be sure to check out the town’s numerous pubs, independent stores, eateries and art galleries.

A Little History of Brewing in Lewes

Lewes is a centuries-old beer town. From a medieval monastery to modern-day craft beer outfits, we’ve come a long way. First we had the St Pancras Priory monks who brewed beer that was served to travellers in the Star Inn (now Lewes Town Hall) in the 1500s. Then things really got underway with the advent of Star Brewery and Harvey’s in the 1800’s - followed by Morris, Ballards, Beards, South Downs, Bear, and South Malling & Cliffe. By the 19th century we had seven breweries, an abundance of pubs and a well-earned reputation for living life a bit differently. 

Harvey’s is still going strong today, part of a new brewing era for the town. You’ll find them south of the river Ouse, along with us lot, ABYSS and Beak. Like those before them, our aim is to bring good times and harmony through the magical combo of water, wheat, hops, yeast and barley.

Here’s a quick overview of the participating breweries and venues..

The Only With Love Lewes Brewcafe

We’re the wellbeing brewery. We serve togetherness on tap with our award-winning range of feelgood, low and no alcohol beer, booch and soda, and in our revamped community venues. Every brew you buy is another brick in a Brewcafe - helping us to turn tired old public spaces into great little hangouts for friends and family. Our Lewes Brewcafe sits inside Malling’s Community Centre - serving all our stuff alongside great coffees, teas, wines, toasties, dog biscuits and super grub from local guest community chefs. Open daily from 8.30am.

The Beak Taproom

Beak’s taproom (a 10 minute walk from Cliffe High Street) has 15 keg lines of brewery-fresh beer, alongside guest beers, low intervention wines and cocktails. We offer an ever-changing roster of street food every Friday (6-10:30pm) and Saturday (12-10:30pm). From Easter weekend we’ll be open Sundays (12-6pm). Children and dogs are very welcome.

The ABYSS Brewery + Tap

ABYSS Brewery + Tap is inside an old Maltings building that used to serve the South Downs Brewery (still proudly standing next door in Thomas Street). On site we have all the freshest ABYSS beers, plus Mexican Street Food by Carlito, and low intervention wines and cocktails. Open every week, Thursday evenings through to Sunday.

The John Harvey Tavern

The John Harvey Tavern is Harvey's famous brewery tap room, nestled in the heart of Lewes, right opposite the River Ouse. Situated in an old stable building, we serve beer fresh from the brewery across the road, with the biggest selection of Harvey’s beer in the whole of Sussex. Pop in for a quick pint or a leisurely meal. Open seven days a week.

Come on down and walk the mile. We’d love to see you!