Quick info
About The Pelham Arms
The Pelham Arms is a 17th-century pub on High St in Lewes, where original oak beams and an inglenook fireplace remain in the old building. The kitchen cooks with local produce, and the Sunday roast comes with a choice of chicken, lamb or pork, plus three vegetarian options. Each roast arrives with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, carrots, broccoli and gravy. At the bar, the pub's own craft beer sits alongside a selection of real ale, and the team serves at the table. The space can also be booked for private events, including wedding drinks and wedding reception meals.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention sunday roast, lamb shoulder roast, craft beer and real ale and jalapeno smash burger.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention sunday roast, lamb shoulder roast, craft beer and real ale and jalapeno smash burger.
Customer Review Summary
Sunday roast is the main draw at this Lewes pub, with reviewers praising the chicken, lamb shoulder and pork versions, plus a veggie roast with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and swede and sweet potato mash. Close behind are the generous portions and menu that reviewers call different from the usual pub fare, including a jalapeno smash burger with bacon jam and puddings described as "to die for". The real ale and house craft beer draw praise, as do the table service and the old, charming building. Several call the prices fair or good value, though one finds it a bit pricey. The one detailed complaint comes from a diner whose mushroom wellington fell apart, with a burnt Yorkshire pudding and inedible roast potatoes, though the smoked turkey pastrami and parsnips on the mixed roast were liked. Weddings come up too, with one couple describing a reception where the team catered carefully for a guest with diabetes, and another hosting drinks the night before their wedding in a space they found easy to book.
Customer Review Summary
Sunday roast is the main draw at this Lewes pub, with reviewers praising the chicken, lamb shoulder and pork versions, plus a veggie roast with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and swede and sweet potato mash. Close behind are the generous portions and menu that reviewers call different from the usual pub fare, including a jalapeno smash burger with bacon jam and puddings described as "to die for". The real ale and house craft beer draw praise, as do the table service and the old, charming building. Several call the prices fair or good value, though one finds it a bit pricey. The one detailed complaint comes from a diner whose mushroom wellington fell apart, with a burnt Yorkshire pudding and inedible roast potatoes, though the smoked turkey pastrami and parsnips on the mixed roast were liked. Weddings come up too, with one couple describing a reception where the team catered carefully for a guest with diabetes, and another hosting drinks the night before their wedding in a space they found easy to book.
Featured reviews
- Deano Matthews
“We recently had our wedding reception meal at the Pelham Arms. We had originally booked somewhere else due to a recommendation and were let down badly by the venue and the attitude of its managers. Thank god for Isaac at The Pelham Arms! It soon became apparent that losing the first venue was in fact a blessing in disguise, as Isaac and his team made everything perfect! The food was delicious, hot, and varied. Everyone commented how good it was. They even offered to cater carefully for one of our guests who has diabetes. The building itself was charming, the setting and atmosphere was lovely. But what stood out the most was the warmth, care, interest and attentiveness of Isaac and the rest of the staff. You helped make our special day that bit more extra-special, and for that we thank you. We continue to recommend The Pelham Arms to friends and family, and have since been back twice more in the last 5 weeks. Keep up the great work.”
- Alex Layzell
“This is a lovely charming pub that we found on our journey back to Essex from the South Coast. We selected this pub, in the hope of finding a high-quality roast dinner. We were not disappointed! Between us, we had both the chicken and the lamb roasts. At just over £20pp, We felt that this was very good value for money, especially given how amazing the food was. This is a charming and cosy pub, with great service and an amazing selection of drinks. Overall we had a very lovely meal, would highly recommend and return.”
- Hannah Green
“We booked a space at the Pelham Arms to host drinks the night before our wedding after enjoying a couple of lovely lunches here previously. Booking the space was seamless and we had a wonderful start to our celebrations. The staff were amazing and all guests really enjoyed this pub! We would recommend the Pelham arms for drinks or food in Lewes! Thank you all at Pelham Arms.”
- Johnny Heaven
“If you haven't tried this beautiful pub you must ! Food was outstanding. Had the special Jalapeno smash burger with bacon jam. Best burger I've had in ages and I eat a lot of burgers. Service was great. Very friendly and well priced. Will be back”
- Harris Tong
“Mushroom wellington was a bit stodgy and fell apart. The pastry over the top just fell to bits. Didn't hold very well. Not much to taste but the earthy strong mushrooms. The whole almonds was also a sharp contrast to the rest of the dish. The Yorkshire pudding was burnt and inedible. My partner barely touched this dish in general. In hindsight we should have given feedback immediately to the bar staff. My mixed roast dish was mostly good, especially the smoked turkey pastrami, the parsnips and surprisingly, the broccoli. However, the roast potatoes were also inedible. I'd give it 3.5 if I could. Didn't quite get the 4 stars that I would have liked. Book ahead if you want a seat”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“17th-century pub with original oak beams, inglenook fireplace, garden and menu using local produce.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 1
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Location
Bars near The Pelham Arms
- John Harvey Tavern4.51,3050.6 mi
sunday roast, harveys real ales, riverside outdoor tables
- The Snowdrop Inn, Lewes4.49030.9 miReservationsGood for kidsTakeout
sunday roast, craft beer selection, chips and gravy
- The Juggs4.41,4731.5 miWheelchair accessible
sunday roast, pub garden seating, chips
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Pelham Arms | 4.5858 | — | sunday roast, lamb shoulder roast, craft beer and real ale |
| John Harvey Tavern | 4.51,305 | 0.6 mi | sunday roast, harveys real ales, riverside outdoor tables |
| The Snowdrop Inn, LewesReservations · Good for kids · Takeout | 4.4903 | 0.9 mi | sunday roast, craft beer selection, chips and gravy |
| The JuggsWheelchair accessible | 4.41,473 | 1.5 mi | sunday roast, pub garden seating, chips |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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