Architectural Developments

Lewes boasts some stunning historic property.  Not least is Harveys' Gothic Victorian tower brewhouse.

In 1986 it was necessary to install a second brewing line in response to soaring demand for Harveys beer. This in turn required an extension to the tower facade. Conscious of the prominence of the existing building, (which was unlisted at the time) we were keen to ensure the extension was in keeping with, and indistinguishable from, the original building.

Matching cast iron window frames were commissioned, special bricks were manufactured, soot was added to mortar until its colour precisely matched that of the original tower. The final result needs to be examined closely to be noticed as a century younger. The company received the first of several Architectural Heritage Awards for this project prior to the building being listed.

Other architectural awards:

• The Royal Oak restoration 1996
• Tribute to the reinstatement of our offices (Post fire of 1993)
• The Halfway House pub restoration (finalist) 2003
• The Pinwell Road Depot facade (Friends of Lewes) 2005
•  New brewery boiler house 2005 (post flood of 2000)

Historic Pubs:

Most of our 48 pubs are very old and traditional: these are amongst the finest:

• The Lamb, Old Town, Eastbourne. 12th century monastic Ale house with vaulted crypt cellar and secret passage (cellar viewing- strictly by appointment).
• The Seven Stars, Robertsbridge. 13th century Wealden Hall - with crown posts and a famous ghost.
• The Blackboys, near Heathfield. 14th century merchant's inn - a timbered country farmhouse house style.
• The Swan, Midhurst. 15th century timbered townhouse, with hand painted murals.
• The Elephants Head, Hook Green. 15th century rural, heavily timbered, farmhouse of the local Bayham Abbey.
• The Dorset Arms, Withyham. Dated 1556: A lovely elevated country ale house; an 'ice cave' (not normally viewable) is evidence that food refrigeration was understood in Tudor times.
• The Rose & Crown, Burwash. Charming Tudor farmhouse with an exposed well.
• The Cricketers Arms, Berwick. A 16th century dwelling and 18th Century beer house. A country cottage with pantry bar and gardens.
• The Fountain, Cowden. 17th century village beer house. May have Tudor elements.
• The Old Mill, East Grinstead. Early 18th century. Originally a water driven flour mill, much of the original timbered mill building is in evidence. Mind your head. (The Modern 1970s extensions predate Harveys' ownership).
• The Red Lion, Turners Hill. Quintessential Georgian village pub, with lovely parquet flooring.
• The Pilot, Maidstone. Originally an 18th century emporium - note the fireplaces.
• The Wheatsheaf, Crowborough. Georgian building and an early Victorian country pub. Unspoilt, weather boarded and small with three compact snugs.
• The Royal Oak, Borough, London SE1. Restored to its original Victorian splendour in 1993.

Recent successful refurbishments:

• The Royal Oak, Borough (1993)
• The Heath, Haywards Heath
• Halfway House, Isfield
• The Bricklayers Arms, Chipstead
• The Old Mill, East Grinstead
• Dorset Arms, Lewes
• Two Brewers, Hadlow
• The Terminus, Eastbourne
• The Blackboys, near Heathfield (outbuildings)
• Bottle & Jug shop, Midhurst
• The Lamb, Eastbourne (upstairs, post fire 2007)