The Brewery History

Harveys has been brewing in Lewes for two centuries. Georgian wine merchant John Harvey brewed his first pint in Bear Yard opposite the current site. He was brewing part time, sharing his plant with another brewer, Thomas Wood.

In 1838 he built a new eight quarter brewhouse on the current Bridge Wharf site which he had purchased for £3,707 and went into business with his three sons. It was Henry Harvey who took over the brewing - he was producing stout, ale and porter in the mid 19th century.

The 1860s saw Harveys transfer to another generation. It also saw the arrival of experienced brewer Henry Titlow-Barrett from Wethereds Brewery in Marlow. He supervised the construction of the tower brewery that can be seen today. This Victorian Gothic brewhouse had been the design of William Bradford, a noted brewery architect. The new facility had a fifteen quarter capacity.

The 20th century started with a succession of head brewers but production remained static until the arrival of Anthony A Jenner who was responsible for Harveys post war revival. Top prizes were awarded for Old Ale and our famous Best Bitter was first produced in 1955.

In 1985 an additional smaller tower was added to the facade thereby doubling the brewing capacity. Meticulous care and attention ensured that the extension matched the original building and this was rewarded by a Civic Trust Commendation as well as a Grade Two listing.  It seems a fitting status for a building that is affectionately known locally as Lewes Cathedral.