The Brewery

Harveys Brewery and Lewes at times seem synonymous.

The Victorian gothic tower is considered a local landmark and has been adapted over the past 150 years to house a modern brewing plant whilst still producing beer made in the traditional way.

Harveys has remained a 'local brewery' - our beers are distributed within similar geographical confines and the brewery actively pursues a policy of 'local sustainability'. Hops are purchased from Sussex, Kent and Surrey while 'Spent Hops' find their way back to the land as fertiliser. Similarly, Harvey's 'Spent Grains' are fed to the dairy herd at Pumpton College.  Spring water for brewing is drawn via an artesian well from 60 feet below their premises. This, together with a yeast strain used for half a century, combines to produce a range of beers encompassing every style from Porter to Light Milds.

Our flagship Sussex Best Bitter evolved in the postwar period and is most closely associated with their public persona. It has recently been voted 'Champion Best Bitter of Britain' for two consecutive years.

And at the 2009 World Beer Awards our Imperial Extra Double Stout, Old Ale and Lewes Castle Brown Ale were all judged best of their style and received Style Trophies. Additionally, the Old Ale was deemed to be the 'World's Best Standard Dark Beer'.