If you are visiting my lovely hometown of Lewes next week when I will be opening my studio for the annual Artwave Festival or this bank holiday then why not make a weekend of it. There is so much to see and do in this historic, vibrant town.
Here are my top tips on where to eat, sleep and shop.
EAT:
Breakfast/coffee stop: Flint Owl – Wonderful bakery with a cafe and a pretty courtyard garden – breads, croissants and pastries are all handcrafted from scratch
Lunch: Le Magasin – A unique café/bistro in the heart of Lewes. Serving restaurant food, for bistro prices, in a café atmosphere.
Afternoon Tea: Lewesiana – Florist, naturally inspired gifts and a traditional English Tea Room.
Dinner: Lemongrass – a new addition to Lewes, this restaurant offers exquisite Thai cuisine in a modern, stylish venue. I haven’t tried it yet but have heard very good reports!
SLEEP:
Pelham House – Pelham House is a 16th Century Town House Hotel in Lewes. Restored to create a stylish venue it combines elegance and history
Skyhouse Eco Chic B&B – The only Lewes B&B with views of the whole town! Skyhouse offers boutique bed and breakfast with stunning views of the South Downs.
SHOP:
You are spoilt for choice in Lewes with the varied and unique independent stores on the High Street:
Flint a long time favourite of mine; housed in a beautiful 14th Century building on the High Street it is a truly individual shop, filled with beautiful treasures.
Closet and Botts – Beautiful homestore in Lewes selling homewares, furniture and vintage clothes.
One of my favourite shopping spots is the Needlemakers tucked away just off the high street and home to wonderful independent shops and another lovely cafe. This beautiful building dates back to 1821 where Broads candles were once made. Old brickwork, cobbled floors and huge wooden beams are a reminder of the buildings industrial past.
My favourite jewellery shop, Alexis Dove is in the Needlemakers – Beautiful and unique contemporary jewellery handmade in Lewes.
There are so many more wonderful places to eat, sleep and shop in Lewes but I hope this has given you a little taster of what to expect if you spend the weekend in Lewes. Next week I will be revealing some of my favourite places to visit in Lewes and the surrounding East Sussex area. There is so much to see and do!
Jessica xxx
