Five Bells in Lewes

Myself, brother and his partner took our mum here for mothers day breakfast. Mum and the pub owner Melle have known each other for many years. So was great to see them catch up as well as all of us catch up. Food was amazing and very reasonable price. Fantastic pub. Very cosy, great music (Elvis for my mum) Thank you everyone again

Popped in for Sunday lunch and very glad we did. My partner and I both enjoyed lovely roast pork with veg and cracking together with a giant Yorkshire pudding. I have to say that the roast parsnip was the best I have ever had. Yum! For pudding we had chocolate brownies served with raspberries and a healthy dollop of fresh vanilla ice cream. The staff were very helpful and the jolly landlady made us feel quite at home next to a blazing log fire. We will be visiting again soon.

Cold food, cold plate. Sloppy Lasagne. Greasy fish and chips. Under-cooked new potatoes, and the green beans were so "squeaky" they almost had a heartbeat. Party of 7 (only people in the pub).....Absolutely no excuse.

We came here for a New Year’s Eve lunch! We had a really lovely time! Nico and Charlene were very attentive to our table and went over and above to insure our last day of 2023 was a lovely one! Great menu, even better food and a fantastic atmosphere! Will definitely be visiting again very soon! Highly recommend ⭐️

A fantastic family friendly pub, caters for everyone! I went with my 3 young children and was very surprised to see a whole area just for children, with toys and board games and a big family table! Highly recommended. Food was fantastic and also had a fantastic children’s menu

Friends booked for lunch today, they even phoned the pub yesterday to confirm the booking & were told everything was fine. However it was all locked up at 12.30, no one had the decency to come to the door despite lights being on, there were deliveries trying to contact them by phone also with no luck. Very very poor and would never try again.

Waited 50 minutes for food. How long does it take to warm up ready made steak & kidney pie and a veg Wellington. New menu & new chef apparently. Shame,as we did this a recce to invite 6 friends in November. I think not.

We really like this pub. A nice welcome, friendly staff. Prices reasonable. If you are in the area stop for a bowl of chips, you won't find better. We drive 42 miles just for a plate of chips. Absolutely recommend. Five stars

Called in again for a drink - have eaten here recently too (not too bad) . Not what I would expect for a Revived Inn. Scruffy, carpets need cleaning . Garden a mess (broken tables stacked at the edge). Service was uncomfortable- no real welcome. Odd. Hoping it because they are temporary managers/awaiting a refurb …. Would love to see this place at its former Glory

Don’t listen to the recent reviews! (Except for this one!) We were a group of 28 and I didn’t book this place. But knowing we were going to eat there, I read the reviews and chose “safe options” as the reviews were so poor. But that’s not fair. The staff were exceptional, the food was very good. The steaks were perfectly cooked, the chicken burger was brilliant, the ham egg and chips was brilliant, the pie was good and the fish and chips was ok. All the food was hot and the staff kept track of everything (don’t forget we are a group of 28!). I rarely post a review but I just thought the recent ones did not reflect our experience.

A large group of us had lunch at the five bells, the food was excellent, service excellent, food came out for 27 of us quickly, it was fresh, hot and beautifully presented.

Party of 7 families. Excellent food all round. Served quickly, great service, friendly staff. Very accommodating. Especially impressed by the chicken burger and ham & eggs. Will certainly be back.

Limited lunchtime menu. Awful service…our order “ didn’t go through the till to the kitchen” we were told after 15 minutes. Nothing offered, we asked for something for the children to eat and a bowl of Chips was delivered. Once food arrived, vegetables very undercooked, fish batter undercooked and soggy. Asked for cup of tea….saw it on a tray, someone brought the tea pots, then cups, then milk….asked for bill, arrived but no means to pay….nearly did a runner as no staff in sight. Eventually settled up. Will not return.

Have been to this establishment several times & generally it’s fine, the food is good as is the service. However, on this occasion I really was disappointed with both the food & the service. Went for lunch with my father, there were 3 other tables occupied, we ordered drinks and after 15 minutes were asked for our food order. For staters we decided to share the chicken wings & for our mains I ordered a Penang curry & my father ordered Sausage & Mash. We were kept waiting for 45 mins for our starter which when it arrived was 4 small chicken wings with 3 dipping sauces (45 mins !!!!!). When they arrived I said that we would like to cancel our mains as we had waited so long for the very merge starter. The young waitress apologised for the delay and put it down to the chef being confused by thinking we wanted the ‘starter’ at the same time as the main, although this was never requested. They offered not to charge us for the mains as they were already cooked and ready. The Penang Curry was no way a Penang Curry it was very watery, no doubt overpowered with coconut milk. The ‘Naan’ bread was over cooked and crispy. My father ate some of his sausage & mash meal, but had lost his appetite by the time the mains arrived. All in all it was very disappointing, especially as normally the food and service is pretty good.

Could be amazing Went on Sunday, had heard mixed reviews but decide to try myself. Fish and chips soggy batter not cooked properly, roast turkey was dry bland, gravy was watery potatoes not cooked. Service substandard. Served by man with a beard very abrupt and rude. Such a shame could be lovely. Let down by the food and service won’t be back

Such a shame, this used to serve great food under the previous management. We had high hopes for the new version of the pub, but sadly everything is so poor. I should like to say something positive, but leaving was the only great part of the experience.

Great evening with friends and family. Steak night exceeded expectations. Shannon and Nico Went above and beyond also. Friendly bar service makes all the difference so will return on this basis alone. Thank you

Came for Thursday steak night this evening with my sister, as I’ve always liked this pub and found it nice and cosy. Unfortunately the food was a complete let down. I didn’t think steak would be such an issue. However we both ordered medium rare, and the steak was so rare it was cold in the middle and completely rare as soon as you cut into it, the whole way through. It was almost inedible and for a rare steak, extremely hard to cut whilst still being cold! Luckily the staff made it up to us and were extremely good at resolving the issue. But I will definitely think again about this place, when deciding where to eat. A real shame.

We came for a last minute Sunday roast. Food was lovely, service was good. We will be coming back again 😊 also good decent portion sizes and fairly priced.

5 bells is kinda a new pub to me. Lived ten miles away since 1985. No idea why, driven past coupla hundred times…. Didn’t go in? About two months back went in for supper. Too be honest thought it was great. Needless to say been back quite a few times since. Great food, great staff…… not least great prices. Any complaints? No, none other than wish I had not driven past for so long. Well done 5 bells team. Very happy customer.

Lovely garden, easy drink ordering. Food easy to order food, shame does not get cooked as requested - seems chef thinks med to well done steak has blood through it.... Had to go and collect cutlery - expect waitress was busy, as half staff doing nothing. Tom needs to assess the staff qualities here.

We both had a roast. Beef and gammon. Both very bland, not helped by watery flavourless gravy. My beef was tender but the dogs had the gammon. Only two, not very nice roast potatoes. We weren’t offered any condiments, no salt / pepper on tables....

The good point was the gammon with the egg & chips. Despite pie & mash being on the menu we were told we could only have it with chips, but we could have mash with sausages. There were no 'specials' of the day. We had...

Another £10 steak, another great meal. The Five Bells has really come on, since it opened. Took my daughter to ‘Steak Night’ - was a good cut of beef, really well-prepared. Service was excellent, as was the Harvey’s. Small gripe, £2.50, or 25% of the...

Steak night is fantastic value for money. Really tasty and perfectly cooked steak, chips and salad for £10. The peppercorn sauce is well worth the extra £2.50. The staff are charming and efficient.

We went as a group of 4 for the steak night. The service was awful and the food wasn’t great. We had about 3/4 different people serve the table different bits and the service from all was equally as bad. We order some starters to...

Lunch with friends at the 5 Bells was both relaxing and delicious. The staff were so helpful and attentive. We sat in the window (table 24) and had a fantastic roast and a few drinks - a perfect Sunday. Dog friendly too. Will be back.

Decided to try out the Five Bells and came away very happy. All the staff were friendly and helpful, attentive without being overboard. Had the Brie starter which was plenty for two. Pie for mains, one steak and ale and the other butternut squash and...

I came here on steak night and i am not normally a steak person but this steak was beautiful! the food was cooked well and the taste was amazing. the pub is very cosy and has great atmosphere. the staff were helpful and friendly. i...

went with friends for steak night last week, The steaks were cooked perfectly and the peppercorn sauce was really delicious. plenty of chips. For ten pounds its incredible value for money so felt a surcharge for extras was absolutely justified. Pub was really cosy and...

So good to have the 5 Bells open again and well done Sam & Team you did not disappoint. Excellent pint of Long Man (peak condition) Perfectly cooked short rib of beef & golden ‘whale’ of a Fish & Chips !! Cheeky Malbec to balance...

Nice evening, pub nice and cosy with a lovely open fire. Staff very friendly, especially our waitress, Kara. Steak night slightly missleading- £10 for a steak, chips and salad but extra £3 for sauce or any sides, resulting in not as cheap night as first...

Our first meal at The Five Bells for too long - they dropped Harvey’s from the menu a couple of years ago then closed for four or five months. Back open, with a bang, last Saturday. Steak, chips and salad for £10 (every Thursday) is...

Popped in for lunch today with family and very happy with our experience! Food was lovely (especially the burger!) and staff very friendly and helpful! We will be back again soon!

Met up with friends here, had a lovely evening with good food. The staff were very attentive. Will definitely be back! Thank you for the lovely meal

Called in on a Sunday afternoon to see if we could get anything to eat. It was 1.45pm and on the website shows that the kitchen is open until 3.00pm. Found a table outside and went in to enquire. The young lady behind the bar...

7 of my close family dined here last night to celebrate a major anniversary. The staff helped all they could to help make it a surprise for my wife. Our table had plenty of space, and we were made welcome and no problem with having...

Our group of 10 visited last Sunday from a nearby campsite. On arriving early for our booking we were very warmly greeted and invited to get a drink from the bar and proceed to the restaurant. The service from delightful young ladies was attentive throughout....

First visit, Sunday lunch booked for family. Expected better from reviews, menu not really matching website. Straightforward non-memorable pub menu, the Sunday roast had obviously been plated up and left sat under a hot lamp, dried up and veg rock hard and inedible. Fish and...

Visited on a Saturday on a beautiful day after a lovely walk hoping to have a nice lunch sadly this was not too be! It was a weekend the first of the school holidays so we were thinking there would be plenty of staff on...

We hat a surprise. When we arrived the pub looked like it had fallen in to disrepair and we almost left without going inside. So glad we didn’t. We had the best pub lunch ever. The sirloin steak was just delicious and melted in my...

nice atmosphere, very friendly staff the food was excellent. The best fish and chips I have had for ages.

This old pub with a great atmosphere with inglenook fireplace provides excellent service and food really well prepared and presented.

+ fantastic food- Brie starter, roast beef and Oreo cheese cake was great + nice cosy fireplace area + friendly, welcoming staff - table ready 40mins after booked time - pub was cold *Be aware no kids menu

Food was excellent. Place was cold. UNBELIEVABLE BUT HEAD WAITRESS/ MANAGER SWORE AT CHILDREN IN THE GROUP, TELLING THEM TO F..OFF, this was not discovered until two separate children told their parents when home.

We went on a Sunday at last minute for a late lunch. The pub is a great building but a tad cold if you sit away from the cosy snug around the real fire (2 old boys had settled in for the afternoon when we...

Family friday night out. Great food, friendly service. Best meal I've had locally recently. Will definitely be back soon.

Amazing food and great value on Xmas menu Slow roast pork belly was delicious Ate far too much as wanted to get to try puddings, but it was worth it

Had three courses here on Sunday with my wife and our little mad dog. Everything was delicious, highlights were the lobster bisque with mussels and scallops, and the venison roast. Really nice chocolate and peanut butter cheesecake also! Great job everyone, we’ll be back.

They kindly facilitated a leaving party for a work colleague. Really helpful, friendly staff and fabulous freshly made cocktails. Awesome cheese board and you need to try the trifle shots, trust me on this !

Came with a couple of friends for a sunday lunch. First impressions were the cosy pub with low ceilings and old flint walls. Great atmosphere - the staff clearly get in well and it shows in the attitude of the locals propping up the bar....

Was treated by good friends for Sunday Lunch at The Five Bells this-afternoon. Beef Sirloin you could cut with a spoon like butter, lovely selection of veg. Very welcoming and most immaculate waiting staff; professional, attentive, good at reading their customers. Friendly and fun. Thoroughly...

Really lovely evening, the food and service were amazing, we had the carpaccio to start (maybe no need for the raspberry’s but rest delicious) haddock, pork and shared the fondue, all the courses were amazing and we eat out a lot so feel lucky this...

We stopped here on our way back from Seaford. Never been here before. Very warm welcome. We sat in the garden and decided to have lunch. We ordered pigeon for one meal and pie. We were advised that the pie would take 20 mins, which...

…a lovely last minute and local visit; beautiful food, fantastic service and highly recommended - Eddie was amazing and made us feel very welcome - we will be back….

Popped into the bells with my friends and the gentleman behind the bar (Finn?) was attentive and the beer was excellent. Enjoyable environment and the pub also has a pool table which is rare in pubs these days. Must try the food soon as the...

Horrible attitude from the bar staff. Ignored and not greeted by the bar girl who was humming all the time….and then served in a curt and abrupt manner. First and last visit for us…

This pub used to be such a lovely place to have a meal. We have visited with friends for many years and were always assured a warm welcome and good food and It was well worth the half-hour drive. We had a meal recently which...

We stopped here for lunch after visiting the Bluebell railway and were really impressed with the quality of the food. Everything we ordered was really tasty which made our dining experience a really positive one.

Very rude landlord! Did not make us feel welcome at all and treated us as an inconvenience rather than welcome customers. Will not be going back. Lovely staff though

Avoid! Very rude lady in charge front of house. We were treated as an inconvenience. Menu very expensive. We were shown to a dingy back room with absolutely no atmosphere. Got up and left and she couldn’t have cared less

My father is moving nearby, & my sister and I arrived with him for lunch today. We were greeted by a nice gentleman and then left to hang about not knowing what was happening, as the lady ‘in charge’ was on the phone sorting out...

What a great way to end our lockdown! A lovely meal of fish and chips and a cider. Friendly staff and good food in the sunshine.

Disappointed. Nice food, but spoilt by the fact we were put in a corner table, in a back room, away from everyone else. There was no ambience - and it was very cold, despite there being a vector heater in the room. I felt the...

We decided off the cuff to book lunch here and so glad we did! The fish and chips were exemplary and I would highly recommend this to others.The staff were very attentive but not in your face like some places can be. We have been...

We came earlier for a drink after a walk. We are all being cautious and abiding by the rules by I felt our immediate greeting was incredibly curt and officious. Even the payment was abrupt and discourteous . A smile , welcoming language would have...

All of the tables are outside due to covid. The grass has markings to show you where you can walk. Lots of outdoor space. Food was amazing, highly recommended. We had desserts too.

I echo what others have said about not being very welcoming if you are not a local. Being told off several times, feeling unwelcome and possibly worst pub experience. Unfriendly from the moment we turned up. The owner even got annoyed when we tried to put the order through. I understand it is not easy to handle the situation with the new guidelines but could be a bit more understanding that it's impossible for kids to sit down at the table without moving for the whole dinner. Ours were even too behaved. I am amazed there are so many positive reviews. Food is average.

We had a takeaway tonight from The Five Bells, it was plentiful and absolutely delicious as always. We had a burger and a curry both of which were enormous. The chips were amazing but we couldn’t eat everything.

We had a takeaway roast lunch today. It was plentiful and absolutely delicious. Andy and Kat once again excelled themselves, but this time they did it in unusual circumstances as we are in the midst of the COVID 19 outbreak. We also had a veg box from them last week and it was brilliant. We are so lucky to live so close to such a fantastic pub. Thanks to all the team.

We visited on a Sunday lunchtime for a family birthday celebration. Were given a separate area at the back of pub which worked very well for our large group. Could not fault the food or service and will certainly be returning. Highly recommend for Sunday lunch and friendly atmosphere.

I was treated to the most divine fish and chips lunch I have ever tasted. Large portion of chunky flavorful fish, light, non greasy crispy batter, tripple cooked chips and a tasty blend of peas and small white onions as another side. We got there just as lunch had finished, but they were so kind and took our order happily. My friend had the venison, soft, tender and full of flavor. The meal came with a variety of veggies and potatoes. Both served with a smile. Portion size was very generous. Whute chocolate bread and butter pudding followed. Yum!!! Staff are very kind, knowledgeable and funny. We highly recommend. Will drive from west Surrey for another sit down meal in comfort and a great welcoming atmosphere. Well done 5 Bells, y'alls have done yourselves proud!

We called in ad hoc and were not disappointed. Beautiful old pub with lots of different seating areas within and tables all set lovely to eat at. All the staff were very friendly and once we had got our drinks we found a table and from that point it was all table service. There was a good choice on the menu. I chose the fish finger sandwich which comes in a roll with triple cooked chips and a salad. Wow I wasn't expecting it to be so good. One of the best meals I've had in a very long time.

While we’ve often popped in for a drink, we haven’t eaten here for a while but we will be back soon. This very old country pub, with log fire is always welcoming, with light and airy areas as well as cosy nooks and a dedicated restaurant seating area. Has a good range of beers, gins and wines. I always look at what others are eating, when walking to our table. The roasts and sausage and mash looked very tempting but I opted for beer battered haddock, (with triple cooked chips and French peas). It was soooo good, the batter really crispy and light and the fish white and flaky. Chips were excellent too. Staff were bright, pleasant, and efficient. Good value. We will definitely be back.

Called in for a light lunch just before a party of 14 was due to arrive - we were told that our food order would be half and hour or maybe more even though we only wanted a sandwich. It turned up only 15 minutes later but in the meantime other customers were given the same info and decided not to stay. The food was good in fact and it seems they have a good kitchen; however the restaurant was really cold which was a serious oversight. Another peculiar idea is you are lumbered with a service charge for drinks that you order at the bar and carry to your table yourself if you put them on your tab so it’s best to pay at the bar. On balance, not at all bad but not compelling.

An absolutely gem! My friends recommended the place and it didn’t disappoint.A very friendly cosy pub with a chef who is clearly passionate about local produce and great cooking.The ham, egg and chips starter (serrano ham, quails egg and truffle chips) GENIUS. Everything was delicious and all of us left very happy.Staff are excellent!

Absolutely loved my experience at this country pub. clean crisp draught beers and a very warm and welcoming atmosphere. Food and service is spot on. Couldn't ask for any more from a great British country pub. Fantastic and I will certainly be returning with the family :)

Meeting up with old friends , we chose the Five Bells as a central meeting point. The staff were attentive and with a lovely menu helped to make for a wonderful meeting up with friends

On entering this pub, it was a dart stopping in mid air moment. “You’re not from round here are you!” Would not have been an unsurprising utterance. When we enquired about food, we were informed it was a special curry night and they were full, which is fair enough, however no offer of information or other places to eat came forward. Not very clean, a weird atmosphere with unprofessional and unfriendly bar staff. I say this because you’d want patrons leaving your establishment wanting to return but staff here didn’t seem to care. If you’re not ‘a local’ give this place a miss.

We are so lucky to have this excellent pub within walking distance. We have been here on numerous occasions and have taken many friends - all of whom have thoroughly enjoyed their meals. The food is well cooked and beautifully presented. I have read a number of negative comments which I find hard to believe - are we talking about the same place? We have never had a disappointing meal here since Catherine and Andy have been at the helm.

Ate here as family of 8 tonight. Food was tasty but seemed to be a bread issue (not enough baked apparently) consequently lack of bread to go with mezze and burger buns were clearly over day old. Saying that good service and tasty food. Could do with more vegetable sides options.

Our first visit and we shall definitely be returning!

Popped in after a trip to barcombe mills boating so by this point we were very hungry. They fitted us in and we sat in the sun outside. Ordered burgers very yummy and filling food did take a long time but was worth the wait. Will be visiting again

I walked in and asked if I could see the food menu, the man behind the bar said that it would be 45-50 minutes before I could eat and offered me the wine list instead. I said, "Well, maybe I would be willing to wait 45-50 minutes (I was), may I see the menu anyway?" He said, "We are not allowed to show you the menu until you are actually seated at a table." I thought this was some kind of a joke, but alas no. So he wanted me to wait 45-50 minutes to find out whether or not I wanted to even eat there in the first place, that was absolutely ludicrous. I have never heard of a restaurant not showing their menu upon request to a patron. So I said, "Never mind, I'll just go elsewhere," and the man at the bar literally couldn't have cared any less.

It was a hot Saturday lunchtime.They don't publish the menu online, so couldn't check out its suitability I was eating with my family, and all I really wanted was a salad, but couldn't find anything suitable on the menu. The staff were very unhelpful. Eventually, I suggested that I'd have a greek salad without the chicken, which they managed to provide. Our teenagers opted for cheesy chips, as they didn't fancy the 'poncy food' - their words. We sat outside on benches, it wasn't waitress service,so expected the appropriate range of pub food at pub prices

My wife and I popped in after a summers drive out.

We ordered our food along with drinks and after paying for our food we noticed that we were charge additional £5 for eat outside, We were astonished with this charge as pubs do NOT normally charge to eat outside , The lady who served was very nice and pleasant but mentioned that this the norm now by charging to sit outside , We have never been confronted with this charge before anywhere and we do eat out a lot. However, we had already paid for our meal and had to accept this. I did mention if we had just sat outside the door would we have been charged , reply was yes and also if we eat inside there would also be 10% table booking charge, The lady who served me also mentioned that she was sorry that she should have mentioned the charge but it is printed on the bottom of the menus. When we got home I opened up the web site menu sheet and looked, It says for which you are aware one assumes, quote ‘A discretionary 10% service charge will be added to tables dining outside and to groups of 10 or more, Disgraceful to charge this, especially during summer periods when people intend to eat outside ........

Made to feel like they were doing us a favour by accommodating us, unwelcoming and poor service throughout. Food is average and overpriced. Rather horrified to hear they have a one star hygiene rating! Excuses are not acceptable.

Having been recommended this pub we popped in on a pleasant summers evening for a drink and light meal and decided to sit in the garden to make the most of the weather. Having purchased drinks we chose from a varied menu and on offering the correct money, as per the menu, was told there is a 10% surcharge levied on meals eaten outside. This could not be negated by choosing to eat inside as they also levy a 10% surcharge on un-booked tables. There was no mention of this on the menu we received, but in fairness is mentioned on the online menu. We can only hope that the staff were given this 10%.

We have been coming here for the past three years on a regular basis. The food is excellent, always fresh and probably one of the only pubs we have visited where the food is truly homemade. The burgers in particular are delicious - perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection in a lovely fresh bun. The homemade coleslaw is also very tasty. The thrice cooked chips are nice and crispy (not bland and uninspiring).

Quite an odd experience, firstly we were given the impression that they were doing us a favour by accomadating us. We were ask to wait as they couldn’t take our order until 15 minutes. My wife ordered the sausage and mash which she said was very good unfortunately the same couldn’t said of my burger an underseasond over cooked offering served in a dry insipid bun. The chips which were described as thrice cooked and so promised much again were bland and uninspired. All in all a very average meal.

It was our first time at this recommended place and it turned out to be a terrible experience with poor service by youngsters or students who just did not want to serve you. Never again!

The five bells have amazing prices for the high quality place it is. It is cheap and great. I highly recommend the place if you are in the area.

We popped in for a couple of drinks from the Alpaca Farm camp site over the road. We were made to feel very welcomed, if it was nearer home it would be a great local. Definitely a thumbs up from me.

We had eaten at the Five Bells on a previous holiday in Lewes so when we decided to book a long week-end close again over my husband's birthday we decided to arrange lunch there. Catherine sorted everything out for us, including a special birthday dessert. Food was delicious and excellent value for money. I would highly recommend a visit for lunch or dinner.

We visited this pub upon a recommendation sadly to be greeted with the most unaccommodating welcome ever!

Visited for Sunday lunch but did not book. We were continuously reminded that we had not booked throughout our meal. This was the reason why dishes weren't available or a long wait should be expected. Made us feel very unwelcome. This was unnecessary as we would have been happy to wait, didn't need constant reminder. Food ok but won't be going again.

Whenever we go to Lewes this is a favourite place to stop and have a drink and get inticed for a meal.

This is not on my doorstep, however I had the pleasure of going to the Five Bells the other week with my neighbour. A great friendly team, well managed and accommodating for lunch. Had what should have been a basic 'bangers 'n mash' at a great price- however this was not basic, it was beyond basic. Well presented, very nice and a great 'basic' price. Well done Andy and the team.....

Great pub that I've visited a few times.