The Volunteer in Lewes

Pretty quiet town sort of pub quite clean staff seemed ok drinks ok

Nice pub . Good selection of beers. Pool table and darts.

Repro wooden decor and furnishing, clean looking. Not overpriced. As all the Lewes Harvey's pubs are

Nice pub and barman . Only popped in for a drink

Great place to go. Good music, friendly and a wonderful landlady too.

Nice relaxed pub. The staff are friendly and quick to serve. Prices weren't too bad with a pint around £5-£5.50. Good spot for grabbing a pint after shopping or waiting for the bus. Not tried the food for a while but was good for the price. Outdoor seating is nice on a summers day.

Pleasant enough down-to-earth boozer

Fab old pub for drinks. Some really good ales. Food mediocre and overpriced for the quality.

Popped in for a quick pint. Very friendly welcome and a good pint. Comfortable surroundings with a mixture of tables and chairs and comfortable sofas. This seems to be a lively pub judging by the posters for bands and various events. There's also a garden for a sunny day.

I visited early Thursday evening. It looked a bit scary from the outside. It was pretty quiet but I got a good welcome from the bar staff and a decent pint. The place was much better than I thought it would. I'd happily drink here again.

Good place to meet new people and try to attempt to always talk to them in small amounts while drinking what you ordered

Hit with the smell of bleach and a screechingly rude voice asking us to get our IDs ready. No atmosphere, no friendly service.

If it's your final stop on a night out, it has everything you need. A DJ smashing or classic tunes, a dance floor and cheap drinks. Probably not top of my list for a session, but if you're waiting for a bus it's absolutely fine

Nice pub, popped in for a pint whilst waiting for the bus

this place doesn’t accept pass cards despite being valid and authentic ID. i was in healthcare uniform with a university ID around my neck as well and they still said no even though the poster behind the bar says they accept pass cards. it’s embarrassing, awkward and rude. they must think they’re above police and trading standards.

Pint of coke was £4, pub was cold (it's winter) they did have the football on on 2 TVs that could be seen from most the pub which was what I was there for. Just don't think I'd recommend.

Great friendly atmosphere, not in the slightest bit posh.

Great pub, decent breakfast, fair prices on drinks and a pool table that's well looked after

The service was poor. The bacon was covered in dirt from the fryer and tasted like rubbish do not advise anyone to go there it’s a waste of money

If I could I would not put a single star as a simple cheesy chips with bacon was not cooked probably and was discussing bacon tasted like it was out off date I would avoid at at all cost service was very poor and felt like a inconvenience for going there

Decent beer, sensible price and they know what I drink without me being a regular !

Got to be the worst pub in lewes. Staff that don't know really ale. One was very nice one needs to get another job. Not in the pub trade. Beer was not right big issues try to get it replaced. In the end they refused to change it so left. Considering there was 6 of us very sort sighted. STAY AWAY

Excellent little pub with a pool table and friendly staff,

Great atmosphere, friendly staff.

Nice pub live music was waiting for the band to start took ages and couldn't wait pity. Staff were good and friendly

Total "you ain't local" looks when we walked in and very frosty service. Only stayed for one drink before we went and found a more friendly place

Always have a good time Chrissy and her team are ace

Friendly staff and good selection of drinks

Always a laugh. Great, clean pub with pool and darts.

Bar staff very friendly and helpful

I went to the pub with my dad for sunday lunch and it was really good . My dad had beef and i had chicken The portion is HUGE and i didnt eat for thr rest of the day because it was so filling . Decor inside isnt the best but the food is worth it

Great pub, with excellent service. Stays open later than most pubs in the town on the weekends.

very busy. good music- not that attractive but everyone seemed to have a good time. I would say its more to get drunk with friends, than to have lavely night out.

Nice little place ,very clean good food nice service

Helped a colleague carry his sound equipment to this pub on Saturday night and was the first time I have ever set foot in that place. Came back later to support my colleague, grabbed a beer and sat in a corner by myself quietly. My colleague gave me his phone to video them playing a few songs. Towards the end of the third song, one uncivilised savage native completely unprovoked, came grabbed the phone from my hands and threw it on the floor. I was shocked and stunned but then decided it was safer to stay calm and go home. I have always been very wary of going to pubs in UK. It only takes one experience like this one to confirm my fear. So will I be going back or recommend this pub?

Fun, but a bit crazy towards the end of the night.

Perfect pub with excellent staff.

Covid protocol followed to the letter, prompt service nice pint

A decent pint of Harvey's Best; Covid-19 precautions adhered to. X

Always welcome clientele and other customer's so very friendly most enjoyable.

Great staff and landlady is super friendly and helpful, had a wonderful afternoon here. Would highly recommend.

We visited the Volunteer public house in Lewes with some friends whilst on a short visit to the town and whilst walking around mid-morning was looking for a cup of tea. We chose the pub because it had outside seating and being in the Covid 19 post lockdown period, we felt more comfortable with this. The pub was well marked out with a one way system even outside and inside there were a few drinkers but it was certainly not busy. We were given a table outside and the barman informed us that there was a whatsapp to place our order and gave us the details. The order soon arrived to our table. I would describe the pub as a typical ‘town’ pub though that is by no means intended a demeaning term. Sitting outside on a not so warm late September day with a hint of rain in the air, it is possible that we did not see the place to its best but the residue in the bottom of our cups that we (hoped) was either chalk scale from the kettle, or sour milk, did not help. I used the customer toilets inside later and these seemed to be clean and serviceable.

Just on a walk around boy's day went in for a beer was a good pint staff all up on the latest covid-19 good pub

Went for burgers, have been to other The Lounge places before with much better experiences. Staff not really welcoming, and mixing strangest Bloody Mary ever tried (tasted of vinegar). Food took a while, decent burgers though. Not very clean, tables not cleared even though not overly busy, staff wearing masks - but below their mouth talking freely, which makes even any attempt a real joke. Atmosphere wasn’t as relaxed as I kmow from similar places.

I was really anxious about going to a pub, especially taking children there but I’d heard great things so thought I’d give it a whirl. Well I’m really glad I did ! The manager has put in place so much stuff that it feels incredibly safe and relaxed. There are sufficient hand sanitizer stations, arrows on the floor leading a clear entrance and exit route and a great text service for ordering and delivery to your table service ! Just really fantastic and I cannot wait to pop by again !

Felt a bit barren but the staff were friendly.

It's just a nice traditional pub. Lewes is brilliant for pubs. Always stop there for a few beers before going on to the Amex.

Great service and ambience, especially loved the outside area with roofed communal space for shelter ,vaping , good company and conversation !! Cheers to all at the Volunteer !

Nice drinking pub. Cash only bar, it's a bit tired but nice friendly staff

The pub is over priced for the quality and location. They sell all drinks at inflated London prices. The interior is grubby and they do not accept card.

The kitchen was closed so disappointing visit.

Friendly and down to earth. Good old pub

It's was OK beer was cold and the company was good..

Excellent, food was reasonably priced and great value for money. Service prompt, efficient and welcoming. A local's pub, bit spit and sawdust, right up my street. Highly recommended. Best Mac and cheese I have had in a long time.

A Lewes pub with heritage.... Sometimes not the best but I've often had a good night in there. Its not cosy as others, or modern as such. But plenty of drink options, staff that are quick at there job. With live music or karaoke. It's great for a group of you to sight back and relax.

Bar person got a regular to threaten us. Would not recommend for a casual sit down pint with friends if that's how they treat customers

The value of volunteer is a good place they havea dj so u can dance and is also open until one

Great pub grub, but don’t eat here if you’re in a hurry! After 30 minutes of waiting for two sandwiches, we were told that one order wasn’t available. We weren’t offered or given a refund for the difference. 15 minutes after that we finally got to eat. Just a shame as by that time we were feeling frustrated and just wanted to leave. We would’ve asked for our money back after 40 minutes, but it was a bit awkward with people sitting at the bar overhearing.

Welcoming pub near the bus station in Lewes. Being Lewes, serves Harveys Best which is a great beer. Food (the lunch menu at least) is basic with good service and enjoyable. Decor unfussy and comfortable, but may be in need of some restorative action but it's not messy or unclean.

Proper, no nonsense pub. Well kept beer, good selection of spirits and some wine. One of the only pubs to still have a pool table and also has toads. Lots of music on weekends and a lively atmosphere.

Not one of Lewes's cozy boozers, this pub has been through many iterations, with an old reputation for being rough. However those days are behind it, and it's now a rough diamond in Lewes; friendly staff, customers seem nice folks, and I always feel welcome on my visits, even though I am no regular. I like it :-)

A nice pub friendly staff warm atmosphere

Nice little bar with a pool table but they only take cash.

Held a party for a friend. Amazing venue staff couldn’t have been more helpful or accommodating with ours plans.

Awful place. Tables very sticky. Staff none too friendly. Had a coffee which was luke warm.

went here with my girlfriend a week ago and it was great! James the barman was friendly and made us feel very welcome, we spent most of the night playing pool and enjoyed the glitter shots! will defo be back as we really enjoyed it.

A quiet place with a large beer garden. But they do not take credit card payments.

On a lunchtime visit it was a pleasent enough pub, large outside seating area, unsophisticated food.

Always great cheap food (the chili Mac and cheese is incredible) and a really friendly atmosphere once you get in. I love the fact that there is somewhere you can eat in Lewes without it being really expensive. Cannot recommend it enough.

very freindly pub with good honest food

Plenty of room, lots of seating. Not pretentious. Food is affordable. Kids and dogs allowed. Staff is friendly. FYI this is not a B&B or hotel It's not a wetherspoons either.

I have not eaten here so cannot comment on food, decent range of beers, close to bus stop so really handy to kill time whilst waiting for bus, double whiskey and a pint for under a tenner, what's not to like!

A brilliant no frills pub like they used to be

Great live music and beer....perfect!

We called in for a light lunch on Sunday 18th June 2017. We had toasted sandwiches and chips which were freshly prepared. Service was friendly and efficient and the price was very reasonable.

Good food at a good price. Decent place to have a drink with a good garden. Shame there's no card machine.

Good range if beers at sensible prices, very friendly and chatty service that made me feel comfortable straight away. Simple pub grub, darts, pool and music at weekends. Seems like a good place to me

Reasonable town centre pub. Regular pub crowd. Cash only, no cards which is a bit old fashioned.

Lovely Place! perfect atmosphere and very good staff!

I didn't read the reviews before I went to this pub and I'm glad I didn't as it would've put me off visiting and I'm so glad I did. We had a lovely lunch, reasonably priced. There were a great selection of ales so my partner was happy! The staff were lovely. One of the ladies had a beautiful staffy and me and my partner spend ages with her partner chatting and playing with the dog. Had lots of bits to do, whole cupboard full of board games, a pool table and darts. Toilets were immaculately clean. Only problem was cash only but that didn't matter as there was a cash point literally around the corner. All in all, had a lovely time in this pub, everyone was very sociable and I have no idea what these previous reviews are on about!

The place is shocking go to another pub in Lewes. Only saving grace is that it is normally open till late at weekends.

Reasonable price and a pool table

Absolutely fab friendly family foodie place, right in the heart of Lewes. Disabled access, toilets , caters for all ages, dogs , kids ... we are always made so very welcome when we go here. Really heartwarming atmosphere, they even re jig the menu to cater for my 5 year old son with his dietary needs. Nothing too much for the staff .... ACE PLACE ������️�️�️�️�️

Basic, OK if you really want a drink.

Large open space pub with stage for live music on Fridays usually. good ales, friendly staff and on-road beer patio. Parking is a nightmare there so cant go for the full five stars, but hey , it's Lewes. Parking's a nightmare in general.

Wish I'd read my trusty Trip Advisor before visiting....oh dear, looked appealing as I drove past!.....rubbish choice of ale which was barely drinkable. staff pretty uninterested, like stepping back to the 70's......🙁

Un divertido pub nocturno. Fui con mi marido y otra pareja. Nos quedamos unas cuantas bebidas en cuando decidimos hacer nuestra última parada en el voluntariado. Es el pub que es último abrió en Lewes. Fuimos un viernes por la noche, donde una gran banda 80 llama Frankie dice que estaban jugando. La banda era genial y tenía todos y baile. Había una mezcla de colegiales hasta todo el mundo a mediados de los 40 los cócteles y un buen rato.

Great local staff who always have a smile when you come in, good prices, and great food.

Went here with friends for a quick bite and a drink before heading of elsewhere. The staff were friendly and helpful. The food was good and well presented. Its not cordon bleu by any means.but its what we were after. its a clean and presentable pub.

Drinks selection was very boring and run of the mill. Staff disinterested. Horrible atmosphere. What a dump - never again.

Just popped in for a lunch time drink. Very welcoming by friendly bar staff and locals. Had a lunch time snack which was lovely served fast. Will be coming back in the future

Nice breakfast. Good value. Dog friendly

On arrival for lunch here we thought the menu was reasonably priced. Several local characters were here who are perhaps heavy drinkers. The staff were excellent, friendly and welcoming. We were offered a taste of the ale to choose which one we liked which was excellent. We chose steak and ale pudding which we felt was excellent, much better than we had expected. We spoke to the staff about Lewes and they were very informative. Lovely meal and service excellent.

very poor food and a chef that moaned when 8 of us came in too order lunch. i would avoid at all costs. burger was processed and like cardboard.

Very quite. Went here with a few friends after a meal. Didn't get a drink myself but my friends did and the staff that servered them were friendly. The pub itself could do with a revamp. As it was about 8:30PM on a Saturday we went in and there was only about 5 other people in there.

Unfortunately had to cancel our order by the time we had reached our table within 1/2 mins. Extremely rude staff, stormed out to the garden to berate us, told us one was ready (impossible after less than 5 mins for fish and chips no?) Then told my friend when she was offered a full refund was then overheard by staff saying 'And tell them to F Off' twice!

Unreal! Extremely bizarre and aggressive service.

Nice pub, well decorated and very friendly staff. Felt welcomed as soon as I walked in. Not overly busy. Well positioned in town centre. Will certainly visit again.