insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 20 - October 2016 | Page 84
TOWNSPOTLIGHT
Lewes Bonfire
Things to Do
Lewes Castle & The Museum of Sussex
Archaeology
History buffs adore Lewes Castle, and with
its 1,000-year history, that’s hardly a surprise!
Climb to the top of this perfectly preserved
Norman castle for the most breathtaking
panoramic views across Sussex. As a bonus,
within the adjoining Barbican House you’ll
find the Museum of Sussex Archaeology. This
fabulous museum houses collections from
the local area dating back to the Stone Age.
Visitors can even watch a film that tells the
story of Lewes from prehistoric times right up
to the Victorian era.
Glyndebourne House
Founded in 1934 by John Christie and
his opera singer wife, Audrey Mildmay,
Glyndebourne is committed to presenting
opera of the highest quality, commissioning
new work, developing new talent, and reaching
new audiences. A day out at Glyndebourne
includes exploring the grounds, visiting the
archive and gallery, and having a picnic on the
lawn.
Southover Grange Gardens
With free entry every day (except Christmas
Day) from 8.30am until dusk, these beautiful
gardens are a delight to behold. Southover
Grange itself dates from the 16th century, and
is actually built from stones taken from the
rubble of the nearby priory. The gardens are
famous for their trees, including a mulberry
that has been standing for centuries. Besides
these magnificent trees there are wonderful
statues and plants to admire too. A café serves
delicious afternoon teas.
Anne of Cleves House
Within the ancient walls of Anne of Cleves
House, it is possible to explore just how the
Tudors would have lived, worked and even
relaxed in their own homes. The house itself is
lovely, and includes an authentically furnished
kitchen and a garden that is planted with
traditional plants from the period. To make your
visit even more memorable there is a café and
tea garden for visitors to enjoy a rest among
the pretty surroundings.
Monk's House
Lewes Leisure Centre
There is something to be said for a leisurely
swim or a good workout. They are both ideal
for letting worries slide away and allowing the
brain (and body) time to reset, which is exactly
what you can do at Lewes Leisure Centre.
Facilities include a gym, a 25-metre pool,
flume, children’s pool, sauna, sunbed and
outdoor athletics track - there is even a soft
play area for the little ones.
Dining Out
Le Magasin
Le Magasin is open for breakfast and lunch
seven days a week, and on Thursdays, Fridays
and Saturdays, mouthwatering dinners are
available too. Located right in the heart of
Lewes’ Cliffe High Street, this is a local dining
experience that should not be missed. An
ever-changing specials board that includes
a variety of vegetarian options complements
the considered menu. Food available includes
baked duck egg with chorizo and black
pudding; fillet of sea bass with crushed potato
cake, provencal tomato, gremolata and
balsamic; and smoked pigeon salad.
Erawan Thai Bistro
This Thai bistro and takeaway is all about
authenticity. Every flavour you try here
is innovative and modern, yet has that
unmistakeable Thai combination of sweet,
spicy, salty and sour. Dishes include fried
marinated tofu with Thai herbs and peanut
sauce, and panang curry - a rich curry with a
choice of meat slow cooked in coconut milk
with lemongrass and lime leaves.
Bill’s
Bill’s restaurants have gone on to critical
acclaim across the South East, but Lewes
is where it all began back in 2001. Here you
can have a relaxed and tasty breakfast, lunch,
dinner (or anything in between) and there is
a fabulous children’s menu too. Why not try
the watermelon, paprika and sesame crusted
feta cheese; the rarebit macaroni cheese; or
Bill’s fish pie made with cod, salmon, smoked
haddock, prawns, peas, roasted baby onions,
mustard and cheddar mash.
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Limetree Kitchen
Limetree Kitchen specialises in modern
European cuisine with a creativ e twist. Using
only the finest locally sourced and seasonal
produce wherever possible, the chefs delight in
bringing the customers some of the best quality
food in Sussex. Limetree Kitchen serves a lunch
menu five days a week (Wednesday to Sunday),
including gourmet burgers and craft beers every
Sunday (the famous 'Sunday Sliders'), and an
evening menu Wednesday to Saturday.
Pelham House Hotel
This stylish, sophisticated dining experience
is one that is ideal for a special celebration
or occasion. Food served in the magnificent
restaurant includes roast tomato and blue cheese
tart tatin with poached pear; roasted salt beef
brisket with rosti potato, puy lentil, smoked confit
garlic and a red wine jus; and chocolate fondant
with salted caramel and honeycomb ice cream.
Annual Events
Lewes Bonfire // Nov
Lewes Bonfire Night, or The Lewes Bonfire
Night Celebrations, is one of the biggest
celebrated November 5th events in the world
and is held every year. There is a fabulous
festival centred around the bonfire, which will
this year be held on a Thursday.
Octoberfeast // Oct
A celebration of the culinary achievements and
produce from and around the Lewes area.
From street food feasts to beer festivals and
pop-up restaurants, there's something to tickle
everyone's tastebuds.
Top Spot
Monk’s House is part of the National Trust, and
is certainly worth a visit. This is where Virginia
Woolf once lived, and as you wander through
the hallways and rooms of this pretty cottage it
does invoke a feeling of wonder and awe. There
are often special events running here including
readings of Woolf’s work, and screen printing.
Did You Know?
In 1901, a memorial was erected to pardon
the seventeen Protestant martyrs who were
burned at the stage in Lewes during the Marian
Persecutions from 1555 to 1557.