Elephant & Castle, Lewes — Restaurant in Lewes

One of Lewes' larger pubs, the Elly does most things very well. It is definitely a sports pub which means it can be very busy and noisy on match days, especially for the rugby. The pub is the official headquarters and the spiritual home of Commercial Square Bonfire Society with plenty of memorabilia on the walls - and ceilings. There are usually four ales on draft including Harveys Best, with a generous 10% discount for card carrying CAMRA members. A large selection of craft beers is stocked with prices to drink in or take away. On Thursdays you can drink in for the takeaway prices and the savings can be considerable. The famous Elly Burgers are served the way burgers should be - on a plate with a floured bap. Other pubs should watch and learn. Bar snacks are generous and well priced. There are two log fires and a large function room upstairs which is...

A pub that, on the surface, looks highly traditional, but contains hidden wonders for the community, drinkers and diners.

There's a respectable range of well-kept ales at the large bar, where there's seating room as well as places to stand. But ask about the local brews too: a unique small brewery associated with the "Elly" sells its ales here. Deals on no-nonsense practical meals are often available from the efficient kitchen. There's a pool table and large screen TVs for watching sport. But upstairs is another gift to the community: a large meeting room equipped with audio-visual gear that many local societies and performers can use.

I've always found a friendly...

Visited this pub last night with some friends for the first time, walked in, sat at the bar and was told by the bar staff that they couldn’t accommodate any more customers because they were holding a quiz. There was plenty of space at the bar because all the people taking part in the quiz were sitting at tables. Then the manager came over and said the same thing so I got up and walked out and will never return. I thought the pub trade was supposed to be so difficult at the moment so why you are turning away customers is beyond...