Last weekend, I spent my lazy Sunday wandering around the sleepy Sussex town of Lewes, a beautiful parish known for its castle, famous bonfire night celebrations and proximity to Brighton. If you’ve never been to Lewes, you might not know that it’s also a treasure trove of antique shops, independent boutiques and cafes. You’ll find Mint Velvet, Crew Clothing, New Look and Boots in Lewes, but you’re otherwise shopping local, and that’s one of my favourite things about spending time here. Local business is thriving in Lewes, and you can shop for handmade jewellery and clothing, browse galleries with the work of local artists, and also sample local ale from Harveys Brewery. Here’s some of my favourite stops along the high street.
The Good Times Homestore, Lewes
After admiring all of the beautiful doorways along the narrow streets of Lewes, I headed in to my favourite store in town: The Good Times Homestore. A furniture, homeware and gift shop, this independent boutique houses some beautiful items that you’d struggle to track down on the high street. It’s an interior design dream and, I have to admit, I’ll be buying many of my gifts here in the future.
Closet & Botts, Lewes
For some serious interior design inspiration, head to Closet & Botts on the main high street in Lewes. Housing an impressive array of contemporary and vintage pieces, this homeware store will have you redesigning your interiors in an instant. I really liked how these soaps were laid out at the back of the store and, at £3.95 each, they make a lovely gift.
No. 1 Lewes, Lewes
You’ll struggle to wander past one of Lewes’s most famous antique stores, No. 1 Lewes. This store is so beautifully decorated, and the antique furniture and homeware has been tastefully sourcred. Wander around the home-style store and you’ll find iron baths, wirework window boxes and large French mirrors.
The Flint Owl Bakery, Lewes
In need of that all-important coffee break, my mum and I headed to The Flint Owl Bakery on the High Street (close to The Good Times Homestore). Serving healthy food options, delicious cakes and fresh coffee, it’s the perfect lunchtime pit-stop. I also love the idea of buying fresh bread here – how wonderful does that selection look?
Harveys Brewery, Lewes
Although I didn’t visit Harveys Brewery on this occasion, I had to share a photo of the beautiful Brewery shop. Harveys is the oldest independent brewery in Sussex, and the entire complex is much bigger than you might imagine. It’s currently undergoing redevelopment, but it still looks as beautiful as ever. Stop here to sample Sussex’s finest cask ales, or pick up some gifts for those hard-to-buy-for uncles at Christmas.
From Victoria, Lewes
Opposite the famous Flea Market in Lewes, you’ll find the Needlemakers – an iconic historic craft centre and coffee shop in the heart of the town. No visit to Lewes is complete without visiting this beautiful building at the top of the high street, and one of my favourite, newly-discovered pop-up stores is From Victoria. A local ceramicist, Victoria Turner, sells her beautiful ceramics here, along with potted plants, candles, hand creams and other local gifts. Her ceramics are very reasonably priced, too, and they make for perfect gifts. I picked up two small potted plants for my bedroom and I love them.
If you’re local to Sussex and you’re looking for something to do on your next ‘lazy Sunday’, head to Lewes for all of the style inspiration you need. Let me know of any other hidden gems around the Sussex, Hampshire and Greater London area too – I’d love to check them out.
The Style Intervention 