No. 34 Lewes

Why You’ll Love No 34 Lewes

Halfway up the hill in Lewes, at No 34 High Street, you’ll find this elegant wine bar serving a select menu of seriously good food. It’s a pretty irresistible place to pause, but it’s also a unique destination in its own right. If you haven’t been there yet – it’s time to put it on your list!

Surrounded by historic buildings, gorgeous boutiques, and antique shops, No 34 Lewes is sensitive to its surroundings including the splendid old building it inhabits. Grounded by a ‘raw material’ aesthetic, the Lewes bar and restaurant centres around a large zinc bar, complemented by wooden tables, handmade tiles, and beautiful fittings. The central bar is where all the action happens; wine is poured and food is prepared. Sit at the bar for conviviality and entertainment or at one of the comfortable tables for a more intimate experience. 

The low-intervention wine list boasts orange, red, and white wines with a focus on organic and biodynamic vineyards from around Europe. Owner Hugo primarily sources from winemakers in Spain, Italy, France and Portugal, many of whom he knows personally. The team is knowledgeable and happy to share pairing suggestions. Also available are a few classic cocktails, along with digestifs, local beers, and a good selection of low- and no-alcohol drinks.

The menu is designed for those who enjoy real food. Breakfast is a simple affair with excellent French press, supplied by Covent Garden’s Monmouth Coffee, served alongside delicious croissants, toast and jam. A quick, tasty lunch is available too. 

The evening menu is more extravagant but still inspired by ingredient-led culinary traditions – indeed, the quality of the produce sets No 34 Lewes apart. There is a seasonal selection of small and larger plates and with a daily special on the board (this might be Dry-Aged Sirloin on Thursdays or Mersea Rock Oysters on Fridays). In keeping with the concept, everything is designed for sharing. Sunday Lunch is a family-style sharing board, featuring Roast Chicken or Beef, crispy potatoes, seasonal sides, and homemade jus. Be sure to try the delicious cheese plate and indulgent dessert too!

RB Loves

No 34’s origin story is rather charming and it makes complete sense. Restaurateur and food writer Hugo, along with his partner Susan, created No 34 Lewes because they wanted it to exist. Lewes is thriving these days, but it was lacking the casual, European-style wine bar they, and their friends, were longing for. So they brought it to life.

Every month at this Lewes restaurant, Hugo hosts a wine-led Lunch Club with a regional focus, plenty of dishes and generous pours of hand-picked bottles. It’s £55 per person or £85 with wine. Enjoy it at your leisure!

ESSENTIALS

Accessible: No 34 Lewes has space for wheelchair users, a moveable ramp, and accessible facilities. 

Gluten-free: There are always gluten-free options on the menu. If nothing appeals, tell the kitchen what you’re after and they’ll do their best to accommodate you. 

Alcohol-free: While this is ostensibly a wine bar, there are plenty of good low- and no-alcohol drinks, including fresh lemonade, elderflower soda, lemon bitters with tonic and kombucha plus a selection of hot drinks.  

Family-Friendly: Perhaps better suited to older children, there’s no dedicated ‘kids menu’. However, the kitchen at No 34 Lewes is happy to serve smaller portions and suggest dishes likely to appeal to younger diners. Just ask!