Modern British Gastropub
Where Old Stone
Meets New Fire
Seasonal small plates and natural wines served in a converted 18th-century coaching inn in Lewes, East Sussex. A place to gather, linger, and be nourished.
Our Ethos
A Place Already Alive
Before You Arrive
The Copper Fox lives inside the bones of a building that has sheltered travellers since the 1780s. We didn't renovate a coaching inn — we listened to it. The stone told us where to place the bar. The timber beams set the rhythm of the dining room.
Our kitchen follows the same principle: let the ingredients lead. Every plate begins with what the Sussex seasons offer — heritage vegetables from Tottington Manor, day-boat fish from Newhaven, lamb raised on the South Downs. We pair these with natural wines that carry the honest character of their vineyards.
Nothing here is forced. Nothing is fussy. Just thoughtful cooking in a room that has always known how to hold a good evening.
From This Week's Kitchen
The Current Season
Our menu moves with what the land and sea offer — these are the dishes our kitchen is most excited about right now.
From the Garden
Heritage Beetroot, Smoked Curd & Walnut
Candy-striped Chioggia beets from Tottington Manor, house-smoked curd, pickled walnut and a scatter of bronze fennel. A plate that tastes like the Sussex soil it grew in.
From the Coast
Day-Boat Mackerel, Samphire & Gooseberry
Line-caught off Newhaven, charred over oak, with marsh samphire and a sharp gooseberry relish that cuts through the richness.
From the Pasture
Lamb Shoulder, Wild Garlic & Anchovy
Slow-cooked South Downs lamb, wild garlic gathered from the Ouse valley, anchovy butter and torn sourdough for the last of the juices.
From the Season
English Asparagus, Duck Egg & Truffle
Fletching asparagus, barely blanched, with a fried duck egg and a gentle rain of Sussex truffle. Available only while the season lasts.
Something Sweet
Rhubarb, Brown Butter & Oat
Forced Yorkshire rhubarb, brown butter crumble, toasted oat ice cream and a thread of elderflower. The kind of pudding you remember.
What They're Saying
Pressed Words
The Copper Fox does something rare — it makes you feel simultaneously at home and somewhere entirely new. Every plate told a story of this place, and the natural wine list read like a love letter to honest winemaking.
We came for Sunday lunch and stayed until they turned the lights up. The lamb shoulder alone is worth the drive from London.
Natural wines poured by people who genuinely care. The pairing recommendations were faultless — each glass made the food sing differently.
Lewes, East Sussex
Find the Fox
We're tucked into the heart of Lewes — a town that has always attracted those who appreciate good food, independent spirit, and places with stories to tell. We'd love to welcome you through the door.
Address
Lewes, East SussexHours & Seasons
Wednesday to Sunday
Lunch & Dinner
Reservations
Private Dining
The Snug seats up to 16 guests for private celebrations, wine dinners and gatherings.
