Sure, Trading Post – an organic, sustainable and fair-trade outfit – has a bigger café in nearby Brighton, but we love getting our single-origin caffeine fix at its Lewes branch as the beans are roasted on site, in full view of customers. Can you taste the freshness? We reckon so. If you need multiple cups o’ joe to keep buzzing all day, hop between here, Le Magasin and Carafe.

Established in 1790, Harvey’s crafts cask ales from local hops, a 60-year-old yeast strain and water filtered from the Downs. It’s Sussex’s oldest independent brewery – the family-run business is currently in its eighth generation – and has a few quirky traditions to boot: every Tuesday Shire horses pull a dray laden with barrels of beer destined for pubs around Lewes. Chin wag with master brewers as part of a tour (these aren’t always available; contact in advance) or find a perch in the wood-beamed John Harvey Tavern opposite and sup a pint of Harvey’s Best Bitter. Long train journey home? Stock up on a bottle or two from the brewery shop.

Set in a Grade II-listed building near the train station, this independent wine merchant and bijou bar serves vintage plonk and unusual wines (we love a Japanese white) alongside artisanal gins in a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. Next door, Erawan Thai bistro has a BYO policy, so Symposium has curated a list of wines that pair well with Asian flavours – drop in ahead of dining and they’ll set aside a chilled bottle for you.

Chaula’s is first and foremost a Gujarati restaurant, though what we think we love most about this place are its quaffable cocktails inspired by the intoxicating scents and flavours of India. The menu is revamped every three months and features a good selection of Sussex wines to boot. Best enjoyed while nibbling your way through platter of pakoras and dahi puri.