Welcome to The Plough at Plumpton.. 

History of The Plough

The Plough Inn originally was once situated at the end of the runway of RAF Chailey, the direction from which most aircraft would be landing where a squadron of Spitfires manned by Polish officers was based, so it had to go, together with lambourne cottages and a derelict radio mast nearby. in October 1943 Fred Plummer, the then landlord, employed William wells & co of Plumpton to dismantle an old Army hut, then being used as a chicken house, and re-erect it on ground kindly donated to Harvey and sons, ( its present site ) the brewers for the purpose of a new pub which was opened just in time for Christmas and was to remain in this form for the next twelve years. The association continues with the presence of a memorial to the Polish servicemen on the grounds of the pub.

A family run pub for a family owned brewery

A Brief History of Harveys

Harvey and Son (Lewes) Ltd remains a privately owned Family Business (now in its seventh generation). Harveys has been brewing in Lewes for two centuries. Georgian merchant John Harvey brewed his first pint in Bear Yard opposite the current site. He was brewing part time, sharing his plant with another brewer, Thomas Wood. In 1838 he built a new eight quarter brewhouse on the current Bridge Wharf site which he had purchased for £3,707 and went into business with his three sons. It was Henry Harvey who took over the brewing - he was producing stout, ale and porter in the mid 19th century. The 1860s saw Harveys transfer to another generation. It also saw the arrival of experienced brewer Henry Titlow-Barrett from Wethereds Brewery in Marlow. He supervised the construction of the tower brewery that can be seen today. This Victorian Gothic brewhouse had been the design of William Bradford, a noted brewery architect. The new facility had a fifteen quarter capacity. The 20th century started with a succession of head brewers but production remained static until the arrival of Anthony A Jenner who was responsible for Harveys post war revival. Top prizes were awarded for Old Ale and our famous Best Bitter was first produced in 1955. In 1985 an additional smaller tower was added to the facade thereby doubling the brewing capacity. Meticulous care and attention ensured that the extension matched the original building and this was rewarded by a Civic Trust Commendation as well as a Grade Two listing. It seemed a fitting status for a building that is affectionately known locally as Lewes Cathedral.