'Fork' Serves Lewes New Fine Dining Experience

Culinary evolution

“It’s been a long-held ambition to move out of London with my family and open my own restaurant,” Richard Falk said, “Fork will give me a chance to create dishes made from seasonal ingredients from the best growers and producers in East Sussex.”

Lewes was perfect for Fork, regularly chosen as one of the top high streets in the UK, with an independent spirit, unique shops and markets including the Sussex Farmers Market of the Year at the Sussex Food and Drink Awards 2021.

Within the rich culinary tradition of East Sussex, Fork plans to champion only the best local produce and food and showcasing the best of what East Sussex has to offer. As customers seek to buy local, Fork has dedicated to creating an innovative and accessible menu, offering modern British cuisine. a modern interpretation of a traditional neighbourhood restaurant menu serving modern British cuisine.

“We have had a hugely positive response from the local community. People are now really wanting more places now to eat and drink together. Lewes is also renowned for its tradition of radicalism and independent spirit and this really works well with the ethos of Fork.”

Local taste

From the start, they have made a statement with their changing menu of both small and large plates, with Newhaven cod, spring cabbage, garden sorrel cooked with Beak brewery Lulla will sit alongside charcuterie from Hove producers Rebel, cheese from Golden Cross and a warm compote of fruit from the nearby Offham nursery to finish. Alongside, they will have a concise beer, wine and cocktail list featuring brewers and producers from Sussex including Tillingham, Trenchmore and Breaky Bottom.

A bit of flavour

Inside Fork, the high level of attention to detail goes beyond Richard’s sublime cooking. From the vintage Vico Magistretti chairs to the modern oak joinery, the design of the interior is perfectly aligned to simple, elegant food. “I hope we’ve created a restaurant that feels intimate, exciting and welcoming,” Richard added.

The interior of Fork reflects the kitchen’s simple, elegant, stylish food: a pared-down palette of English Oak clad walls, stools and tabletops, a stainless bar and kitchen, red quarry tiled flooring and beautiful vintage Vico Magistretti Carimate dining chairs.

“We wanted to create an interior that felt both classically cool but also welcoming and intimate”. added co-owner Stephen Yeomans.

Joining the community

As they were to launch their venture, Falk and Yeomans contacted Locate East Sussex for assistance in finding the right funding to accelerate their plans, accessing East Sussex Invest programme. Coupled with their own investment and hard work, they were able to refit their new Lewes location with the best kitchen equipment, installing a three-phase electric supply and furniture and fittings.

‘We are very grateful to Adam and Locate East Sussex in helping us find the right loan funding to set up our venture,’ Stephen said.