
Depot Lewes
A modern cinema, cafe, and art space in Lewes, offering independent films, live music, and delicious food.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live music & street food

Depot Lewes
Best Time
Live music & street food

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern cinema, cafe, and art space in Lewes, offering independent films, live music, and delicious food.
"Literally had a better movie experience here than I did at a much larger operated cinema."

🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot for popular films and events, especially Dalliance Nights!
☕ Slow Cafe Service
Be patient at the cafe; service can be slow even when not busy. Enjoy the atmosphere!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dalliance Nights
Courtyard
Live music, street food, and summer festival vibes every week. A perfect evening out!

Independent & Foreign Film Screenings
Cinema Screens
Discover unique cinematic gems and international films in a comfortable, modern setting.

Cafe & Courtyard Ambiance
Cafe and Courtyard
Enjoy delicious food, coffee, and drinks in a relaxed, social atmosphere with outdoor seating.

Art Gallery Space
Art Gallery
Explore local and contemporary art, adding a cultural dimension to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Screenings
Embrace the Vibe: More Than Just a Cinema
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot for popular films and events, especially Dalliance Nights!
☕ Slow Cafe Service
Be patient at the cafe; service can be slow even when not busy. Enjoy the atmosphere!
🛋️ Comfy Cinema Seats
Enjoy super comfortable seating, some with footstools. Take your drink in!
🎶 Live Music Vibes
Experience the lively Dalliance Nights with music, food, and drinks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot for popular films and events, especially Dalliance Nights!
☕ Slow Cafe Service
Be patient at the cafe; service can be slow even when not busy. Enjoy the atmosphere!
🛋️ Comfy Cinema Seats
Enjoy super comfortable seating, some with footstools. Take your drink in!
🎶 Live Music Vibes
Experience the lively Dalliance Nights with music, food, and drinks.
🚆 Easy Train Access
The train station is just a stone's throw away, making it convenient to visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Depot Lewes is highly praised for its comfortable cinema experience, friendly staff, and vibrant atmosphere, especially during its popular Dalliance Nights. While the food and coffee are good, some visitors note that cafe service can be slow. Overall, it's considered a superior alternative to larger chain cinemas.
"Went here to watch one of the film that was on during the week (Urchin) and had a wonderful experience. Very smooth process from booking online, arriving and interacting with very friendly staff. Then the actual theatre.
Absolutely comfortable 10/10. Very clean environment; comfortable seating; and the sound system was perfect.
Literally had a better movie experience here than I did at a much larger operated cinema 2 days prior."
Rajeve Brooks
"I used to pass by here on the way to college back in 2009-11. So, being informed there’s a cinema now I was imaging some tiny 1 screen establishment.
Yet, to my amazement The Depot Cinema and Restaurant is quite the modern spacious marvel!
Stopping by for food before sitting comfortably to watch Conclave may be one of my favourite movie going experiences so far. The food was great and service very attentive.
Seating in the cinema was cozy and felt like I was back home on my couch making The Depot my favourite cinema.
Also, if driving is a chore you have the train station a stones throw away. It’s hard not to recommend this one!"
Rafee
"I really like The Depot. I love its "Indie" vibe and character. Outside seating, cafe, fab cinema spaces and relaxed seating. Four stars? It seems to take a lifetime to get a simple cafe latte. The latte is fine, but somehow the staff seem to always have more important things to do. Even when it's not busy. If it were a one-off, I'd let it go, but it's happened a number of times."
rb 14
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Depot Lewes is conveniently located near Lewes train station, making it easily accessible by train. Many visitors mention the proximity to the station as a major plus.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, its central location suggests nearby public parking options. It's often recommended to check local Lewes parking information if driving.
Yes, The Depot Lewes is situated in a central part of Lewes, making it easily walkable from most areas within the town center.
For evening events like Dalliance Nights, taking the train is a great option as it avoids parking hassles and allows you to enjoy drinks.
The venue is described as modern and spacious, with comfortable seating including front-row footstools, suggesting good accessibility. It's always best to contact them directly for specific needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be easily purchased online through The Depot Lewes website, which is recommended for popular screenings and events.
Yes, for specific screenings like 'The Addams Family,' there were discounted tickets available for under 25s. Check individual film listings for details.
You can take your drinks into the cinema screens, and some reviews mention enjoying food purchased from the cafe during the film.
The Depot Lewes operates with varied hours depending on film screenings and cafe service. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date schedule.
While not always explicitly stated, booking in advance for Dalliance Nights is highly recommended due to their popularity as a live music and street food event.
🎫 🎬 Onsite Experience
The cinema seating is described as very comfortable, cozy, and clean, with some front-row seats even featuring footstools. Many find it a superior experience to larger chain cinemas.
Absolutely! The Depot features a cafe, a courtyard with live music and street food (Dalliance Nights), and an art gallery, making it a multifaceted entertainment venue.
The Depot Lewes specializes in independent and foreign films, but also screens mainstream and classic movies, catering to a diverse audience.
The cafe and courtyard areas are noted as great study environments, offering a relaxed atmosphere for working or studying.
Yes, The Depot hosts various events, including themed film screenings, live music nights (Dalliance Nights), and workshops like KnitFlicks.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The cafe offers a range of items including coffee, cake, and good quality food. Visitors have praised the cake and coffee specifically.
During Dalliance Nights, street food vendors are present, offering options like gyros and loaded fries, contributing to the festival vibe.
Yes, drinks are available at the cafe and can be taken into the cinema screenings.
Reviews suggest the food is of good quality and service is attentive, with visitors recommending it as part of their movie-going experience.
While the food and coffee are generally well-regarded, some visitors have noted that cafe service can be slow, even during quieter periods.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas like the cafe and courtyard. However, flash photography and recording during film screenings are typically prohibited to respect the viewing experience.
The vibrant courtyard during Dalliance Nights, the art gallery space, and the exterior of the modern cinema building offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, capturing the lively atmosphere of Dalliance Nights is encouraged, but always be mindful of other attendees and performers.
There are no specific mentions of drone photography restrictions, but standard regulations regarding privacy and safety would apply. It's best to assume it's not permitted without explicit permission.
The art gallery showcases a range of contemporary art, which may include photography exhibitions. Check the gallery's schedule for current displays.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider checking their schedule for family-oriented films or special events. The proximity to the train station also makes it an accessible outing for families traveling from nearby areas.
🎬 Film Buffs & Indie Lovers
Keep an eye out for special screenings, Q&As with filmmakers, and unique events like KnitFlicks, which cater to niche interests and add an extra layer to the film-going experience. The venue's commitment to showcasing diverse cinematic voices makes it a gem for true film enthusiasts.
🎶 Music & Food Enthusiasts
Even outside of Dalliance Nights, the cafe offers quality coffee and food, making it a pleasant place to hang out. The overall vibe is welcoming and conducive to enjoying good company and refreshments.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Depot Lewes: A Community Cinema Hub
The venue also boasts a vibrant cafe and a welcoming courtyard, which becomes a lively spot for events. The 'Dalliance Nights' are a particular highlight, featuring live music and street food, creating a summery festival atmosphere right in Lewes. This multifaceted approach makes The Depot Lewes a destination for entertainment and social interaction, not just a movie screening.
Beyond film and music, the space includes an art gallery, further cementing its role as a cultural center. This blend of cinema, dining, and art makes it a unique and appealing destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a rich experience beyond the silver screen.
Experiencing Dalliance Nights at The Depot
Visitors can expect a lively atmosphere with local bands and performers, often spanning genres like ska, reggae, and folk. Alongside the music, a variety of street food options are available, with mentions of gyros and loaded fries. It's an ideal setting to relax, soak up the sounds, and enjoy the company, especially on warmer evenings.
To make the most of Dalliance Nights, it's advisable to arrive early, particularly if you want to secure a good spot or enjoy the full range of food offerings. The combination of live entertainment and casual dining makes it a highly recommended experience for anyone looking for a fun and engaging evening out in Lewes.
Comfort and Cinema: The Depot's Seating Experience
This focus on comfort creates a more intimate and enjoyable viewing experience, often drawing comparisons to watching a film from one's own sofa. The ability to take drinks into the screening further enhances this relaxed atmosphere, allowing patrons to fully immerse themselves in the film without distraction.
This dedication to providing a superior comfort level sets The Depot Lewes apart from larger, more impersonal cinema chains. It contributes significantly to the overall positive experience, making it a preferred choice for many film enthusiasts seeking a more personal and comfortable outing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit