Name: Roman Grill
Profession: Café proprietor and shopkeeper (Roman runs the café in the Old Needlemakers, as well Monsieur Cannelle & Compagnon and The Kitchen Shop in the same building).
Local lad? I have lived here for about two and a half years. I’m from Vienna, but I’ve moved all over the pace. Zurich, London, Glasgow, Lyons… Lewes.
Best thing about Lewes? It’s very unhomoginised and has a quite eclectic mix of individual shops. Its location is marvellous. It is near the sea and near the countryside, too. It has a lot of grassroots culture and is close to Glyndebourne. It is also close to London if you want culture on a different spectrum.
Worst thing about Lewes? The parking. It is a problem which concerns all the traders here because it infringes on our business. They’re making money and giving nothing in return.
Favourite pub? Nothing in Lewes. I miss proper cosy little continental cafes. The Tiger in East Dean, though, I love. It’s an exquisite little 11th century pub.
What’s your poison? White wine. And Czech beer.
Waitrose or Tesco? I use both. I go to Waitrose to treat myself. But where is our weekly farmers market? A monthly one won’t change any shopping habits. That’s why I’m planning a mini market here.
Which Bonfire Society do you go to? I don’t go. I think it’s interesting but I’ve never been able to penetrate this bizarre custom.