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Dining room interior - The Royal, Saint Leonards-on-sea, East Sussex
Award-winning

The Royal

4.7
4.7
87 Reviews
£25 and under
Gastro Pub

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 9 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for groups
The Royal is operated by James Hickson, who has a solid hospitality background having learned his trade at well-loved restaurants and gastropubs including St John, Great Queen Street, The Canton Arms and Moro. James is hands-on at the pub, overseeing the relaxed yet lively atmosphere, friendly service and sophisticated food and drink. The kitchen is led by head chef, Andrew Taylor-Gray, who has previously worked at Petersham Nurseries, Hix and The Canton Arms.

The Royal has been included in the Michelin Guide since February 2020 with Bib Gourmand status, which we have maintained ever since.

A welcoming gastropub for locals and visitors alike in St. Leonards-On-Sea and Hastings, low-key and down-to-earth, The Royal occupies an historic corner site right opposite St. Leonards Warrior Square station.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Location
    1 St Johns Rd, Saint Leonards-on-sea, East Sussex TN37 6HP
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2024
  • Phone number
    01424 547797
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Gastro Pub, British, Modern European
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Tue–Sat 12:00–14:30 Sun 12:00–15:45 Bar Mon 16:00–22:00 Tue–Sat 12:00–22:30 Sun 12:00–17:30 Dinner Mon–Thu 17:45–20:00 Fri, Sat 17:45–21:00
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment Options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Andrew Taylor Gray

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 87 people are saying

The Royal reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Energetic

Diners' Choice Awards

  • East Sussex

    Best Service

  • East Sussex

    Best Ambience

  • East Sussex

    Best Value

  • East Sussex

    Good for business meals

  • East Sussex

    Neighbourhood gem

  • East Sussex

    Great for fine wines

  • East Sussex

    Lively

  • East Sussex

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Royal offers "outstanding food" and "impeccable service" with a "cosy and stylish" atmosphere. Known for its "interesting and beautifully cooked" menu, it features locally-sourced ingredients with British, French, and Italian influences. Guests praise the "fantastic value" and "friendly staff," making it a "great night out."

87 Reviews

  1. Jenny VIP

    Brighton7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Enjoyed an excellent roast! Service was exceptional and we loved the vibe in this restaurant! Would recommend!

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  2. Kay VIP

    London32 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Lovely food and friendly service, but slightly rushed as our table was needed after an hour and 15 minutes. Would have like to have relaxed and enjoyed for a bit longer.

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  3. Adrienne

    East Sussex1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Really delicious food, perfectly prepared. The midweek offer is very good value. The staff are friendly and helpful without being obtrusive. Lovely decor with quality art work.

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  4. Anna

    Cornwall2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Faultless, consistent,,exceptional value beutiful ambience,,,look forward to the next time..

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  5. Annabelle

    West Sussex1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 8 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place and atmosphere. Superb food and service.

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  6. Richard

    London15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 5 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent friendly service. Good short concise menu with a varied set of choices. Excellent medium priced wine list. We enjoyed the food very much. Reasonable price and therefore good value.

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  7. Kate

    Kent11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 28 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We have eaten here many times in the past. On our last visit we had a disappointing meal when the fish was very overcooked and tasteless, however, we were delighted to find that standards are back to the high level they always were. The food was excellent and the service friendly and efficient. It was very busy and hence quite noisy (the waiter misheard my order) and it was at times difficult to hear what my partner was saying and personally I find the decor a bit on the dark side, but overall a great, good value night out.

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  8. Gary

    East Sussex2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 25 February 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    A bit cold ands draughty under the rear window but otherwise excellent.

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  9. Paul

    East Sussex2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 23 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent Sunday lunch, tender meat, perfectly cooked. Lovely atmosphere.

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  10. Amelia

    London2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 22 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great pub with excellent food. Will be back next time we are in st leonards

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FAQs

The Royal is rated 4.7 stars by 87 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 9 times today
Google Map for The Royal

1 St Johns Rd, Saint Leonards-on-sea, East Sussex TN37 6HP

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2024
  • Phone number
    01424 547797
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Gastro Pub, British, Modern European
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Tue–Sat 12:00–14:30 Sun 12:00–15:45 Bar Mon 16:00–22:00 Tue–Sat 12:00–22:30 Sun 12:00–17:30 Dinner Mon–Thu 17:45–20:00 Fri, Sat 17:45–21:00
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment Options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Andrew Taylor Gray
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