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

The Royal

4.7 (113)
£25 and under
Gastro Pub
1 St Johns Rd, Saint Leonards-on-sea, East Sussex TN37 6HP

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 9 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood 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

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Gastro Pub, British, Modern European
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Tue–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Sun 12:00 pm–3:45 pm Bar Mon 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Tue–Sat 12:00 pm–10:30 pm Sun 12:00 pm–5:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:45 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:45 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Andrew Taylor Gray
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2024
  • Neighborhood
    St Leonards-On-Sea
  • Parking details
    None
  • Public transit
    Directly opposite St Leonards Warrior Square train station
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 113 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
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • East Sussex

    Best Food

  • East Sussex

    Best Service

  • East Sussex

    Best Value

  • East Sussex

    Hot spot

  • East Sussex

    Neighborhood 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 "absolutely great food" with creative twists on traditional dishes. Guests commend the "top-notch" quality and "attentive and friendly service." Known for "superb fresh local" menus and a "welcoming atmosphere," the restaurant is hailed for its "excellent value" and "imaginative menu." Highly recommended for special occasions.
113 Reviews
  1. Annette

    Brighton4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent Sunday roast. Excellent service and value !

    Is this helpful?

  2. Michael

    London2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 24, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We’re regulars. The food is always top-notch and the service is professional and friendly. We ordered the pie, and in fairness it took a while to arrive. But if you’re eating food of this quality, the meal should be the main event. Set aside enough time to really enjoy and appreciate it.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Lee

    East Sussex1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Absolutely great food and interesting twist on wholesome dishes (in a really good way)

    Is this helpful?

  4. Philippa

    London2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Royal was great, James S was excellent at sorting out menu choices for one of our party who had dietary restrictions. Lovely food and attentive and friendly service. Have been before and will definitely be going again. Highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Stephen

    East Sussex3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We were late for lunch (2 pm) though had booked for that time, but service was very attentive. My wife because of illness, could not eat one of the vegetables, was given an alternative: super service.We were not rushed and each course was very much to our liking. Great place to eat. Thank you the Royal

    Is this helpful?

  6. Stephen

    London7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Nice proper pub but with a dinning area serving great food and wine. Plus knowledgeable friendly staff. What more do you need.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Katie

    Kent10 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 14, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    The food is always delicious here with some different choices from everywhere else. Great place to visit as a foodie.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Gary

    London20 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 4, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Enjoyable food, good service at reasonable prices.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Andrew

    London4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As always an excellent experience, friendly manner, superb fresh local menu. Easy. We will return.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Eric

    Brighton1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food and service was good especially as it was extremely busy. Would certainly recommend the Royal to others.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Royal is rated 4.7 stars by 113 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United Kingdom
  3. East Sussex
  4. St Leonards-On-Sea
  5. St Leonards-On-Sea

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
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
  • Neighborhood
    St Leonards-On-Sea
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Tue–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Sun 12:00 pm–3:45 pm Bar Mon 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Tue–Sat 12:00 pm–10:30 pm Sun 12:00 pm–5:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:45 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:45 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Gastro Pub, British, Modern European
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    None
  • Public transit
    Directly opposite St Leonards Warrior Square train station
  • Payment options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Andrew Taylor Gray
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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