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

The Royal

4.7
4.7
75 Reviews
£26 to £40
Gastro Pub

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 7 times today
  • 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
    £26 to £40
  • Cuisines
    Gastro Pub, British, Modern European
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Bar Mon–Thu 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 3:00 pm–11:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:45 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:45 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    01424 547797
  • Website
    https://theroyalstleonards.co.uk/
  • Payment options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Andrew Taylor Gray

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 75 people are saying

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
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

  • East Sussex

    Best Overall

  • East Sussex

    Best Food

  • East Sussex

    Best Service

  • East Sussex

    Best Ambiance

  • East Sussex

    Best Value

  • East Sussex

    Good for business meals

  • East Sussex

    Neighborhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Royal is a delightful spot offering "fantastic food" and a "cozy atmosphere" with attentive and professional staff. Its creative menu and "superb" Sunday roast make it a standout choice, and the fixed-price menu offers "outstanding value." Enjoy a warm pub vibe with a modern twist, perfect for any occasion.

75 Reviews

  1. Stephen

    East Sussex

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great service, great food and great value. What is more, close to the station for car free access

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  2. Ellie

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such an amazing roast, honestly one of the best roasts I’ve had. Also the goat pie was amazing and the crispiest roasts potatoes ever! So good! Our waitress was so lovely and attentive. The ‘manager looking man’ was so rude to us but didn’t deter from the amazing service from our waitress x

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  3. JaniceO

    New York City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious Sunday lunch, served promptly and hot, all the trimmings and great wine selection too. Great atmosphere with wood burner going and relaxed chatter. Service was also great, very appreciated. Will definitely return and highly recommend.

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  4. Kay

    VIP

    London

    30 reviews

    4.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on February 1, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Delicious food and efficient, friendly service. Been here for drinks a few times but never had chance to dine. Will definitely return.

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  5. TastebudQueen

    London

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic restaurant, lovely setting right next to the station. Very friendly and helpful team. Cosy atmosphere. We did find the lunch menu somewhat. limited in choice, However the food we both had was delicious. We didn’t have any drinks on this occasion as we were both driving. Lovely to have it open at lunchtime.

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  6. Emma

    VIP

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Really interesting and delicious food in a warm and inviting dining room. Great selection of wines too. We'll be back for sure.

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  7. Nick

    East Sussex

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Staff really made the experience as they were extremely professional and polite.

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  8. Ally

    London

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The Manzo di Pozza, daal and fried polenta were really good but the lamb neck was tough and I didn't love the Malbec. Would definitely visit again though. Nice atmosphere for low key NYE. Thanks to the staff.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 29, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Just lovely. Made us very welcome. Superb food. Great for dogs too.

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  10. Gary

    East Sussex

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 27, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    A very imaginative menu in comfortable surrounding with attentive service

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Royal is rated 4.7 stars by 75 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 7 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 Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Bar Mon–Thu 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 3:00 pm–11:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:45 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:45 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    £26 to £40
  • Cuisines
    Gastro Pub, British, Modern European
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Andrew Taylor Gray
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Gluten-free Options, Vegan, Wine
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