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

The Royal

4.7
4.7
92 Reviews
£25 and under
Gastro Pub

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 13 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

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • 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
  • Phone number
    01424 547797
  • Website
    https://theroyalstleonards.co.uk/
  • Payment Options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Andrew Taylor Gray
  • Location
    1 St Johns Rd, Saint Leonards-on-sea, East Sussex TN37 6HP
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2024
  • Area
    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

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 92 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

Loved For

  • 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 an exceptional dining experience with consistently "excellent food" and "friendly service." Guests laud the "wonderful atmosphere" and diverse menu, featuring standout dishes like roast and goat pie. The restaurant is praised for its "great value," "attentive staff," and cozy pub vibe. A must-visit for quality British cuisine!
92 Reviews

  1. William

    London3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Royal is consistently good, it's a treat to eat there, so for special occasions, but we have not been let down.

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  2. Kate

    Kent12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Ad always great food and service. The smoked duck breast and rimoulade were delicious and the lamb rump beautifully pink. Friendly and efficient service if a slightly long wait between starter and main but it was very busy. One of our favourite places to eat in St Leonards.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Joan

    East Sussex1 review

    4.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Very good food at reasonable price. Excellent service even though very busy.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Aaron

    East Sussex1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 23 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent experience as always. Food fantastic and the service was great as always.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Michelle

    London2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 17 March 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Celebrating a birthday, The food was very good, the lamb dish was very tasty and they provide good portions. The food here is always excellent and tasty. Service is consistent and attentive. Highly recommend

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  6. Jenny VIP

    Brighton7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 16 March 2025

    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!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Kay VIP

    London32 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 16 March 2025

    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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  8. Adrienne

    East Sussex1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 12 March 2025

    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.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Anna

    Cornwall2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 11 March 2025

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

    Is this helpful?

  10. 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.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Royal is rated 4.7 stars by 92 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 13 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
  • Area
    St Leonards-On-Sea
  • 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
  • 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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