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

The Royal

4.6
4.6
58 Reviews
£26 to £40
Gastro Pub

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 15 times today
  • 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
    £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 58 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

  • East Sussex

    Best Service

  • East Sussex

    Innovative

  • East Sussex

    Good for groups

  • East Sussex

    Healthy

  • East Sussex

    Neighbourhood gem

  • East Sussex

    Great for fine wines

  • East Sussex

    Vegetarian-friendly

  • East Sussex

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Royal offers a delightful dining experience with "outstanding food" and "really great service." Guests enjoy the cozy pub atmosphere, creative dishes, and competitive pricing. The prix fixe menu is a particular highlight, offering "excellent value" and quality. Ideal for both locals and visitors, The Royal promises a memorable meal.

58 Reviews

  1. Emily

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always lovely to eat at The Royal. Great food, service and ambience.

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  2. Judy

    London

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious roast & fab gravy! Lovely staff & great atmosphere

    Is this helpful?

  3. Claire

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food, wine, service and ambience was all superb. Highly recommend.

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  4. Elisabeth

    London

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 14 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    My friend and I had the pie for two and it was excellent, a great use of chestnuts on the filling. The service was relaxed but efficient and, once again, the whole experience was wonderful. The prix fixe dinners are incredibly good value.

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  5. Nancy

    Sydney

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 14 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food is delicious and with their fixed menu prices, makes it is very reasonable. Lovely staff, cozy pub vibe.

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  6. Ed

    London

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 13 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such great value and always well cooked. A reliable place to have modern British food, more reliable than London in many ways.

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  7. Peter

    East Sussex

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 3 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a lovely Sunday roast. The beef was delicious

    Is this helpful?

  8. Craig

    East Sussex

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner. Would recommend this place if you like good food in a friendly atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Tony

    East Sussex

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 27 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Superb Sunday roast. One of the best. Lovely pub atmosphere. Very friendly.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Emma

    London

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 26 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely food and attentive staff. Had the pie for two which was delicious

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Royal is rated 4.6 stars by 58 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 15 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 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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