The Royal, St Leonards

The Royal opened in mid-October 2019 and since then has earned and maintained its place in the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand status to boot. We are a welcoming, low-key and down-to-earth gastropub, occupying an historic corner site right opposite Warrior Square station. 

Booking is highly recommended, however, our bar is always open on a first-come basis for drinks and walk in diners. We serve draft beers, real ales, decent wines and simple but elevated pub cooking using seasonal produce. 

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 pub dates back to the 1860s, when it opened as an hotel; in its new incarnation, we serve locals for drinks, and people from all over the Hastings and St Leonards area, out of town and further afield for interesting, unfussy seasonal food.