The Royal is a new local for St Leonards, welcoming, low-key and down-to-earth, occupying an historic corner site right opposite Warrior Square station.

We opened in mid October 2019, serving draft beers and real ales, decent wines and classic gastropub food.

The pub dates back to the 1860s, when it opened as an hotel; in its new incarnation, we hope to attract 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.

Our menu will change often and feature local produce. Starters/small plates might include griddled squid with chilli and lemon; pig’s head croquettes with piccalilli; or roast beetroot, carrots and goat’s curd. Mains will range from wild mushroom and spinach pithivier to salt marsh lamb with sprouting broccoli and anchoïade, or pot-roast shin of beef and risotto Milanese for two to share. You can drink crémant de Limoux sparkling wine from £6 a glass, kicking off an unpretentious wine list culminating with Chateauneuf du Pape or white Bordeaux from Pessac-Léognan.

The co-owners, James Hickson and Sam Coxhead both share a solid background at well-loved restaurants and gastropubs including St John, Great Queen Street, The Canton Arms and Moro. They are hands-on at the pub, overseeing the relaxed yet lively atmosphere, friendly service and sophisticated food and drink.