Located in the centre of the charming seaside resort of St Leonards-on-Sea, The Royal is a traditional pub and restaurant offering both an interesting yet unfussy food menu, and a down-to-earth atmosphere to come and relax. Set up by co-owners Sam Coxhead and James Hickson, who have in the past worked at renowned restaurants including St John and Moro, The Royal aims to be a welcoming spot for both visitors and locals alike.
The Royal is based in a historic building on the corner of two streets, which was orginally a hotel in the 1860s. The painted blue facade contrasts with the red brick above to give the place a classic pubby feel from the outside, while the inside looks a little more contemporary. Plenty of light floods in from the spacious pub's large windows and pendant lights hang from above; the muted green walls play host to a number of prints, and the odd bit of brickwork has been left exposed.
The pub's ever-changing food menu showcases local produce in an uncomplicated manner. Starters range from classics such as French onion soup with cheese and croutons to black figs served with ricotta and salted peanuts. Hearty main dishes on offer might include peppered venison served with celeriac and spiced red cabbage, and roasted hake with coco beans, pepper and chorizo; while for those looking for something a little less serious, there is also a selection of sandwiches available. There is also a separate menu for Sunday lunch featuring various different roast options.
A decent wine list accompanies the food offering, with a variety of options available both by the bottle and glass. The well-stocked bar has a number of beers on draught as well as an extensive range of spirits and soft drinks, making The Royal just as much of a destination for drinkers as for foodies.