This is the only real pub on Preston Street, and so a very good choice to meet friends before going for a meal in one of the numerous restaurants here, or to retire to after for a quick drink to help the digestion. They have a good choice of drinks, and drinks offers - in particular, try their flavoured shots menu. The place has also been spruced up a little in recent years, and while it used to have a slightly grubby, sleazy atmosphere, it is now quite clean and modern. I prefer the outside to the inside however, and the garden is bigger than you might expect for somewhere so central. It has a lovely red paved floor, with wooden furniture and a slightly Mediterranean feel. read more

Royal Sovereign - Pubs Near Me - Brighton, BNH

I had such a good time in this pub the other night, honestly, I wished it stayed open longer. There was mainly older people in there, but a few my age as well. The drinks were yummy, but the night I went they had these two DJ's just killing it with the sounds. One was named Big AL. Awesome guy, music to dance to all night long, and pretty cosy too. They aren't there all the time so I am curious to go when its just pub music. :) read more

Fantastic. The food at lunch time, the selection of beers, the bookable room for get togethers and the garden. I've been here for two special occasions and found it great for both of them. So that bookable room... Well, at night a large chunk of the place is given over to parties and such if you want to make use of it, and we used it to say goodbye to our friend Helen who was disappearing to the US for a year. During the day, its extra seating for diners. And let me say... the food is phenomenal. Considering the Sovereign is on a road of restaurants, its bloody impressive when a pub manages to not only compete, but arguably beat them all. You won't be getting any cheap meals (which upset me initially) and will probably spend 9-11 squid depending on your taste. When ordering, we over heard that the chef was award winning in some respect, but thought nothing of it, instead choosing to sip our pints of doom bar and hop head (both delicious rarities) and chat. When the food arrived, it looked sensational, and tasted even better... Unless you have some kind of gravy, the food arrives on a chopping board (which seems random) and everything is eperated in its own little pots, jars, bowls and mini plates. I had pollack fish cakes, and my tarta sauce arrived in gorgeous glass jar with an oldskool metal vaccum sealing lid... It felt special to say the least, and was more than worth a 5 minute wait. Between us, we had around half the menu, and everything had its own unique spin on a traditional meal, meaning that the set in their ways would be satisfied, along with the more extravagant and thrill seeking eaters. There was a whole host of pizzas on the menu too, but we fancied some traditional pub-y food, so I can't comment on them, but I do suspect they'll be equally amazing. I'll be going back on Sunday as whenever you order a round, you flip a coin and - I f you call it right - you get an extra free round of drinks, so I may be getting a pizza then to see what I've been missing out on. I like it alot here, but it took me a while to stop feeling that it was trying (and failing) to be trendy. Now I think its just trying to be its own pub, and from the fun design of spaces, to the decor and the staff... I'm sold. One of my pubs anywhere, not just in Brighton. read more

Royal Sovereign - Great place... Great food... - Pubs Near Me - Brighton, BNH

From the outside this place doesn't look like it would be anything special, however, with a rather special kitchen and a surprisingly well-designed interior it certainly makes overzealous detractors eat their words along with some fine food. Whilst the Royal Sovereign's pizzas are decent it is in their Sunday roast department that the awards will be won. Every week they offer a choice of five dishes including fish and vegetarian options. Pints are priced around the £3 mark and include a few nice ales making the place equally good as a local boozer. It may not reach gastro-pub standards but it certainly competes with anything in the vicinity. read more

Royal Sovereign - Pubs Near Me - Brighton, BNH

Would not return due to one barmaid Visited yesterday evening to get together with the family, who we all haven't seen together in a long time and thought coming to the pub would be a good local meeting place. However one rude barmaid (short haired brunette no glasses black T-shirt and blue jeans, unfortunately did not get her name) was extremely rudeness to all that brought drinks within our group of 14. She was constantly asking for ID even though we had been checked ok the door by the wonderful door lady. I understand that the bar needs to check to ensure that all are over age at the public house. However the way I which she want about it felt like we were under investigation by the police each time we ordered a round asking each drink orders who this was for and then asking them to come to the bar to show ID. She also mentions check 25 was easily visible behind the bar for all to see however after spending over 4 hours at the pub the poster was not visible for all to see. Yes it was on the lanyard however she had to turn hers around each time to check out ID to show this. Her attitude was poor and disrespectful to all that she served. We will not return whilst she is there...I will check with tradings standards and also the local council about whether they can enforce such a policy without making it visible within this their establishment. All other barman and women apologised for her behaviour as we were served so clearly they are aware of it. Shame as the rest of the evening was wonderful apart from this bar lady. Will not be returning...... read more

The Royal Sovereign can be found right int he centre of Brighton, slightly hidden behind Churchill Square. It's a large old pub that looks like a converted town house. It has quite a modern interior decor with deep red walls and pine wood features. They also have a wicked little outside garden bit which is a right little suntrap in the summer months. They offer delicious Sunday roasts as well as live music nights and Monday poker nights. They also have a function that you can hire (for free!) read more

I do like it here- happens to be the closest pub to me as well and have always found a seat (bar x-mas period) had a mix meal experience once wasn't good at all the other was so amazing i forgave the last- so we all have god and bad days! staff are always lovely and the fire is a huge bonus :) read more

If you like a 16 hour slow-roast pork for your Sunday lunch, then this is the best place to go in Brighton. Just make sure you get there before about half three because they are very popular. The staff are all gorgeous and friendly and always busy, offering a great service. They've got a lovely beer garden and inside are nice big thick, oakish looking tables to enjoy a nice pint and relax with your newspaper, book or laptop (free wireless, folks). Not only are they famous for their roasts but they also put on funky DJ sets on the weekends. And don't forget Monday night is poker night if you want to make some new friends or just pick up some tips. read more

There aren't many pubs on Preston Street (must be one of the only streets in Brighton where this is the case!), and if you're not after sushi, curry or pizza this is a fantastic place to get a hearty meal and a pint. The pub is very well laid out, with bigger and smaller tables, as well as an area for private function hire. The decor combines traditional pub features i.e big wooden tables, dim lighting, with modern art and photography throughout. Overall, it's a very homely place. The food here is generally good, but what really stands out (and the one thing everyone wants to know about their local pub) are the Sunday roasts. Large portions of fresh veg, gravy, Yorkshires, and either lamb, beef or pork, or two veggie options (the hummus pie may sound strange, but it's actually delicious) are well worth the £8-9, and have been noted by the local press as being some of the best roasts in B-Town, and that's saying something. The warm desserts are also to die for - sticky toffee or steamed chocolate pudding are exactly what you need on these chilly Autumn nights! The pub also plays host to the infamous 'Coin Toss Sunday', a game which allows punters to go head to head with the bar staff in a coin flip in order to win their next round for free. Good fun if you don't have to work the next day, dangerous if you do!. Being tucked away from rowdy Western Road, this pub is great for weekend boozing, and get in early for the roasts, they're not to be missed! read more

Allow me to say first that, as an American, Sunday roasts are a fairly new thing to me. Please don't discredit me yet! This review is based solely on the two roasts I've had at the Royal Sov, and they both have been fantastic. I've had similar roasts elsewhere, but the roasts here are a cut above because of the high quality of organic veg, crisp-on-the-outside-creamy-on-the-inside Yorkshire puddings and melt-in-your-mouth tender meats they use. I've gotten the ginger-honey roast chicken and the vegbox pie roasts, and the others with me got the beef and the pork roast. The vegbox pie is actually delicious, and has left me craving another. It's a hand-pie with a flaky crust and lovely veg inside, flavoured with hummus. I know, I know, it sounds a bit weird in the context of a roast, but trust me, everything works out in the end, and what you get is pure roasty, flaky, vegetarian fatty's delight. The chicken is also really good, with white meat that's not the least bit dry, and a nice crispy, glazed skin. My pork-eating companions raved about the tender pork belly that you could cut with a spoon, and seriously you guys, order the bowl of Yorkshire puddings to share, with extra gravy. You won't regret it! (until you have to walk home, that is) read more

As a central Brighton pub I would almost go so far to say that the Royal Sovereign has it all. The building itself elegantly combines Brighton's love of trendy retro chic with a spacious layout that incorporates a beer garden/patio, a restaurant space and a well laid out bar. Their selection of ales was right on the money for me as they had my three favourite ales (the Sharps Doombar had travelled well too which is rare) and the food was quite simply flawless. I made the mistake of going there on a Sunday afternoon. I say mistake, but that is purely because my day had not been planned in a way that factored in the chance to fully indulge the delights available here. Well that and it was rammed. The reason for this was simply that The Royal Sovereign does a strong trade in well thought out and totally delicious Sunday roasts. Indeed the only area that I would say the Royal Sovereign was found to be lacking was the bar service. It goes without saying that in a busy central Brighton pub you might expect things to be fast paced but having waited patiently for service at the bar the reception I received would probably have been more personal if there had been an ale dispensing vending machine. Still as a place to go for a Sunday treat without having to leave town you could definitely do worse than a trip to the Royal Sovereign. read more

Preston Street may not seem like the best street to go in search of a Sunday Roast, however, The Royal Sovereign does some of the finest roasts available in the area. While its exterior might suggest 'traditional patriotic boozer' the interior shows a surprising eye for style, as the atmosphere is nicely balanced between cosy and clean. With pints priced at about £3 it's equally great as a place to relax with a pint. They also serve a few nice ales along with other foodie things. Certainly worth a try. read more

This pub is cute and charming with a lovely outside area. There is a good selection of food and what we ordered was very tasty, although the sweet potato wedges were a bit undercooked. Friendly attentive staff who seemed genuinely concerned with our comfort. read more

Another great traditional pub in brighton. Pub is almost divided into three areas and there is pleanty of seating. Really nice courtyard for those rare sunny days. Always has a great laid back atmosphere - especially on a Sunday where there are piles of newspapers available for you to read. Wide range of beers and wine available. Have never eaten in there - but from what I have seen the food looks great (and don't doubt it tastes so too !) read more

A lot of pub that are as ridiculously central as the Royal Sovereign are terrible dives that stay busy because of their location...luckily this pub sets the standard. It's a very traditional pub layout with modern features and decor. They serve amazing Sunday Roasts and have a varied modern European the rest of the week. Its easily beats anything else in the area so its a winner of your shopping a gasping for a bev. read more

Although I was dubious about wandering in to a pub on the neon-sign covered Preston Street especially one that brought to mind images of the short mouthy Lady from Celebrity Big Brother I was more than pleasantly surprised by The Royal Sovereign. There's always a great vibe and it's the perfect spot for a mellow Sunday roast. I'd actually go so far as to say it's the best roast in Brighton and if you're thinking of giving it a try then I highly recommend the pork belly top notch crackling and loads of great veggies. Food throughout the week is of a really high standard too. I received a bounty of sausages with a mountain of mash and gravy not long ago and it was ruddy divine. Topped the lot off with a cheeky deep fried snickers bar for desert. In winter there's a toasty fire and in summer you can enjoy the decking outside. If you can handle it there's a coin-flip on Sunday nights with the chance to win your round again for free and it's ruined my Monday morning too many times. It can get really busy, particularly for Sunday roasts so it's worth getting there early. read more

This is a great pub that welcomes dogs. Great prices and great food. We went on a steak night and had a wonderfully testing rump steak, the only problem was despite how tasty the steak was it was the toughest steak I have ever had and my sisters was the same. Hence the 4 stars read more

Went with my Love, mum and aunties -in-laws, and enjoyed every bite and every min. lovely pub, nice ambience so will go there again very very soon tummy rumble read more

I visited the Royal Sovereign last night (a Wednesday) and ordered a half of Harveys Best for me and a half of Dark Star Hophead for my girlfriend. The Harveys was below average but served at the correct temperature and the Hophead was lukewarm and therefore undrinkable. When I informed the bar staff (two twentysomethings, male and female) of this and after a five minute wait, their first reaction was for both of them dip a straw into the beer, taste it and declare that it was ok to them. They then told me that it came from the same refrigeration unit as the Harveys, and proceeded to decant the beer into another glass (!) which had had some ice in it for a minute. Needless to say that this didn't help and I had to return once more to the bar whereupon they begrudgingly served me another half. Any decent pub with properly trained bar staff would never dare to question a customer in such a patronising way and would replace the beer without hesitation and offer an apology. It goes without saying that this is absurd behaviour and the only logical conclusion is that they expect paying customers to put up with any old rubbish, and are not above ganging up on customers in order to avoid giving a replacement half. I would also like to add that there was a manky piece of carrot on my table, which rounded off my Royal Sovereign "experience" nicely. Why anyone would visit such an appalling pub (I went to meet some friends who were already there) when Brighton is stuffed full of many far more inviting places is beyond me; I shall never set foot in this place again and I strongly recommend that you do likewise. read more

We visited the pub for sunday lunch after hearing postive reviews about their food. However we were greeted with rude bar staff who made us feel very unwelcome and an hour half wait for food which was luke warm and frankly way over priced for what was a very average meal. (Also had to ask where our meal was) Wouldn't reccomend anyone to visit and certainly wont be going again. read more