please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Nothing has changed in the last year. Rip off joint, unhygienic, bored staff. Needs total makeover/new staff/toilets. Still more expensive than the Grand Hotel!
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Nothing positive! Expensive, bored staff and low hygiene standards. Better standards up the street.
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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.
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The cost of a double spirit and mixer was quoted at �6+ in this pub - by the last poster, but one; this is incorrect as the cost is well over �6 for a double spirit - with a dash. If a mixer was required, the price exceeds �7 - about �2 more than the Grand Hotel !!!
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'Something funny going on' says robamy. Well, as the last poster says, the prices ain't funny, m8.
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No, not dodgy. The RS is nothing special; its barely adequate. But it does stand out on price. A double spirit and mixer is over �6 - more than the Grand Hotel. On Preston Street alone, there are many better and cheaper pubs.
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As a complete neutral there is definitely something funny going on with these posts. Most people would be happy to have their say and leave it, but when arguements are breaking out it's time to relax and just stop going there if you don't like it. My opinion, decent smart pub with a good selection of drinks and good food. Didn't notice anything massively out of the ordinary with regards to prices and its always packed when I go so why the polarised opinion? Dodgy posts I say.
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Still, the most expensive pub in the area - and very mediocre.
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I stand by my review of this pub, so there were three negative posts in a short space of time? not my fault, its a well known fact that customers complain more than they compliment. The bad experience lead me to leave my views, maybe the pub in question had a bad weekend? All I know is I wont be going back. So many pubs to choose from in Brighton, and I don't ever have to visit this one again, and I will make sure other people know its not a good place, it's my opinion, and I'm entitled to it.
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No complaints whatsoever - says douvres. OK, but what about prices? Its the dearest in the area.
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reading the last few reports there seems to be an agenda of sorts Not sure what is going on but this is my take on it. Came here recently after going into the Regency Tavern and realised that they no longer sell Leffe Blond. The Dark Star Hophead was as it should be ie, very good. Sat by the fire and enjoyed a relaxed hour. Staff knew their stuff and were fine. No complaints whatsoever. A well run pub from what I saw.
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The Harveys is acceptable - but that is all. Hygiene and staffing standards are very low, whilst prices are high. Much better places nearby. The reason for this sad state of affairs is simply a lack of interest; texting barmen tell a tale.
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The last poster must be the governor's mate; his bias is so blatant when you compare his comment to others. The RS is one of Brighton's most expensive pubs - most of us local chaps frequent better, cheaper and cleaner hostelries around the Preston Street area.
barney's points are particularly accurate and another poster's comment that the Grand Hotel is cheaper is true, amazingly. Yes, the fire and Harveys are good - but there is little else in favour; at least until the place is cleaned up and prices fall in line with the strong competition, we shall continue to pass by.
As for the three posts in an hour, it sound like some chaps who made the mistake of entering - and will not be returning!
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No posts for a coupla years, then 3 in an hour? Sounds a bit fishy to me......I regularly frequent the sovereign, i drink the harveys, its very fine indeed. Wouldnt know about the doubles as i dont drink doubles. As for it being run down....you sure youve got the right pub, its lovely, the seating near the real fire is a must on a cold wintery day, and as for comparing it to the chequers, you must be mad, they appeal to different people, i drink in the sovereign for that exact reason. And as for poor food...huh? The roasts are great, you can buy them cheaper elswhere but i reckon that extra quid is worth it........so from a "local", its a good pub.......
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I felt the place needed a good clean, sticky tables, dirty windows. Expensive drinks, average tasting beer, below average food. Staff I thought were lifeless, the man I can only assume was the boss was unfriendly and seemed far to busy texting on his phone. Far better places to go.
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Us locals know the Sovereign as a place to avoid because of price and poorly kept beer; the vodka mentioned is sold there at �2.40 for a 25ml measure! There's nowhere dearer in Brighton. And, the place is run down.
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Yes - one of Brighton's most expensive and mediocre outets. The last poster is correct on the prices quoted - and, in fact, a double V & O at the world famous Grand Hotel down the road is only �5.20. But the RS continues to rip off locals and tourists alike...
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Double vodka and orange here is �6.10. The exact same drink at the Chequers across the road (a much better pub) is �3.50. We will not be returning.
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this is to pubmeister2,
i work at the royal sovereign and i can vouch for the fact that the lines are cleaned every 7 days, the stocktakes and taste/quality of beer will confirm this, as for the sunday roast, our Butcher is Auckland (local) and our veg supplier is Mears (local). All food is cooked to order, except our 16 hour slow roast pork, which surprisingly is cooked for about 16 hours. As for Brake bros or 3663, we actually use turners for our dry goods because we find the quality to be better. Oh.....and its �7.95 for a roast and not �8.95. Our menu includes local venison, english sirloin and 2 veggie options amongst the usual chicken, pork, lamb etc etc.......for �7.95....i think thats a pretty good deal to be honest, the stock is made by boiling beef/lamb bones for over 5 hours using a bouillon vegetable base and our yorkies are homemade. It seems your review is inaccurate and misguided. Sounds like a competitor having a pop to me. Anyway thats my rant over, i work very very hard for the sovereign and thought it should be said. our facebook site and the reviews on this site speak volumes.
anonymous - 14 Nov 2007 19:00 |
Good location, but beer pump lines left a lot to be desired. Bit manky to say the least. Good menu, good variety but Sunday roast tasted like it came out of a tin. Reminded me of brake brothers or 3663 stylee frozen cooking AND at �8.95. come on guys at the sovie, Brighton deserves better after a hard weekend.
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plenty of character, friendly staff, good beer
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Quite a good pub overall, but a bit on the pricey side.
anonymous - 26 Jul 2007 11:30 |
I would like to appologise to the stag party a few weeks ago when my mate frosty after approximately 5 pints of kronenbourg 1664 decided to do some sideways dancing, also to the landlord of the princess victoria i would like to appologise for my mate moley eating a sausage roll off the floor and chundering.
anonymous - 21 Jun 2007 22:00 |
Have heard rave reviews - including someone saying Fat Boy Slim was DJing there .... she may have had too many g&ts though ;-)
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Like others found this on a weekend in Brighton - superb music by fantastic dj - great atmosphere - no edge considering it was packed - will definitely return
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Excellent pub, fantastic food, especially the pork belly. Good service. Well worth visiting
anonymous - 3 Jan 2007 17:47 |
A great proper pub with plenty of choice. The refit has really made this pub worth a visit.
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What a transformation, well done to the new owners. This pub is ACE, excellent food at a really reasonable price, it is smashing there now, a real local right in town. ACE!
anonymous - 19 Oct 2006 21:03 |
went to a secret gig on wed night, "the upper room" who supported the who at hyde park. It was wicked, what an awesome boozer and what a crackin thing to do.
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just what the town centre needs, a proper pub run by real people.Great food and a cracking wine list
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Hurrah....finally we've got a proper local in Brighton...and one that boasts a fantastic and very reasonable tasty range of food AND a patio garden AND a central location in the city centre!
On the food front, there's light bites (olives, chips 'n' cheese and stuff), Sandwiches (only �3.95 and also includes salad & chips with a massive choice of really scrummy fillings including hummous & roasted peppers, steak with chutney etc) or bigger meals and roast dinners including veggie available.
The furnishings are comfortable red velvet (like all pubs should have!) and there's lots of seating. The patio is south facing so a great place to hang out in the summer. There's so many bars and pubs in brighton, but if you're looking for a genuinely friendly place to relax, socialise, have a few sneaky half's or tuck into the delectable menu....this is the place to be!
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Great pub. Under new management, reccommend it, good food, great beer, friendly staff.
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WHAT A GREAT PUB!!
GOOD FOOD, GOOD SERVICE AND GREAT ENTERTAINMENT.
VERY CLOSE TO BRIGHTON CENTRE AND A GREAT PLACE TO SPEND YOUR NIGHT WITH FRIENDS..
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went to brighton for the weekend and discovered this lovely pub.Was very busy which was a good sign but served super fast from a very professional team.Beer was superb which makes a refreshing change and top class grub.Fully recommended and will certainly go again when im in Brighton
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I used to visit this pub years ago, but drifted away, but recently I went back for the 1st time in years as I heard it was under new management and had had a refit and was surprised at the change - for the better and the food menu is fab and all locally sourced.
I will certainly be drinking in this pub more often, in fact I think it will become my local!!!!
anonymous - 11 Jul 2006 14:20 |
a very nice pub under new ownership. Found the outside garden brilliant in the sun, and the range of beers and food made the afternoon pass quickly!
That's not even mentioning the staff, who were great.
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This pub is excellent!! It has just been reopened after a refit and is under new management. The place looks superb and the food is fantastic. The staff are particularly friendly and good looking and the manager is very accomodating. My only gripe is that is was a bit busy when i visited, although i didnt have to wait long to be served. About time we had a great pub in this area.
anonymous - 30 May 2006 11:02 |
Located off the main shopping thoroughfare, Western Road, in a Street lined with restaurants offering all kinds of cuisine. Begin or end (or both) your Chinese/Indian/Greek/Mexican/Turkish/Cypriot/
Aberdeen Steak House (delete as necessary) meal experience with a few pints at the 2004 GBG listed Royal Sovereign. It�s hard to miss its smart blue, black and white frontage with bow windows. Inside it can get busy and very convivial (no children are allowed, but the middle-aged clientele of both sexes are particularly raucous this Saturday, and it�s still only lunchtime). To the left is the smart, recently and tastefully renovated lounge bar with 1930s-style wood panelling, comfortable sofas, and green patterned carpet with upholstered chairs to match. There is also an open fireplace, old photos of Brighton on the walls, and a TV in the corner tuned to Sky Sports with the volume on mute. This bar leads out onto a beer garden at the back. Beers on offer are Morland Old Speckled Hen, Harveys Best Bitter and Harveys Knots of May Light Mild. My pint of the mild (�2.30) is in tip-top condition. To the right of the main entrance and on a lower level is the pub�s new H20 cocktail bar: very smart, chrome and modernistic, with two TV screens but no real ale.
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