The Royal Standard on Queen’s Road Closes After Decades of Serving Brighton

Brighton’s Queen’s Road has seen another change in its landscape as The Royal Standard, one of the area’s long-standing pubs, closes its doors. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, hearty food, and as a gathering place for locals, the pub has been a fixture of the street for many years. The building that housed The Royal […]

Brighton’s Queen’s Road has seen another change in its landscape as The Royal Standard, one of the area’s long-standing pubs, closes its doors. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, hearty food, and as a gathering place for locals, the pub has been a fixture of the street for many years.

The building that housed The Royal Standard has a long history in Brighton’s social life. Pubs on Queen’s Road have existed for well over a century, serving as meeting places for residents, workers, and visitors alike. The Royal Standard carried on this tradition, offering a space where generations could enjoy a drink, share a meal, and catch up with friends. Over the decades, it witnessed countless celebrations, quiet evenings, and everything in between — becoming more than just a pub, but a small part of Brighton’s collective memory.

Like many traditional pubs in Brighton and across the UK, The Royal Standard faced increasing pressures in recent years. Rising costs, competition from new bars and restaurants, and changes in consumer habits made it increasingly difficult to maintain profitability. Many smaller pubs have struggled to adapt, and The Royal Standard was no exception. Its closure reflects a broader trend in the city, where historic venues are slowly disappearing as the social scene evolves.

For regulars, the closure is the end of an era. Many locals remember attending weekly gatherings, birthday celebrations, and casual evenings spent at the pub. The Royal Standard was more than just a place to drink; it was a community hub where friendships were formed and memories made. Its absence will be felt deeply by those who relied on it as a social anchor.

While the future of the building remains uncertain, it may yet see new life under different ownership or as a new type of business. However, the legacy of The Royal Standard — its role in Queen’s Road’s history and its place in the hearts of locals — will remain. The pub’s closure serves as a reminder of how Brighton’s streets continue to change, balancing modern development with the memory of cherished historic spaces.