The Priory, a historic gem nestled in the heart of Caerleon, South Wales, has unveiled a stunning new look for its 100-cover restaurant following a transformative refurbishment.
With a rich history dating back to 1180, The Priory is cementing itself as a destination restaurant and hotel, now seamlessly blending timeless charm with bold, contemporary interior design.
The ambitious redesign represents a new chapter for The Priory, and an evolution of the venue’s celebrated legacy. The old-fashioned brasserie-style counter has been replaced by state-of-the-art dry-ageing fridges and an open kitchen where guests can watch chefs at work over open flames; the reimagining of the dining room and 60-cover bar now perfectly balances tradition with a fresh, modern approach.
With plans for a dedicated cheese and wine tasting room later this year, the changes further cement The Priory as a must-visit culinary destination in 2025.
Speaking about the changes, Benito Martinez, owner of The Priory, explained: “The updates at The Priory, which could be perceived as a huge change, actually represent a natural evolution rather than a complete transformation. Our focus has been on preserving our core values – exceptional produce, provenance, and a welcoming atmosphere – while introducing new, experience-driven elements to elevate what we offer.
We’ve created a space where our passions for food, fire, wine and hospitality come together seamlessly, reflecting not only where we have come from but who we are in 2025 and beyond. It’s about enhancing the experience we offer whilst staying true to our roots.”
The space itself was designed by Sophie Pascoe – Benito’s fiancé and the owner of local agency, Studio Severn.
She said: “Designing an interior for a building rich in history and character presents unique challenges. Our goal was to seamlessly blend the beauty of The Priory’s existing features with contemporary elements, enhancing rather than overpowering them.
We’ve reimagined the space with a darker, more intimate atmosphere, incorporating bespoke details such as wine display joinery and a striking Chef’s Counter. Subtle divisions within the previously open layout create distinct areas of interest for guests to explore and enjoy.
The use of dark tones, natural stones, rich timbers, and soft furnishings, paired with carefully curated accent lighting, establishes a luxurious and inviting ambiance, and at the heart of the design is an emphasis on experience-led dining.”
An Experience To Remember
The Priory’s brand new a la carte menu, full of Mediterranean flavours cooked over fire, is now shorter and more focused, still highlighting expertly sourced Welsh and Spanish produce.
Complementing the new menu, a carefully curated wine list features one of the largest collections of fine wines by the glass in the region. Guests can also look forward to a series of wine-led summer events on The Priory’s picturesque outdoor lawn, which will showcase the venue’s commitment to unforgettable experiences.
Destination Dining
The restaurant refurbishment has brought The Priory up to date in a way that honours its heritage while offering a contemporary environment that reflects the evolving needs of its guests. With its striking transformation, the venue now aims to attract discerning diners from Bristol, Cardiff, and beyond – with a reputation as a destination hotel and restaurant that continues to grow.
To book a table or a room at The Priory, visit: https://www.thepriorycaerleon.co.uk.
