Inside revamped Welsh restaurant in an 12th century monastery with huge dry-ageing fridges and open-fire cooking
Historical building, The Priory in Caerleon has unveiled a new look as it opens its doors as a new restaurant. The eatery and hotel is set in a building with rich history that stretches as far back as 1180. The Priory will have a 100-cover restaurant, as it aims to establishing itself as a “destination” restaurant and hotel. A first look of the venue shows a modern interior design which merges with the building’s legacy.
The Priory was founded in the 12th century as a Cistercian monastery by the Welsh prince at the time, Hywel ap Iorwerth. In the past, the site has also been a nunnery and a private residence, however, since 1996, it has been a hotel and restaurant. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here.
Recently, the establishment has undergone major refurbishments. According to its owners, the old fashioned brasserie-style counter has been swapped out for “state-of-the-art” dry-ageing fridges and an open kitchen, where diners will be able observe chefs as they work over open flames. The renovation also includes a reimagined dining room as well as a 60-cover bar.
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The restaurant will also be offering a brand new a la carte menu, which will be “shorter and more focused”, offering Mediterranean flavours cooked over the fire and sourcing Welsh and Spanish produce. The Priory’s restaurant will also offer a “carefully” curated wine list, with a series of wine-led summer events set to take place on the eatery’s outdoor lawn. To find out more about the menu and bookings, click here.
According to its owners, there are also plans to introduce a dedicated cheese and wine tasting room later in the year. Discussing the alterations, Benito Martinez, the owner of The Priory, said: “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 was designed by Sophie Pascoe, Benito’s fiancé, who is also the owner of a local agency, Studio Severn whose designs can be seen at some of Wales’ newest restaurants including Tommy Heaney’s Ember, Aura in Cardiff Bay and the second branch of Turkish brunch legends, Longa – who have recently opened in Cardiff city centre..
She added that the ultimate aim with The Priory’s revamp was to blend new look with established features: “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.”
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