TGT Meets...Christchurch Business Awards - The Priory Restaurant

Meet our latest TGT Meets feature: The Priory Restaurant, proud finalists in the Casual Dining category at the Christchurch Business Awards.

1. Congratulations on your Christchurch Business Awards win. Which category were you recognised in?

The Priory Restaurant was recognised in the category of Casual Dining.

2. What is the history and background of your business?

The Priory Restaurant was opened in March 2023 by restaurateur and gin maker, Will Phillips. Following the success of his first gin, Clouded Leopard, Will decided to open a quaint bistro style restaurant / bar / coffee shop on the beautiful cobbled Church Street in Christchurch. Here he would sell his own gin (alongside cocktails, wine, and local beers) and, in doing so, raise money for wildlife charities: Born Free Foundation and David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.

Will has always had a love of wildlife, big cats in particular, and wants to support the conservation of endangered species. The Priory Restaurant prides itself on its welcoming service and chic Parisian style. Over the years we have amassed a whole community of regular customers. All of whom have got to know each other, like a big family. The restaurant is a little stylish community hub for the people of Christchurch.

3. Who is your target market? How do you reach and engage with them?

The target market of The Priory is people of all ages. Adults of all ages, young families, and even the older folk are all welcome. The Priory is for people who feel like treating themselves to an experience that feels special. Those who enjoy good quality food and drink, and enjoy listening to a little jazz or French music while they relax. Sometimes, it’s like stepping into a French cafe.

All kinds of people enjoy the atmosphere and we reach & engage with these people through our weekly conversational French classes, chatting with them as they pass by, and of course Instagram and Facebook, too.

4. What’s your favourite part about working in Christchurch?

The best thing about Christchurch is the community of locals who turn up every day, making The Priory feel like home. Even when we are closed, we bump into our regular customers around town and stop for a chat. We feel like part of a very close knit community. As a business, it’s great to know you’ve got locals to rely on throughout the winter months when the tourists have gone home.

5. What role do you believe local recognition, such as the Christchurch Business Awards, plays for businesses in Dorset?

Recognition in local business awards has proven to be beneficial. Not only have we gained social media followers from fellow businesses at the awards ceremony, but displaying our award in the restaurant has been a real conversation starter. We hope that displaying our Gold Award will also help us attract tourists in town who are passing by, looking for somewhere to eat on their holiday. So far this seems to be working, our spring half term has been busy!