Located just steps away from Christchurch’s historic Priory Church, The Priory in Dorset offers a relaxed yet refined dining experience that blends French bistro style with British charm. This welcoming restaurant is open Wednesday to Sunday, serving everything from breakfast and brunch to Sunday roasts and evening meals, with menus led by seasonal produce and a touch of creativity.
Start the day with eggs Benedict or French toast, or linger over a Priory breakfast and avocado with poached eggs. At lunch, dishes include rosemary goat’s cheese salad, poached salmon and crayfish tian with dill creme fraiche and cauliflower katsu curry with sticky lime and coriander jasmine rice. Diners can also expect a selection of hearty British favourites like the Priory burger, croque monsieur and all-day brunch round out the midday offering.
The evening menu showcases bistro-style mains such as braised beef cheek bourguignon with pancetta, mushrooms and pomme mousseline, 8oz West Country sirloin steak and whole roast lemon sole with caper butter and burnt lemon. Desserts feature New Forest strawberry Eton mess and peanut butter and chocolate ganache tart.
The drinks list is equally impressive, with cocktails, mocktails, bubbles and wine, plus their own Clouded Leopard Gin, created using botanicals like mango, coriander seeds and black pepper. The gin is distilled in small copper pot stills and supports wildlife charities through fundraising and customer donations.
Upstairs, diners can enjoy views of the Priory Church from the elegant bistro-style restaurant, while downstairs offers a dog-friendly cafe-bar with rich leather banquettes, eclectic artwork and a warm, neighbourhood feel. Whether you’re stopping for brunch, a Sunday roast, or cocktails on the terrace, The Priory is a true Christchurch gem.