Priory Hotel, Caerleon

An historic gem of a building, a tasteful conversion of an old Cistercian Priory into a multi-roomed hotel and restaurant, close to Caerleon's famous Roman amphitheatre and the Roman Museum. An appetising variety of food can be enjoyed in the restaurant and dining areas, and parties are welcomed. A long well-appointed bar offers a great range of hot & cold liquid refreshment. The decor around the bar is dark with subdued lighting although the restaurant and area near reception is lighter, the latter has some Chesterfield style seating to sink into. The general ambience is Mediterranean helped no by Spanish music which is often played in the background. A somewhat scary carving of Merlin stands by the rear entrance to welcome (or scare off) visitors; another carved female figure lies nearby, while a later addition is an armed monk also near the rear entrance. Covered outside drinking/smoking area looks onto manicured lawns and gardens and mature trees. The high street entrance has a plaque commemorating the life of John Edward Lee (1808-1887) Antiquarian, Author and Geologist, the founder of the Caerleon Antiquarian Association which first met in 1847. Sadly, after many years of serving good quality real ales this practice was suddenly stopped in December 2022.