Gin producer to open new bar and restaurant in Dorset

William Phillips, who owns Clouded Leopard Gin, has unveiled his plans for a new café, bar and restaurant called The Priory.

The business owner has taken over a unit in Church Street, Christchurch, once home to Splinters Restaurant, and is on track to open The Priory in March.

The venue is expected to boast ‘interesting’ cocktails and modern British food.

Mr Phillips said: “Downstairs, it will be a cafe and bar, and upstairs will be a restaurant and cocktail bar.

“We’re aiming for a nice and relaxed bar in the day, but in the evening, we’ll dim the lights, and it will become more of a cocktail bar.”

The Priory will also become the shop front for Mr Phillips's Clouded Leopard Gin, which he created in honour of supporting the clouded leopard - an animal on the verge of extinction.

William Phillips (Image: William Phillips)

He said: “The Clouded Leopard is a fantastic and elusive animal rarely seen in the wild, and in grave danger of extinction.

“I really want to help save this fantastic animal in its natural habitat and riding the crest of the gin wave seems like an ideal place to start.”

Mr Phillips currently donates 15 per cent off the brand's gross profit to the Born Free Foundation, who protect the Clouded Leopard, with at least £1 from each gin bottle sold going to fund the foundation.

He plans to use The Priory to continue his efforts for wildlife organisations and the clouded leopard.

He said: “The bar will be the shop front for the gin and will be raising money for two wildlife foundations - the Born Free Foundation and the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.”

Mr Phillips also has plans to source produce from the local area where possible and has pledged to work closely with neighbouring business.

The Priory will be open between Wednesday and Sunday, but an official opening date is yet to be announced.