Background

Prior Shop – Cabot Circus

Bristol's award-winning ethical design hub showcasing 150+ independent makers in a gallery, workshop, and community space.

4.9

Prior is an award-winning, non-profit independent shop and community hub in Bristol's Cabot Circus, showcasing over 150 UK designers creating handmade, ethically produced goods. Specializing in sustainable fashion, homewares, jewellery, and unique gifts, Prior combines retail with a working gallery, exhibition space, and workshop venue. The shop champions conscious consumption and supports local makers through mentoring and collaborative projects, making it a destination for guilt-free, locally sourced shopping in the heart of Bristol's city centre.

A brief summary to Prior Shop - Cabot Circus (Independent Superstore)

  • Unit M10, Quakers Friars Cabot Circus, 23 Philadelphia St, Bristol, Broadmead, BS1 3BZ, GB
  • +441179290712
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.75 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during Sensory Friendly Hours (Sunday 11 am–12 pm or Monday 10 am–11 am) for a quieter, more relaxed shopping experience with reduced noise, lighting, and sensory stimulation.
  • Explore the rotating exhibition space at the back of the shop to discover works by Bristol-based and visiting artists, with new shows throughout the year.
  • Book a creative workshop in advance for a hands-on experience with sustainable designers; private group workshops are available for teams and special occasions.
  • Stop by the Tourist Information Centre desk within the shop to collect maps, guides, and recommendations for exploring Bristol's cultural and creative neighbourhoods.
  • Bring your own reusable cup when ordering coffee to receive a 50-pence discount and support the shop's commitment to reducing waste.
widget icon

Prior Shop - Cabot Circus (Independent Superstore) location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather

Unlock the Best of Prior Shop - Cabot Circus (Independent Superstore)

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Prior Shop - Cabot Circus (Independent Superstore)

A Hub for Ethical Design and Local Makers

Prior stands as Bristol's largest responsible design store, housing the work of over 150 independent UK designers under one roof. Founded on principles of conscious consumption, this non-profit shop curates handcrafted products made responsibly and sustainably—from clothing and jewellery to homewares, beauty items, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Every purchase directly supports local artisans and small businesses, making shopping here a meaningful act of community investment. The store's commitment extends beyond retail; Prior provides free business mentoring to makers, spearheads collaborative community projects, and offers guidance to Bristol's wider creative community.

More Than a Shop: Gallery, Workshop, and Community Space

Located in Quakers Friars within the Cabot Circus shopping centre, Prior functions as a multifaceted creative venue. The exhibition space at the back of the shop features a rotating schedule of shows from Bristol-based and visiting artists, with freshly painted white walls and an atmosphere charged with creative energy. The workshop space hosts regular classes and events led by contemporary sustainable designers, offering hands-on experiences in everything from crafts to design techniques. These sessions are perfect for individuals, friends, groups, and corporate teams seeking unique, memorable experiences in Bristol's city centre. The space is fully accessible and available for private hire, making it adaptable for bespoke group workshops and team-building activities.

Bristol's Tourist Information and Locally Made Gifts

Prior houses Bristol's Tourist Information Centre, making it a natural first stop for visitors exploring the city. The shop has dedicated sections to Bristol-themed gifts and products made by Bristol hands, celebrating local craftsmanship and heritage. This focus on place-based shopping creates a curated selection unavailable on the high street, allowing visitors and residents alike to take home authentic pieces that tell Bristol's story. The emphasis on locally made goods reinforces the shop's mission to support the creative economy within the region.

Conscious Consumption and Inclusive Experiences

Prior's approach to retail goes beyond aesthetics. The shop now offers coffee from Wogan and sweet treats from CakeSmiths, with 10 percent of each coffee sale supporting Team Canteen, an initiative addressing food insecurity in Bristol. Customers can enjoy edible vegan coffee cups or receive a 50-pence discount for bringing their own cup. Dogs are welcome throughout the store, and the shop offers Sensory Friendly Hours every Sunday from 11 am to 12 pm and Monday from 10 am to 11 am, featuring reduced background noise, no music, dimmed lighting, and covered strong aromas to create a more inclusive shopping environment. These initiatives reflect Prior's broader commitment to accessibility and community care.

Design-Led Products and Seasonal Collections

The inventory spans design-led, handcrafted work across multiple categories: sustainable fashion, artisan jewellery, eco-lifestyle products, plant-based homewares, and thoughtfully curated gifts. Seasonal collections and limited-edition pieces rotate regularly, encouraging repeat visits and supporting designers' seasonal launches. The shop's online presence extends its reach, offering free shipping on orders over £60 and exclusive newsletter benefits including early access to new stock and monthly free shipping codes.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Prior Shop - Cabot Circus (Independent Superstore)

Popular Hotels near Prior Shop - Cabot Circus (Independent Superstore)

Select Currency