PAPILLON is the Southampton restaurant which has won the hearts of theatre-goers.

You might be excused for missing it when you walk along Commercial Road.

It sits within a church built in 1845.

The restaurant in the grade two listed building opposite the Mayflower opened in October 2021.

It prides itself on its sophisticated atmosphere.

Daily Echo: Inside Papillon on Commercial RoadInside Papillon on Commercial Road (Image: Newsquest)

From its choice of cocktails and mocktails to its roast dinner menu, the staff are happy to accommodate any request.

“We can hold any kind of occasion, we can do weddings and birthdays, we can make someone’s birthday really special,” said Chandler Russell, 24, the general manager.

“I pride myself on making the tiny and small little changes, things like a zester of lemon on top of a cocktail make the world of a difference.

“It’s the tiny things. The sense of flavour is made of 80 per cent of smell.”

READ MORE: Meet the man taking one of the city's most popular venues from 'strength to strength'

Being on the other side of the road from the Mayflower, it has won the hearts of many theatre fans who book in before a show.

Chandler said: “We’ve learnt what trade we get here so we have a pre-theatre menu for people that go to the theatre for a showing at 2pm or an evening at 7pm.

“They’ll come in two to three hours to come here for dinner.”

Daily Echo: Chandler Russell, 24, general managerChandler Russell, 24, general manager (Image: Newsquest)

Due to the current economic climate, the eatery has set up its Christmas buffet to a variety of different budgets.

Chandler said: “We’re aware of people who are looking for different kinds of buffets. We cater to bronze, silver and gold and those are at different price points as well.

“If we can offer things at a lower price, maybe slightly more than some places, for the quality that we can give will definitely make an impact on people and will help them to come back in the future.”

Papillon is one of the businesses shoppers are being encouraged to support as part of the big Christmas giveaway.

When they enter the competition, they could win one of 25 prizes.

READ MORE: All the shops listed in the big Christmas giveaway

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