Just around the corner from West Hampstead tube on Broadhurst Gardens is this bustling bar, popular with locals. A relaunch and new lick of paint has only helped to improve its appeal.

The Venue
A minute’s walk from West Hampstead station, The Gallery is a popular option for drinks in the area. From outside you can spy the large glass patio doors covering the width of the bar, which are topped by a stretch of stained glass.

The main room has a high ceiling, although the venue itself is quite small. That said, there are a few areas to settle into: the main room, a mezzanine and a downstairs area complete with its own bar. Upstairs, wooden tables, benches and chairs punctuate the space but come early or book in advance if you want to sit.

The mezzanine level bordered by a vine railing is a more private space where you can gain a vantage viewpoint over the bar. Downstairs, the lounge is smaller and available for private hire, which is ideal if you want your own bar and plenty of seating space in the form of couches and chairs around different sized tables.

The decor is dark and stylish; expect black paint and vine railings with big white candles dotted around the tables and sides of the room, including along the large mirror leading you downstairs. The ambience is sophisticated and with the flecks of light bouncing around from the candles and light fixtures, it’s a pleasant environment to be in.

The Atmosphere
The Gallery is bustling from about 9pm with a crowd comprising mainly well-dressed locals. If you get in early and grab a table you can enjoy some nibbles and drinks to lounge music before it gets busy. The bar staff are experienced and friendly and you are well looked after.

The atmosphere here changes from night to night as there is often something different on any given day. For example, there are quiz nights on Mondays, backgammon events on Tuesdays, DJs on Saturdays and comedy finishes off the week on a Sunday.

The Food
The Mediterranean themed menu reads like a tapas menu with varying sized options depending on how hungry you are. A popular small plate is the tortilla chips for £6.50 served with guacamole, sour cream and jalapenos. A popular burger is available on the large plate list adorned with cheese, red onion and cherry tomatoes for £9.

If you’re in a group then it’s worth checking out the Gallery Board with mixed tapas like lamb, salmon and chicken skewers accompanied by dips setting you back £13.50. There are also sides available to accompany your order such as hand cut chips costing £3.50.

The Drink
The majority of the punters at The Gallery sip on wine or pints of lager but there’s also the option of cocktails including the always in demand mojito, which goes for a reasonable £6.50. The Gallery also offers punch, which comprises an exotic concoction of fruit juices and rum served in a large glass with ice and a fruit topping.

The most ordered white is the Zarapito, which is sold for £3.50 for a small glass and £13 for a bottle. A popular red is the Malbec - a drinkable Argentinean wine for the same price as the Zarapito. If you’re a Champagne person then the Mercier Brut can be yours for £37.

The bottled beers on offer are Asahi, Budweiser, Corona and Peroni all for £3.30. In terms of draught beer you’ve got customaries like Becks, Guinness, Leffe, Peroni and Red Stripe as well as Kirin. Prices range between £3.20-£3.60.

The Last Word
Book a table and get in early to experience the quieter hours and enjoy tapas and drinks as the place fills up.

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