The Gallery brings a modern feel to the depths of Hendon, and includes a bar, restaurant and nightclub thanks to a refurbishment that cost a heady £4 million.

The Venue
The Gallery can be found on Hendon Way, close to the shopper’s paradise of Brent Cross and Watford Way. Be prepared to jump out as this road is notoriously difficult to stop on. Opened late 2005, owner Timothy Kelly has taken a small chunk of West End life and plonked it in the middle of North West London to good effect. The design is by Mark Nicholls who has been a renowned designer for over 20 years.

Upstairs the bar area comes into its own. Separated into two areas with an impressive, gleaming bar, there’s a walkthrough that runs smoothly into the main dance area. This includes neon lighting, trendy furnishing, and plasma screens as well as some weird and wonderful pop art by Gavin Turk that will make you stand up and take note.

The Atmosphere
A lively place particularly on the weekends, an evening at The Gallery goes through several phases. The earlybirds get there for a drink and a relaxing catch-up when you can literally swing a dozen cats around the dancefloor (please don’t try this at home!) However, the vibe changes when the night draws on and a cooler crowd come in who are up for a jive, a boogie, a jig and everything in between. If you manage to grab one of the tables in the far corner, watch with admiration for the geezers as they try and work their charms on the poor unsuspecting girls who, on the whole, are as sultry as Penelope Cruz sipping a margarita.

The Food
Bar food is available and features sandwiches such as cheese and onion, chicken lettuce and mayonnaise, ham and salad. There are also light bites featuring piles of nachos with melted cheese, salsa and sour cream, as well as some spicy onion bhajis with salad and chili sauce.

For mains, there are some traditional English classics including fish and chips and bangers and mash. Choose from a spicy chicken curry served with fragrant rice, or a rich steak and ale pie that comes with chips and salad. The gravy is runny and glossy, but the chips could be a little fresher and, more importantly, hotter. For those with a sweet tooth, finish with a smooth chocolate tart or raspberry creme brulee, which has a subtle fruit flavour that comes through right at the end to lift this classic French pudding. And with prices at under £4 it’s more than reasonable.

The Drink
There are a good range of bottled and draught beers at The Gallery, including Becks, Carlsberg, Fosters and the French classic Kronenbourg 1664. John Smith Extra Smooth, Guinness and Strongbow are also offered as are a couple of light ales featuring Courage Light Ale and Newcastle Brown Ale. There is even an alcohol free beer called Kaliber. There is a decent selection of European wines. The Macon Blanc Villages - Caves de Lugny 2004 has lots of character and a distinct finish as does the Italian Frascati Superiore 2005/06.

If you want to jazz up the night then you will not be disappointed on the cocktail front, with long, martini, champagne and non alcoholic drinks on offer. The Grand Mimosa is worth a try. This is Grand Marnier mixed up with fresh orange juice and topped with champagne to provide a real bang to your evening, while the Apple and Peach Martini is thoroughly revitalizing with its melange of vodka, peach and apple liqueur.

The Last Word
Hats off to The Gallery as the combination of eating, dining and dancing works on most levels and is a welcome addition to the non-exciting part of Hendon.

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