Tucked away down a side street near West Hampstead tube station, The Gallery is a popular hangout for trendy locals.

The Venue
A large glass front opens onto this little bistro-style bar, which is spread across three levels. The main bar as you walk in has a continental feel, with fans whirring on the high ceilings over head, framed film posters on the walls and a well-heeled bunch of locals treading the exposed dark wood floors. There’s a wrought-iron balcony area and staircase leading to another dark and cosy bar downstairs. This achieves that intimate feeling of wandering into someone’s living room, with red and cream walls, candles on the wooden tables, big ornate mirrors and a stack of games on an old piano.

The Atmosphere
Twenty- and thirty-somethings meet for after work drinks which makes for a relaxed evening crowd mid-week. It attracts hordes at the weekend and becomes pretty rammed, with too loud music and people spilling out onto the street – although this kind of adds to it’s charm. The staff aren’t the friendliest though and give off a bit of a too-cool-for-school attitude.

The Food
The Gallery offers fry-ups from noon on a Saturday and roasts on Sundays, but the main menu is quite limited and pricey, and a bit hit and miss. There are a few bits to share and pick at such a sweet potato wedges served with lemon and thyme mayo, which are crisp and tasty, and a Greek mezze platter for around £9.00. Other options include standard European fare: an over-dressed ceaser salad with soggy croutons, a chunky and nicely seasoned burger and fries, and dry, bland tuna steak served with a rocket salad for around £13.50.

The Drink
The pretty well-stocked bar serves a variety of beers on tap including Red Stripe, Peroni, Amstell and Leffe. Good selection of red and whites on the wine list, and mojitos, cosmopolitans and the resident Gallery Iced Tea make up the £6.00 cocktail menu.

The Last Word
The Gallery is a nice intimate little bar, but the menu could do with a an overhaul. Go in the evening to experience it at its best – feels a little flat during the day time.

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