Having worked two summers in the City of London for two summers, I always thought I was in the know when it came to Square Mile drinking hotspots. Turns out I was wrong. Tucked away down a sleek alleyway sits a cool watering hole called The Gallery, and I was intrigued to see what I had been missing out on.
The Venue:
If I had to describe the venue in two words, I would choose spacious and stylish. Spread across two floors, the exposed brick walls and ventilation ducts offer an industrial charm, glammed up by the presence of several low-hanging chandeliers, snug leather sofas and mahogany furnishings. Cool, cosy and professional, The Gallery fits perfectly within this district of London.
Who would have thought industrial glamour could look so good?
The Atmosphere & Clientele:
There was me thinking it would be a quiet Thursday night. Boy was I wrong - again. The Gallery was in full swing when I arrived, and the buzz of boozing bankers and lawyers gave off a vibrant and friendly atmosphere, which I definitely didn’t mind being a part of. From city workers enjoying a well-deserved drink and groups of friends catching up over wine, to several men having a pit-stop-pint before their journey home, The Gallery pulled in an array of people all looking for the same thing – a deliciously chilled evening beverage.
A bustling bar offering a laid-back yet lively atmosphere.
The Food & Drink:
What’s the one thing a girl needs when catching up with an old pal? A cocktail of course! Both of us fancied something sweet with a kick, so after scanning through their extensive cocktail list, we opted for the Red Rose – Absolut Vodka, raspberry purée, lemon juice and a dash of rose syrup. Ah, perfect! To accompany our tasty concoctions, we made headway though a Classic sharing platter: mini cheeseburgers, fish and chips, honey mustard cocktail sausages and giant (and I mean giant) potato wedges, with tartare sauce, sweet chilli dip and sour cream. Sounds like a lot? It was, but we finished it down to the last cocktail sausage and were most certainly stuffed.
What better way to complement your cocktail, than indulging in these delightful treats.
Summary:
Disappointed that I wasn’t aware of this hidden treasure when I worked nearby, I am very glad The Gallery and I are now acquainted. Serving up a delicious selection of drinks, tasty bar food and an atmosphere to match, it’s no wonder why this bar is such a popular spot for City workers.
