please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Currently visiting a pub for every statrion on the London Overground. Did this one for Finchley Road & Frognal. Could not be more different that The Railway across the road. Totally up its own arse. No real ales on offer, continental beers at expensive prices. Quite small though it is on three levels. Just too poncy.
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Busy last night with people sat by the open windows or on the window sill drinking. I'd skipped this place in the past as there seemed to be no beer worth drinking but was lured in by the sight of a Camden Ale tap. I was served by a friendly girl who informed me that the ale was off so recommended a bottled pale ale from the fridge when I asked for something that wasn't fizzy. Note to self: Coopers Pale Ale is fizzy and is definitely not worth �3.95 for a bottle. As others have said, it's pleasant enough as long as you're willing to pay around �4 for a lager. I'm not. We went over to The Railway. Bit scruffier but they had Tribute on as one of the four ales and it was a darn sight cheaper. So I know which I prefer.
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Used to come here for a pint or two on quiet afternoons. Haven't been for a while. Steep increase in price on last visit - �3.90 for a luke warm Pilsner Urquell. Don't mind paying for a good lager but sort your chillers out. I've found the staff friendly and biddable but sensed a certain dissatisfaction.
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This place is what I fear is the future for pubs in this country. It's nice in its own way, but not a pub. It's a bar. It serves lager beer from chrome taps. Its prices reflect its clientele, West Hampstead yuppies, City of London banking and finance industry personnel.
The music will put you off if you don't like that sort of thing.
Otherwise the decor is not boring. Gets very crowded. Popular.
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I came across the Gallery on a recent trip to West Hampstead, and discovered this great bar. I get a real sense of warmth and very friendly atmosphere.
I was greeted by a 'Hiya how are you?' by the friendly staff, who never stopped smiling.
I met a lovely couple who were telling me the history of the place and the weekly whats on guide. There seems to be something magical about The Gallery, and I will definately be coming again.
The crowd was mixed, from young city workers to an elder crowd playing backgammon on the sofa's downstairs, and some beautiful french students lazing by the large open windows by the entrance.
A great array of European lager on tap, a nice selection of wines, (I can recommend the Hawksburn Pinot Noir or two!), a fun old school retro cocktail menu....give me a pina colada anyday, and a backbar full of exciting vodka's, gin's and whisky's.
I wasnt intending on eating but the beautiful aroma's that were coming from the table next to me got my mouth watering.
we shared some calamari, lamb kofta and sweet potato chips, and for mains a chicken pie to die for. After reading their whats on guide, I can now believe their 'Best Sunday Roast in West Hampstead' claim is probably for real!
They have a quiz night on Mondays and something it seems for everyone on every day of the week!
I was only in West Hampstead for a week but I will travel my 20mile round trip more often now! The Gallery is a must visit!
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I remember this as a Mexican restaurant called Tuxedo Junction all those years ago. I've started going here again and find it very pleasant for a quiet pint on an afternoon. Pilsner Urquell �3.40 on draught. Not being part of the young crowd I imagine it still gets pretty busy on a Fri/Sat night.
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I went to the Gallery on the weekend. The wine list list was adequate, the staff were friendly and the food was fantastic. Will be coming back again very soon.
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Pretentious and over-priced. �5 for 2 halves of Leffe. Not worth it.
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Nice bar staff, nice vibe, not overly crowded on a saturday night. Will probably go back again
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Hosted a birthday bash in the downstairs bar of this place and I have to say they did me proud - helpful and friendly beforehand and the service was excellent on the night. Whilst it's not usually my kind of place, I'd definitely return here, and would definitely hold future parties here (if I hold any).
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Haven't been here since November 2007. It is the best bar in West Hampstead but that's not hard as everything else is crap. The staff are a bit "too cool for school" and there is a lack of character. But if you are in W Hampstead and looking for a pint, check it out. I also don't mind the Railway nearby. It's a bit tattered but the staff in THERE are nice.
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I attended the Gallery for a private party in their cosy downstairs room. It's a nice place with clean loos and decent beer. However, I asked the barmaid very politely if she'd turn down the music a little bit - it was belting out the Red Hot Chili Peppers at earsplitting volume. She did so, but then turned it back up when I left the bar.
I went back, and asked her to turn it down again. The barmaid was very rude and demanded to know who I was and why I wanted the music turned down.
I think in the main bar area of a pub, you have to take or leave the music regardless of volume. However, at a private function, I think you're completely within your rights to ask for the stuff to be turned down - just a smidge - so that one can have a civilised conversation.
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Good pub and one I visit alot. However feel I need to get off my chest the rudeness of the barman who served me last time.
Asked for a cocktail menu to be told that they dont have one and I could order any cocktail I wanted as it was 'cocktail happy hour' (why no menu??) so when I asked for a mohito I was told its not a drink they serve during happy hour as its too expensive???? Iasked what I can get and was told 'any cocktail I want' so again said i want a mohito and was told I cant have it?? W"�ker.
Also, tell the manager that it would be nice if they cleaned the mens toilet sometimes and fixed the water leak that seems to flood the floor with an inch of water every time ive been in there.
anonymous - 26 Oct 2006 15:07 |
The staff look "too cool for school", but I have never had a problem with their attitude or professional service (I have bee here many times). The food is very good, and I love the Red Stripe and Kirin on tap.
The only criticism I would have is the size of the Gallery. Its a double edged sword really - it has great atmosphere in the afternoons when its not too busy, but this place gets really packed on Friday and Saturday nights.
A few steps up from the Railway on the corner, and a million times better than Eclipse up the road.
The best bar in West Hampstead overall.
anonymous - 21 Apr 2006 17:00 |
Very posh and rather expensive with Erdinger on tap. On a very nice little side street. Gets busy.
anonymous - 21 Feb 2006 09:13 |
Really like this place. Yes it does get very crowded but I find most of the people who go there very friendly.....it's certainly better than the other bars and pubs W.Hampstead
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Great little bar - everyone in it is very good looking, so a night of feeling inadequate awaits! Get there early though as it gets very, very busy at the weekend.
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I live near by. Not a bad place. It gets very crowded in the evening. Nice bar. A lot of posers mind..........
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Great Bar, esp in Summer. Too bad its not a little bigger as tends to get quite a crowd. For those of you who commented on the staff, I guess it could be a little better.
As for the previous message: "If you dont like being nice to people simply dont work in the service industry"- come on mate, we are in London after all!!
anonymous - 16 Jun 2005 14:04 |
I found this place very average relative to its reputation. Went there on a Friday night recently and the place was overcrowded and the staff were so up themselves they were insideout - if you dont like being nice to people simply dont work in the service industry!!!
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Very friendly and helpful staff. Would like some more veggie options on the menu though.
anonymous - 18 Oct 2004 10:18 |
Ate there last night. Food was fantastic, service excellent, price very reasonable.
There is a 10% service charge - so I just didn't leave a tip, despite the excellent service.
Would recommend to anybody looking for a night out.
Cederic - 17 Sep 2004 13:40 |
Read all of these comments. I think The Gallery is a fab place in every way but I agree about there being a divide in the staff, some seriously do have an attitude giving the place the only negative slant in my opinion. Come on Paul, train them up in customer service not in arrogance and thinking theyre cool! Other than some naff staff Ive never had a problem here, only good nights out drinking and eating.
Joanna Li - 28 Jun 2004 12:32 |
have been to this bar its fun windos open fresh air yes its busy but the atmosphere is gerat and the staff are dreamie had some food last sunday as well was geat good luck wish were more original bars like this
anonymous - 15 Jun 2004 22:58 |
I had gone to this place on two previous Sunday afternoons and really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. However we went on a Saturday night and I was astounded at how rude the manager was and how pretentious the bar staff were. The fact that a big dog was running around in a pub where food is served also did not help my opinion. I don't need to feel that uncomfortable when I have a drink with friends and will avoid this bar at all costs in future.
anonymous - 11 May 2004 16:45 |
Previously one of North London's best undiscovered bars, now popularity has spread like wildfire and it's crammed to the rafters at all times. Shame really but good for their takings I'll bet.
anonymous - 5 May 2004 12:56 |
I have to say that when we went to dinner at the Gallery a few weeks back I was expecting something really special since so many of my friends have raved about it. It was the worst dining experience I've ever had. The meal was over cooked and tasteless and the waitress seemed to take it rather personally when we complained. The staff who were so snotty and rude, didn't even offer to exchange the meal, discount the bill or even offer a free drink to conpensate. We tried to be reasonable with them but then they insisted we had to pay the "optional service charge" which was an insult to injury! I don't even think they know the meaning of the word service! I wouldn't go back there if you paid me!
Denise - 14 Apr 2004 14:14 |
i love the gallery. it's great and so are the bar staff. and for those who don't like going to busy places on a weekend night, there's a piz place and a video shop across the road.....
anonymous - 29 Dec 2003 00:41 |
If you like your bars relatively calm avoid this place in the evening at the weekends. You'll have to fight your way to the bar and spend the rest of your time shouting. Posy clientele too. However, it's very pleasant for a bite to eat on a Sunday afternoon.
anonymous - 23 Dec 2003 16:46 |
Great place. West Hampstead is a better place for it. Red Strip on tap.
Lukka - 8 Dec 2003 04:24 |
Like it! Nice to see a manager looking on this site. As the eater of the turd like sausages I very much look forward to eating a less turd like sausage.
anonymous - 20 Sep 2003 23:33 |
hi interesting hearing what you all have to say about the gallery I am the manager and we hope to give you all a good time. its a shame that some you have had bad sevice from staff and as for having your bags nicked we do care but theres not a lot we can do. as for smoke we getting more extrator fans and and less turd like sausages dont forget pub quiz every other monday
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Had lunch there recently. Not bad. Red Stripe, Kirin, Erdinger on tap. Also had lunch vege sausages and mash. Not bad either though the sausages did look very much like a big turd.
anonymous - 14 Sep 2003 19:16 |
great place and a real meat market. hot women and lots of rugby p[layers from cape town.good looking fly-halves and loose forwards from hamiltons rugby club.
clifton lifeguards hangout too.
great vibe and top tunes
judge little - 23 Jul 2003 20:27 |
This bars rocks, the only reason the staff would ever be rude is if you were rude first, music is good, food great, new windows open up the whole place and you're always guaranteed a hello from the staff
anonymous - 9 Jul 2003 13:36 |
Full of poseurs. Too noisy, too smokey. West Hampstead never used to be like this.
Meldrew - 29 Jun 2003 21:19 |
Sounds like there are two sets of staff in this place, good and vile. Anon: I wasn't ordering the cocktail, the person next to me was and she was a model of good manners.
James M - 19 Jun 2003 17:47 |
A busy lively bar that is the best in West Hampstead, so it gets crowded on the weekends. Downstairs restaurant is more sophisticated than the bar upstairs and a good standard of food for a local restaurant.
Miriam - 19 Jun 2003 16:00 |
Sarah, I thought I lost my credit card the other night nd all three staff stoppped what they were doing to look for it, so I can't say I agree with your comment either, it may have happened with you (not sure why) but that is not the general attitude they take - at all.
Anon - 17 Jun 2003 17:14 |
James M, I totally disagree with what you have posted. I drink nothing but cocktails in that bar and they are always delicious and always served with a smile and not a delay...they are never rude or slow to serve....maybe your attitude wasn't very pleasant??
Anon - 17 Jun 2003 17:13 |
Not at all helpful staff. Had my handbag stolen from the pub and they couldn't be bothered at all - actually treated me as if I was the criminal for putting them out by reporting it
Sarah - 6 Jun 2003 10:55 |
The staff have a shocking attitude. They will actually refuse you your drink because they can't be bothered to make it. Not good in what is essentially a cocktail bar...
James M - 28 May 2003 16:28 |
A great bar with a lively atmosphere. The cocktails are great and so are the bar staff, definitely worth a visit!!
Zara - 21 May 2003 13:39 |
Fine is you're a good looking woman wearing designer labels, otherwise the fashion concious bar staff will ignore you to their hearts content, Bad venue for New year's eve.
Jamsie - 2 Apr 2003 16:41 |
A distinctive local bar/pub with good food, friendly 20 - 30 year old customers / barstaff and an intimate balcony over looking the main bar which is great for people watching
James - 22 May 2002 17:35 |
