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BARRY
The Gallery
Dinner
As a Barry girl (listen to me a girl at 45!) I wouldn’t have thought that a gallery, funky bar and amazing food would spring to my mind when talking about my home town. Since it opened last year, I have been hearing amazing things about The Gallery but just haven’t got round to going. Last week I put that right and it has now become a very firm favourite.
Located on Broad Street, one of the up and coming areas in Barry, The Gallery is a cool venue with concrete bar, crystal chandeliers, a roaring fire and modern dining furniture. Head chef Barney (also an Interior Architect) has given real thought to the renovation and décor and no expense has been spared, even down to the designer loos.
We started our evening with some cocktails, perfectly concocted by barman Steve. He certainly knows his cocktails and wines. My husband absolutely loves a White Russian but couldn’t find it on the funky cocktail menu board. No problem says Steve and expertly presented him with his favourite tipple which was the best he’s ever had. We were already on to a winner!
We were given our menus and left to savour our cocktails as we made our choices. I liked the way the menu had been presented with its First Thoughts, Second Thoughts, Thoughts on the Side and After Thoughts – very clever and tongue in cheek. What pleased and surprised me even more were the prices. Starters, sorry First Thoughts, at £4, Second Thoughts (mains) at £7.50, Thoughts on the Side (you can guess this) £2 each and After Thoughts (puddings to you and me) £4 each. Also available were Barney’s burgers at £7.50 each and 21 day matured steaks starting at £10.50. Incredible value for money!
We opted for lambs kidneys sautéed in a calvados cream served on toast which was cooked to perfection, all pink and moist and the gratinated goat’s cheese on a roast beetroot, rocket and pinenut salad. The latter was not something I’d usually order but I thought I’d try something different. I’m glad I did as the goat’s cheese was good and strong and was complemented perfectly by the fresh salad, baby beets and the pinenuts gave that extra dimension to the dish.
Soon to follow were our mains. A pot roasted, corn fed chicken on a chicken and potato hash with a mushroom and tarragon sauce and my pan roasted sea bream with creamed leeks and a rich Madeira and star anise sauce. Both were again perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. We also ordered some carrot and swede mash but needn’t have bothered as this was surplus to requirements given that the portions were substantial enough.
Hubby opted for The Gallery Knickerbocker Glory and I couldn’t resist the sticky toffee pudding - I’m a creature of habit when all’s said and done! Again, both were amazingly good desserts.
The wine list was extensive and carefully written but with two White Russians and a glass of house wine under our belts, we didn’t indulge. According to a good friend of ours and a regular diner at The Gallery, lunch is one not to be missed as well and if our visit is anything to go by we’ll be giving that a try some time very soon.
Combine all this with the opportunity to check out the superb range of original artwork on display and The Gallery certainly ticked all our boxes.
If you live anywhere near The Gallery you’re in for a treat. If you live further afield and you don’t own a car there’s no excuse as The Gallery is within a two minute walk of Barry train station.
I recommend you visit as soon as you can as The Gallery is one of the best things to happen to Barry and the Vale in a long time!
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