Rating
Appeals to:
- Humans with digestive systems
- Residents of South-East London or The Docklands
- Urban village enthusiasts
- Gastropub finders
- Shoppers headed to/from the Gallions Reach retail park
- People who like a more familiar English cultural setting (food, ambiance)
- Old guys who like to accuse anyone with an SLR of being ‘the paparazzi’ (e.g: LOOK OUT, IT’S THE PAPARAZZI!)
- People from a nearby gym who’re taking the idea ‘post workout meal’ to ridiculous extremes (do you even lift)
- DLR Surfers
Location & style:
Greta: In the dock land yonder Atlantis Avenue of Gallion’s Reach dwells the recently restored grade II listed Gallion’s Hotel. It exists in a romantic contrast to the towering new build apartments, which I imagine to house the business folk of Canary Wharf and city airport commuters.
The bar & kitchen is freshly refurbished within an early 1880’s structure. As Vegas simulates Venice, here our capital simulates good ol’ pub. Interior is ornate in a stylish and contemporary setting, it is classical charm with modern comforts.
Jack: The Reach appears to be a Gastropub – so it’s got a pretty respectable selection of drinks, along with food offerings beyond your regular ‘pub grub’ (which is great because pub grub often feels like something you could have made yourself – right?). The Reach’s position out in the wild Docklands of Gallions Reach is either going to be a blessing or a curse to the place – there’s apparently a shopping centre nearby, so I’m hoping for the best for them…
The Service
Greta: Upon few strides of entering we were at the bar (good spatial planning tactics, much appreciated). My companion, Mr Jack, skimmed the wine menu and ordered in the knowledgeable composed manner, as is his way. Mine was a somewhat indecisive resort to the sweetest option of a branded cider…
With our drinks in tow we went through to the dining area and stuck in to inspect the menus. On offer was an eclectic assortment of pub classics with exotic tints and marine delicacies.
Handsome and polite staff. It seems they were treating us with extra care as foodie reviewers, but hey, we are humble mortals, such attentive treatment makes me a little tense.
The Food
The meals were prepared with a keen eye for presentation. My portions were generous, and always with plenty of tasty salads. The fish and chips as my main, was a tasteful and hearty meal. Mr Jack went for the more exotic teriyaki and king prawns, party for the taste buds!
Jack: Neither of us could create the necessary stomach room for dessert. These guys are generous with their portions – it’s rare to be so soundly and happily defeated by a salad…
The Verdict
Greta: A historical British (gastro)pub for the greater London residents looking for a social and cosy hang out amidst the contrasts of contemporary apartments and fields of potential city utopia.
And if you’re calorie conscious there’s a gym round the other side of the same building. Once more good planning tactics! From pub to gym, from gym to pub – the perpetual metabolic cycle of the urban village dweller…
Jack: ‘Modern Living’ at it’s finest…
The Details:
Location:
Gallions Hotel
Albert Basin Way
E16 2QZ
T: 020 7476 8689
E: info@thereachbar.co.uk
