Jack Coughlan grew up in the hospitality and bar trade. With his family business including Briar Bank, Issacs and The Gardeners Arms, he has been working in the industry since he was 16. “There is no doubt that my early days of pot-washing at weekends and evenings at The Gardeners’ Arms set me up for my work ethos and approach,” reflects Jack. “Learning the importance of building relationships with the customers, working together as a team, and having a focus on providing excellent customer service was instilled in me with that first job”.
After spending ten years learning the family business, mixed in with some travel, in 2019Jack decided it was time to follow his dream, and the concept of The Gallery was created.
Inspiration
Jack certainly enjoyed doing his research finding some wonderful hidden lounge bars in Shoreditch and the city. “Ipswich, and particularly the waterfront, has a wealth of fantastic eateries and bars. I wanted to make sure The Gallery offered something unique, and complimentary, to the existing bars” explains Jack. “I knew exactly what I wanted to create and when John Russell retired, in 2019, and this building became available, I knew I had found the perfect location.”
The Gallery
The John Russell Art Gallery closed in 2019 after 40 years of providing a home to contemporary art in Ipswich. With such an iconic past, Jack decided to retain the name and pay homage to the history of the building by still displaying local artwork and supporting up-and-coming talent in selling and showcasing stunning art in the bar.
Jack wanted to create an escape from the world, with no distractions. He wanted his customers to be able to relax and forget all the pressures of daily life, and create an environment that could be anywhere in the world. With a mix of industrial exposed brickwork, soft lighting and luxurious furniture, you could be in downtown New York, aLondon suburb or back in the prohibition days of the 1920s.
Unique and a decadent feel – from the start
As you step through the heavy wooden door into the small lobby, there is immediately a feeling of stepping into a different world. There is a feeling you need a special codeword or password to enter. As you open the door, you are greeted by relaxed, friendly staff dressed formally in waistcoats who provide table service throughout your evening.
“The mix of open brickwork, armchairs, sofas and small tables reflect back to prohibition days. Everything is about quality – from the team who serve you, to the ingredients in our handcrafted drinks to the range of beer, wine and spirits. We want you to feel treated and special, and leave refreshed and relaxed” says Jack.
There is only one small window in each of the two rooms, encouraging customers to feel they are in their personal bubble, with no regard or reminder for what is happening outside. With the globally inspired food and drink menu, table service and chilled atmosphere, the biggest challenge is to get out of the sofa and rejoin reality at the end of the evening.
The Waterfront
Whether you want a sports bar, fine dining, or live music, The Waterfront has it all to offer. The Gallery has a clear identity and philosophy which offers something new.
“We are like a theatre, setting a scene. From the lighting to furniture to uniforms, we are creating an environment and atmosphere which is unique,” explains Jack. “We are over 18s only, and create a luxurious feel but with no dress code, enabling our patrons to fully relax. Our food offer means people can visit pre or post-dinner, snack or eat a full meal with us. There really is nowhere else like The Gallery”.
First date, date night or catch up with friends
Whether you are meeting a first date, escaping the kids for date night, or having a catch-up with friends, The Gallery is perfect. The table service adds to the feeling of it being a safe space, and you are guaranteed to be able to have a conversation without competing with sports TVs or loud music.
The team provide excellent, personal service. Whether to advise on the drinks or food or to create the handcrafted cocktails, they immediately put customers at ease.
“We attract such a range of people. Whether old or young, the benefit of not battling through a queue at the bar, having to avoid the football screens, or being worried about having your drink spiked, we provide the perfect location,” says Jack. “Our cocktail menu is just a small part of our offering, with a fantastic spirit, wine and beer menu, along with our tapas and pizza menu.
The Future
“We want to be known as the best lounge bar in the county. Not because we say we are, but because our customers talk about us in that way,” says Jack. “We have been open since Spring 2021, and in the next few years want to replicate The Gallery elsewhere but we need to make sure we retain the same philosophy and approach of the quality of our team, ingredients and environment.”
Whether you would like to take part in a master cocktail-making class, use The Gallery for a private celebration, or just call in, you will not be disappointed.
Located on The Waterfront, and open Thursday to Saturday from 6 pm until late, you can be guaranteed to be transported to a different world and escape for a few hours. Enjoy.