Second choices aren't always second best. 

The room itself is filled with people taking selfies, sticking dots on themselves and others, and taking more selfies. 

When you hear the name 'the Ivy' your mind immediately goes to decadence and opulence. And then to expensive. The Ivy Chelsea Garden ticks the first two boxes but not necessarily the latter. 

I am back in Londres for the summer, and so will be posting reviews and whatnot from this side of the pond.

I couldn't really name this a restaurant review because in an attempt to quench our hunger, and alleviate our damaged student bank accounts, we shared only a few appetisers. Also, Gallow Green is so much more than just a restaurant.

Situated on top of the McEveritt Hotel, home to the interactive show 'Sleep No More', the Gallow Green experience starts before you even enter a door. It's quite hard to find in the black of the night, hidden away on a quiet street in Chelsea, but also it takes the premise of a hotel. After being ID'd at the door you take the elevator up to the top floor, where on the way you can hear the music and background sounds of the 'Sleep No More' experience that is happening on the floors beneath you. When you step out of the elevator the quintessential telephone boxes and conductors stand make you feel like you have travelled back in time to 1950's England. Ascending another set of stairs is when you finally make it to Gallow Green.

There are a few different areas you can sit in but most tables are communal so the rest of the table could be filled with complete strangers. Unlike in Sleep No More where all the staff are actors, on the rooftop all the waiters are actually waiters. Our waiter was really nice, and unlike at some restaurants didn't push us to order more when we decided to share two appetisers between three. There was an enclosed space behind us where a birthday party was being held, which I would definitely look into if I came again with a larger party.


The best thing by far about Gallow Green, and in fact any rooftop in New York city, were the views. From where we were sitting we could see the Empire State building in all its majesty, not the worst thing to look at while you're eating.

A close second best thing was the decoration of the rooftop. Covered in all sorts of greenery, bunting and fairy lights it truly felt like a secret magical garden. Coupled with Etta James playing softly in the background made the perfect atmosphere for a perfect night.