Bellingham’s new deco-era bar, Galloway’s Cocktail Bar, quietly opened its doors December 28th in the space adjacent to the Fairhaven Village Inn. Both businesses are owned by Gene and Connie Shannon. Late last summer, the Shannons hired Allison Sutherland as General Manager of Galloway’s. Sutherland has nearly 20 years of food and beverage experience under her belt; the majority of those years were spent working in Fairhaven restaurants making her the perfect match for Galloway’s.
The Shannons knew the time was right to open their own bar as an amenity to Fairhaven Village Inn guests and locals alike. Hotel Manager, Emma Weinberg, explains, “The Fairhaven Village Inn is a unique 22-room hotel competing with the big brand name hotels, all of which feature a lobby bar. The local market has boomed over the past few years with the number of hotel rooms in Bellingham doubling.” More hotel options means increased competition. “While the Inn has the historic Fairhaven district as its number one amenity, we found it necessary to provide a true ‘hotel bar’ experience for our guests.”
Part of that “hotel bar” experience is providing guests a seamless experience between their time at the Inn and at Galloway’s. Fairhaven Village Inn guests receive an antique brass key at check-in which they can use at Galloway’s for an exclusive complimentary nightly offering.
Galloway’s ambience and décor are inspired by the 1920’s jazz-era, right down to its deco-style logo. While you may think the name is reminiscent of that era, it’s actually named for an Iowa couple, Gregg and Carla Galloway. The Galloways were frequent guests of the Inn who eventually became Fairhaven locals after their retirement. The bar’s namesake represents the experience Sutherland wants her patrons to enjoy: a wonderful mix of hotel guests mingling with local Bellinghamsters.
“We decided to make Galloway’s a gin-focused bar,” shared Sutherland. “Gin is essentially vodka infused with botanicals. You can take it in many flavorful directions and our cocktail list reflects that.” After working with a consultant, the team at Galloway’s developed a creative craft cocktail menu that’s uniquely their own. Sutherland’s personal favorite is the Southside Queen made of Hendrick’s Gin, Giffard Elderflower liqueur, honey syrup, egg white and sage. While craft cocktails are a big focus at Galloway’s, they also offer an extensive beer and wine list with food and dessert options to choose from.
Guests and locals alike can either sidle-up at the bar or nestle into a cozy, custom-built booth from 3 – 10 p.m. and Happy Hour from 3 – 6 p.m. daily.
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