ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — “The Galley was cozy and fun, but too small to handle a party of 20-plus on top of regular demand,” said co-owner Pete Boland. “Now, we can offer everything for our guests, and provide a better chance of a barstool. We’re really happy with what we’re capable of now, and excited.”
WHAT: The Galley has expanded with a new room and rum bar “The Ship’s Hold” to create more indoor and outdoor seating for Galley guests, as well as event space designed to suit small organizations, businesses, and families – a portable space for large parties, happy hours, functions, luncheons, and weddings. “The Hold” refers to the under-decks in the cargo hold of a rum-smuggling pirate ship.
WHO: Galley founders Boland & Ian Taylor sought expansion soon after the early positive response to The Galley, which connects with The Hold via the Galley’s kitchen (so that both can offer all the same amenities). The duo financed the expansion in-house, “spending more than $100k to transport its guests to the Hold of The Ship.” Purchased in the fall of 2018, build-out began that December, led by hospitality build-out veteran Taylor & his team of merrymakers. The grand open event is open to the public.
Mayor Rick Kriseman & Chamber CEO Chris Steinocher are scheduled to cut the ribbon.
WHEN: The Hold soft-opened St. Patrick’s Day weekend with immediate reception by Galley guests and regulars. The grand open ribbon-cutting ceremony is 5:30pm, Wednesday, April 17. The Hold is available for office parties, and private events every day and night, and plans to be open to the public seven days a week “for those looking for a fine tot of rum.” It’s already booked for several business meetings, wedding parties, and private birthday brunches.
WHERE: Located across from the
historic Open Air Post Office, The Galley & The Hold are in the Parkview
Center Building at 27 &37
Fourth Street North, in
what was once thought of as a blighted block “where experienced restaurateurs
were once marooned by a skid row of issues.” It’s now a thriving block with revelers
and foodies of all ages, lunch, dinner & late night. The 1100 square-foot-expansion-space was
previously home to longtime tenant The Shisha Café hookah bar.
WHY: Boland & Taylor wanted to hold & host big family events & office parties, but The Galley was maxed out. Additions include a rum flight program, with tots of different styles like French Agricole, British Style, & Spanish style solera, an ever-expansive 200+ varietals of the historic spirit from around the world; fresh takes on classics like the Bramble, Old Fashioned, & Zombie; a mimosa bar for weekend brunches soon; plus educational rum tastings with global experts. “Rum is complex and has a great history – we want to tell the story of rum,” said Boland. An additional five employees were hired to help staff the new side. “The room’s detail includes custom lighting, curvature & ribs to look like below-decks, all by Taylor’s team. Galley guests are learning about the extra room, with the shared culture of hospitality, local flavor, and a love of Rum; alongside bar games, Golden Tee & darts; and a projector screen for big sporting events – like Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup Playoff games!”
About The Galley: A nautical-inspired, locally owned and operated full liquor tavern, serving the best in St. Pete food, drink and culture. Located at 27 Fourth Street North, The Galley is open 11:30am to 3am daily, with late-night menu 11pm to 2:30am. Bar includes local options along with full liquor and wine list. The Ship’s Hold is located at 37 Fourth Street North. “The Hold” as they call it is currently open for happy hour and late-night revelry Wednesdays through Sundays, and is open for events anytime day or night. Craft bar includes the largest collection of fine and exotic rums on mainland Florida, along with full liquor and wine. Information/updates are available at Facebook and Instagram.