The Old Bank of England Pub: A Jewel in London’s Fleet Street
Located at 194 Fleet Street, London, The Old Bank of England Pub boasts one of the most stunning interiors of any pub in the city. This Grade II listed building, constructed in 1886 by Sir Arthur Blomfield, exudes grandeur with its Italianate style. The pub features luxurious marble, grand paintings, specially commissioned murals, and three large chandeliers hanging from a detailed plaster ceiling. Initially occupied by the law courts branch of the Bank of England from 1888 to 1975, the building was refurbished and repurposed as a pub in 1994, transforming it into a must-visit destination in London. The best time to visit is during weekdays, avoiding the peak hours, to fully appreciate its opulent interior and rich history.
Why You Should Visit The Old Bank of England Pub
Visiting The Old Bank of England Pub offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern-day comfort. The lavish interior, with its Victorian and Edwardian character, provides a perfect setting for enjoying quality pub food and drinks. Here are five places not to be missed when visiting The Old Bank of England Pub:
- The Main Bar: The imposing central bar, complete with a ladder to reach the top shelves, is the pub’s centerpiece and a sight to behold.
- The Mezzanine Level: Offering the best seats in the house, the mezzanine level allows you to look down on the bustling crowd below while admiring the grand ceiling and wall paintings.
- The Vaults: Once containing gold bullion and possibly the Crown Jewels, the vaults now store bottles of wine and spirits. The sheer volume and size of these safes are astonishing.
- The Rear Courtyard: Featuring a classic Routemaster bus, the rear courtyard is a unique and charming addition to the pub.
- The Chandeliers and Ceiling: No visit is complete without taking a moment to admire the detailed plaster ceiling and the three magnificent chandeliers that illuminate the space.
FAQ: Common Questions about The Old Bank of England Pub
- What is the history of The Old Bank of England Pub?
- The building was constructed in 1886 and served as the law courts branch of the Bank of England from 1888 to 1975. It was transformed into a pub in 1994, preserving much of its historical charm.
- What can I expect from the pub’s interior?
- The interior is lavishly decorated with marble, grand paintings, specially commissioned murals, and three large chandeliers. The detailed plaster ceiling is one of the most opulent you’ll find in any pub.
- Is the pub suitable for dining?
- Yes, the pub serves food all day, offering a good selection of starters, mains, puddings, and quality pub grub. Afternoon tea, including sandwiches, light bites, and sharing platters, is also available.
- Are there any unique features in the pub?
- The vaults beneath the pub, which once contained gold bullion, now store wine and spirits. One of the safes has remained unopened since at least 1994. The rear courtyard features a classic Routemaster bus.
- When is the best time to visit?
- The pub can get very busy, especially when ancillary seating areas are closed for private functions. Visiting during weekdays and avoiding peak hours will allow you to fully appreciate its grand interior and historical significance.
Visitor Reviews
The Old Bank of England Pub consistently receives brilliant reviews on TripAdvisor. One recent visitor remarked, “The place has such a nice atmosphere and never fails to impress with its grand interior still reflecting its history. Food was great, had the fish and chips and a selection of starters to share which all tasted good.” Another visitor added, “Love the character of the place, service was good, food was good, still and sparkling water (not bottled) were free.”
The pub underwent a refurbishment in early 2020, retaining the ornate high ceilings and chandeliers while replacing the island bar with a modern metalwork structure and similarly styled booths. The addition of the classic Routemaster bus in the rear courtyard adds a unique touch to this historic venue.
If you’d like to visit, The Old Bank of England Pub is located at 194 Fleet St, London EC4A 2LT.
