The Old Bank of England, EC4

A very impressive conversion of a banking hall. High ceilings and loads of pictures around the walls. I often call in here as part of a pub crawl as there are plenty of other good pubs in the area. It's expensive even for the city, but every pint I've had here has been well kept. The complete Fullers range is available, sometimes with an added guest. My pint of Discovery was, as usual, very good on this visit. Worth a look in for the decor alone and the good beer is a bonus.

Until the 1880’s this was the site of the Olde Cock Tavern that now stands on the other side of the road. The Law Courts branch of the Bank Of England was built in its place and things have has now gone full circle as the Bank became surplus to requirements and was bought by Fullers who have converted it into this impressive and quite opulent pub. Fullers probably do Bank conversions better than anyone (the Counting House in the City and Birmingham’s Old Joint Stock being 2 further examples) and the Old Bank of England is no exception. Much of the buildings character has been retained with high ornate ceilings, large portraits and murals, towering chandeliers and large draped windows and centrepice island bar crowned with a four faced clock. Although there are 18 hand pumps dotted around 3 sides of the bar there was only 5 different ales actually available, sourced of course from the Fullers/Gales range (Pride, ESB, Seafarers, Discovery & Chiswick). Prices are of course ridiculous (Discovery was £3.75 on my last visit) but sometimes it is worth paying that bit extra to soak up the magnificent surrounds, especially if you can bag a seat on the narrow upstairs balcony where you can gaze down on the cacophony of suited and booted down below. Food is also a bit steep for what is in effect general pub grub with main courses around £9-£10 which includes some speciality Fullers Pies. The immediate area around Fleet Street contains many interesting and varied pubs that are worthy of an evening’s visit and if you can bag a table and afford an assault on the wallet, the Old Bank is certainly part of the club.