ReviewThe Banker isn’t a place you would comeacross by accident being tucked away down a side street alongside Cannon Street Railway Station. The cavernous but spacious interior consists 2 massive Victorian brick arches that prop up the station above and running perpendicular, 2 smaller tongue and groove lined arches with a more intimate loungey feel. At the end is a narrow enclosed terrace that commands a panoramic river view beneath the railway bridge passing overhead. The vast expanses of brickwork have some unusual arty style modern black and white photos of the local architecture and some of the river traffic whilst the smaller arches contain some portraits of the classic river views. There is also an upstairs balcony which is occasionally sealed off for private functions and an open riverside terrace. Even during the busiest periods I have always managed to get a seat and a table. A well positioned plasma screen covers the usual sporting occasions and the music is unobtrusive albeit fairly safe and mainstream.
On the beer front, a good selection of well kept Fullers beers available (Chiswick, ESB, HSB, Discovery & Pride) but a bit on the pricey side (London prices blah blah blah). The other downside from my most recent visit was the woefully short measure, especially given the Cask Marque accreditation and a top up wasn’t exactly delivered with a beaming smile. As a non-regular I wouldn’t let it affect my rating but it is something I would keep an eye on in future visits. In general, it is a pub that is well worth seeking out but needs to pay a bit of attention to the service side of things.
