The Barrowboy & Banker, SE1

Very good conversion of a former Nat West Bank into a Fullers Ale and Pie house, with the most spectacular retained features being the ornate pillars, open staircase and original chandeliers as mentioned below. This is then complemented by plenty of period pictures and commissioned murals to add to the décor. As also eluded to the positive point of this pub is the decent quality of the Fullers range on offer, with the negative being the price levels which are at the upper end of the city price scale. Its location opposite London Bridge station makes it an ideal location for a pint before catching the train home or for a first pint when emerging from the station before moving further into Borough. Used it for this purpose again last week and the Pride and Discovery were on good form.

This place is like a grand hotel lobby with a sweeping staircase leading to some upstairs seating. The full Fullers range was available including the brain-tonking 8.3% Golden Pride. Standard lagers were also available alongside Peroni. There was plenty of staff who all seemed pleasant enough and there was a reasonable atmosphere for such a large pub. I liked it in here and would go back again if in the area.

This large, spacious and fairly grand looking Fullers pub would probably appeal more to Bankers than Barrowboys. Situated at the southern approach to London Bridge, the building was previously an old Bank although the conversion to a pub has not resulted in any reduction in its opulence. The high ceilings, ornate pillars, portraits, murals, open staircase and sweeping curved bar convey a rather decadent feel although this is also reflected in the extremely steep beer prices. The good news is that they do offer pretty much the whole Fullers range and I have never had an issue the quality or service, even when it is busy (which it often is). A balcony provides additional seating but if you call at anything like peak hours, you can expect a spell of vertical drinking. There always seems to be a decent mix of customers and is generally a hassle free place that comes in handy for nearby London Bridge Station or as the start/finish for a crawl around the area’s many fine pubs. One word of warning though - it doesn’t open at the weekends.