At The Old Bank Of England, you can drink in a chandelier-clad pub or in a double-decker bus.
The Old Bank Of England has plenty of surprises in store. First of all, contrary to what you might believe, it’s not a bank, but a pub and restaurant. Behind the unassuming exterior lies a giant hall with two floors, chandeliers, marvellously decorated ceilings, and a huge bar.
The McMullen pub on Fleet Street is located inside the old Law Court’s branch of the previous Bank of England, and is now a wonderful place to grab a pint and some food. Fiction buffs will also appreciate the fact that it’s nestled between the barber shop owned by Sweeney Todd and the pie shop owned by Mrs Lovett. It just keeps getting better, doesn’t it?
The third surprise is a fairly new addition to The Old Bank Of England’s outdoor space. Because we’re in London and it’s an entirely normal thing to do, the good team behind the pub had a vintage double-decker Routemaster bus lowered into its suntrap garden, surely giving some pedestrians walking below a bit of anxiety.
Once it settled in, they turned the bus into a makeshift bar, serving drinks on the bottom floor and making room for guests on the top-deck seats. For those who find they spend enough time on London buses, a cosy seating area is set up right outside, granting a quintessentially British and highly Instagrammable view.
Come to The Old Bank Of England for a steak, a burger, some small plates, or try something from their gluten free menu. Their drinks list won’t leave you disappointed either, with everything from cocktails to wines and beers on tap. It’s a lovely place to kick back in a vintage bus (without the stress of commuting), have a drink in the sun, or enjoy a meal in the stunning building.
Find more info on their website. Opening times are Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 23pm. 194 Fleet Street, EC4A 2LT, nearest tube station is Temple.
For more places to grab a pint, check out our list of London’s oldest pubs.