No pub in London encapsulates Victorian power and prestige like the Old Bank of England in Fleet Street. Designed by eminent architect Sir Arthur Bromfield, it has past attachments to the worlds of finance and the law, and to this day the throng of habitual local customers and tourists gives a friendly feel to this Fuller’s ale and pie house.

The Venue
Only opening as a pub in 1994, the Old Bank of England occupies the former Law Courts branch of the Bank of England. Bromfield modelled the building on an Italian Renaissance palazzo and from the outside the powerful granite façade has a superb symmetry and maintains lots of its original features; even more awe-inspiring is an interior dominated by an immense coffered ceiling with moulded plasterwork. There’s also an imposing central island bar, fashioned from polished wood and thick glass. The furnishings are of matching quality and the rear of the interior boasts a mock-Renaissance loggia of staircase and balcony – both with ironwork patterning. Below the loggia is a separate function room and behind this is an attractive garden, often the habitat of smokers, but much frequented by others on warm days.

Prints and illustrations festoon the walls. As is to be expected, they illustrate the worlds of finance and the law and have a strong Victorian and Edwardian character. Most impressive, however, is a painting that covers a large side wall. This is a multi-hued depiction in Renaissance-era style of different scenes with the people having the features of the 1994 Fuller, Smith and Turner directors. It’s highly appropriate as this London brewery deserves congratulations for this building’s continued relevance to the capital.

The Atmosphere
The venue draws a large proportion of its customers from the multitudinous barristers’ chambers and law firms in the vicinity. Lunchtimes are devoted to dining but Friday lunchtime and evenings attract enthusiastic drinkers. Good humour and a happy hum pervade. This owes much to the professionalism of the staff.

The Food
Being an ale and pie house, the ten pies are unfailingly popular. The house steak and venison is famed for its succulence and the fidget pie is a worthy rendition of those in its Shropshire home. Other mains are equally substantial fare such as the vegetarian feta, tomato and rosemary baked squash with salad. A good choice of starters and puddings, as well as sandwiches, light bites and sharing platters are also available.

The Drink
As a Fuller’s house real ale is the main drink of choice. An array of handpumps offer a full range including Chiswick Bitter, London Pride, Discovery, London Porter and seasonal specials such as Jack Frost. High sales of these beers mean that they are always fresh and in tip-top condition and the venue has Cask Marque accreditation. The lagers are Carlsberg, Heineken and the popular Peroni.

Among the spirits is the highly rated Sipsmith from Hammersmith, which is winning many fans. A particular selling point, however, is the 23-strong whiskies range. Among the malts is the unique vatted blend, Sheep Dip and a stonkingly strong 60% abv Glenfarclas from Speyside. They also stock four Islay malts and, unusually, two Lowland ones, Auchtentoshen and Glenkinchie. Penderyn from the Brecon Beacons flies the flag for Wales.

The wine list is a fitting accompaniment to the meals. Twenty four different ones are available – most by the glass as well as the bottle. They include premium tipples such as Laurent Perrier Champagne, a Chablis, and a Domaine Chateauneuf du Pape as the pick of the reds.

The Last Word
The Old Bank of England is worth checking out for its eye-catching, jaw-gawping surroundings. It’s also recommended for its real ales, unusual whiskies and well-cooked food.

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