The Old Bank of England Pub
The Old Bank of England Pub
4
12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Monday
12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
1:00 PM - 9:00 PM
About
The Old Bank of England is now managed by McMullen & Sons Hertfordshire Brewers One of the most stunning pub interiors in the city of London now with a new lease of life, paired with honest pub grub and fantastic, Hertfordshire brewed beers. Welcome to the Old Bank of England! Our pub resides in the old Law Court’s branch of the previous Bank of England which operated from 1888 to 1975, although you may not be able to get a loan with us you are bound to receive attentive service, and a unique experience in the country’s capital. The location is also famously directly between Sweeney Todd's barber shop and Mrs Lovett's pie shop! Our vintage Routemaster Bus is available for private hire, a truly unique experience in the heart of Fleet Street.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Holborn
Inner London’s busiest streets crisscross quiet cobbled lanes for an effect that can be urbane or quaint – or an intriguing blend of both – depending on the particular corner you turn. Due to its especially convenient location, bustling Holborn hosts an excellent range of hotels, eateries, and shops to suit practically any taste or budget. With major attractions like the British Museum and Somerset House as well as popular areas such as Covent Garden and Soho all just a short walk away, Holborn is a smart base from which to explore London.
How to get there
- Temple • 5 min walk
- Chancery Lane • 7 min walk
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Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,404 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Nirmal GEsher, United Kingdom309 contributionsPub grub at the The Old Bank of England Pub, Fleet Street, LondonMy husband and myself visited this famous pub on Fleet Street, London, few days ago for an experience. The pub itself is a shear delight to walk thru and experience its past galore. The good ( chicken pies) were delicious , crisp and a hearty treat.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 14, 2023
- Raidon22London, United Kingdom281 contributionsNice settingEvening meal. Food was good but not excellent. Setting is really good Tip - get drinks yourself from bar. If ordered from table then you will pay service charge I don’t mind paying service charge for food, but drinks in London are expensive enough without a service chargeVisited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 8, 2023
- Danks KnowsShoalhaven, Australia2,261 contributionsOk pub, but don’t expect much.The England Pub is just outside Ljubljana old town near the City Hotel. Apparently, this is the old site of the Bank of England, now a pub that does not reflect English pubs. Beer, Guinness, London Pride, Kilkenny is available and at about 4 Euros a pint is well priced. The pub though looks very run down and the outside seating is surrounded by a large car park. Lacks ambience.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 12, 2023
- BDBromley, United Kingdom902 contributionsBeautiful historical building with quirky additions …..Had seen this pub on TikTok and had to visit. As it was the old Bank of England the building was beautiful but works really well as a pub! Loved the chandeliers! Staff were really friendly and service was great. Absolutely loved the double decker bus out in the courtyard and got some fab photos! It will be wonderful to sit out there in the Summer. Also loved the Sweeney Todd corner! Really quirky ideas - totally instagrammable! Talked to the Manager about the huge vaults down below which are used to store the wine now. Incredible to think what an important building this once was. Really enjoyed our visit and would definitely recommend.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 20, 2024
- DowningB57 contributionsWonderful London pubOur tour guide showed us this pub during our stroll of central London last summer. I was so impressed that I went back for lunch the next day as the ambience is terrific. I went straight to the bar to ask about seating and was told to sit anywhere I like. Great. After picking a table in the back room, I downloaded the menu on my phone via the QR code. I could see the menu but couldn't place the order. I finally gave up and went back to the bartender and told him I was having problems. He then told me it wasn't working--might have mentioned that in the first place. I placed my order with him. So after a bit of a rough start, everything else went smoothly. I was "fish and chips" exhausted at that point, so I ordered a good ol' cheeseburger and fries along with a pint. Service was very prompt, and the food and drink were delicious. I will gladly return, although there are so many places to try in London that it may be a while. Next time, I'll check to make sure the QR code is working, lol. Highly recommend.Visited July 2023Traveled soloWritten April 7, 2024
- Sam9 contributionsCheryl - you are Amazing and thank youWow what a lovely historic and welcoming place. My friend and I went for lunch and was welcomed by Cheryl who checked on our food and ensured we were happy. She also walked us around the pub and explained some of the history which was very interesting, she also showed us outside where the Bus was in the Garden which was a huge WOW factor. Thank you Cheryl you really did make our visit a very enjoyable one.Visited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 16, 2024
- Marissa D4 contributionsGood food, great serviceOur server Cheryl was outstanding and made our first meal in London very special. Im not sure she's actually a server but it was early and she was assigned to us. She is an asset to the restaurant and pointed out all the special details about the building that we should not miss. Food was fine for the price. Easy location not far from Covent Garden.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 29, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
136 reviews
Excellent
70
Very good
43
Average
8
Poor
9
Terrible
6
Michele N
Leeds, UK78 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
I recently visited The Old Bank of England and had a disappointing experience. I had a table booked, but arrived early with the intention of enjoying a drink beforehand. The place was quite busy, which is understandable given its popularity.
However, as I was ordering my drink at the bar, I was rudely interrupted by a staff member. Her tone was derogatory and contemptuous, making me feel unwelcome and uncomfortable. Due to this unpleasant interaction, I promptly cancelled my reservation and left the pub.
While it may be considered a bustling hotspot by some, I can't recommend The Old Bank of England due to the terrible service I experienced during my visit.
However, as I was ordering my drink at the bar, I was rudely interrupted by a staff member. Her tone was derogatory and contemptuous, making me feel unwelcome and uncomfortable. Due to this unpleasant interaction, I promptly cancelled my reservation and left the pub.
While it may be considered a bustling hotspot by some, I can't recommend The Old Bank of England due to the terrible service I experienced during my visit.
Written August 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jess-Roy
Brighton, UK66 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
The venue is lovely, however poorly trained and inexperienced staff means the experience wasn’t great. Took ages to order food and drink, food order was messed up. Pies were very dry and not home made. they brought us two meals although only ordered one. Left it on the table for ages and then came back and said Manager insists we take it away. Pretty ungenerous and such a waste as would have to go straight into the bin. But Manager would rather bin it, than just say it’s ok have it on the house. Won’t go back and wouldn’t recommend . How the staff greet you and interact is so important and unfortunately the staff here were disinterested and unfriendly
Written December 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DowningB
Portland57 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
Our tour guide showed us this pub during our stroll of central London last summer. I was so impressed that I went back for lunch the next day as the ambience is terrific.
I went straight to the bar to ask about seating and was told to sit anywhere I like. Great. After picking a table in the back room, I downloaded the menu on my phone via the QR code. I could see the menu but couldn't place the order. I finally gave up and went back to the bartender and told him I was having problems. He then told me it wasn't working--might have mentioned that in the first place. I placed my order with him.
So after a bit of a rough start, everything else went smoothly. I was "fish and chips" exhausted at that point, so I ordered a good ol' cheeseburger and fries along with a pint. Service was very prompt, and the food and drink were delicious.
I will gladly return, although there are so many places to try in London that it may be a while. Next time, I'll check to make sure the QR code is working, lol.
Highly recommend.
I went straight to the bar to ask about seating and was told to sit anywhere I like. Great. After picking a table in the back room, I downloaded the menu on my phone via the QR code. I could see the menu but couldn't place the order. I finally gave up and went back to the bartender and told him I was having problems. He then told me it wasn't working--might have mentioned that in the first place. I placed my order with him.
So after a bit of a rough start, everything else went smoothly. I was "fish and chips" exhausted at that point, so I ordered a good ol' cheeseburger and fries along with a pint. Service was very prompt, and the food and drink were delicious.
I will gladly return, although there are so many places to try in London that it may be a while. Next time, I'll check to make sure the QR code is working, lol.
Highly recommend.
Written April 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ColinMacmillan
London, UK874 contributions
Jul 2022
For anyone with a love of architecture the ambience of the Old Bank of England in Fleet Street is a must, and be sure to take photographs. I had booked in advance for my wife and my oldest friend of 69 years, and I imagine booking would be advisable at weekends. The welcoming staff showed us to a nice banquette table and took our drinks order immediately. The prawns and steaks are recommended. I drink wine nowadays; but I could see many familiar labels on the beer and lager pumps, so enjoy. We lunched at about £77 for three, so not expensive.
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raidon22
London, UK281 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Evening meal. Food was good but not excellent.
Setting is really good
Tip - get drinks yourself from bar. If ordered from table then you will pay service charge I don’t mind paying service charge for food, but drinks in London are expensive enough without a service charge
Setting is really good
Tip - get drinks yourself from bar. If ordered from table then you will pay service charge I don’t mind paying service charge for food, but drinks in London are expensive enough without a service charge
Written October 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danks Knows
Shoalhaven, Australia2,261 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
The England Pub is just outside Ljubljana old town near the City Hotel. Apparently, this is the old site of the Bank of England, now a pub that does not reflect English pubs. Beer, Guinness, London Pride, Kilkenny is available and at about 4 Euros a pint is well priced. The pub though looks very run down and the outside seating is surrounded by a large car park. Lacks ambience.
Written October 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HINA W
Islamabad, Pakistan7,358 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
This is a historical building as the first Bank of England was located here from 1888 till 1975. It has one of the most stunning interiors of London. The opulent ceiling is so grand that you start feeling that you are in one of the palaces of Europe. Nothing has changed since 1975, even the chandeliers have Bank of England etched on them. The food served is pretty good but the ambience outshines everything. There is an old red double decker bus parked in the courtyard. Interestingly it is located next to Sweeney Todd Shop of the Demon Barber. Do visit this pub for it’s looks.
Written July 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam
9 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
Wow what a lovely historic and welcoming place. My friend and I went for lunch and was welcomed by Cheryl who checked on our food and ensured we were happy. She also walked us around the pub and explained some of the history which was very interesting, she also showed us outside where the Bus was in the Garden which was a huge WOW factor. Thank you Cheryl you really did make our visit a very enjoyable one.
Written April 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bengt O
2 contributions
Jan 2020
Large pub with food and drinks (beers) in copious amounts. Check out the clock on the wall showing the time of the last transaction made in the bank of england. By the way, the pub is where Sweeney Todd "shaved", if you know the story. As always, lot of people after work. I prefer to come earlier :-)
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review!
Glad you enjoyed your experience with us and hope to see you again soon,
The OBE Team
Written March 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Victoria D
27 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Didn’t actually get to eat or drink anything here as the service was so poor.
Filthy tables,
one waitress swanning around like she was doing the place a favour by being there, and bar staff who couldn’t give a toss.
We were thé around 2 pm so not very busy at all but still could t get served. The app didn’t work and after waiting at the bar for 10 mins being ignored by the bar staff we left.
Filthy tables,
one waitress swanning around like she was doing the place a favour by being there, and bar staff who couldn’t give a toss.
We were thé around 2 pm so not very busy at all but still could t get served. The app didn’t work and after waiting at the bar for 10 mins being ignored by the bar staff we left.
Written September 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hay servicio de mesa?
Written April 22, 2019
Is there wheelchair access to all parts?
Written August 25, 2018
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