Have you ever wanted to sip a cold drink inside a giant golden room? If so, you must visit the Old Bank of England. This isn’t just any regular corner bar. It is one of the most beautiful places in all of London. Located on the famous Fleet Street, this building used to be a real branch of the Bank of England many years ago. Today, it is a place where people meet to eat, drink, and enjoy the amazing view.
When you walk through the heavy front doors, your jaw might drop. The ceilings are very high and covered in real gold leaf. Huge chandeliers hang from above, making the whole place glow. It feels more like a palace than a pub. In this article, we will look at the secrets hidden inside the old bank of england and why it is a must-see spot for anyone visiting the city.
Table of Contents
The History of the Old Bank of England
Before it became a popular spot for a pint, this building served a very serious purpose. Built in 1888, it was the Law Courts branch of the Bank of England. Because it was so close to the Royal Courts of Justice, it handled very important business for nearly 100 years. It wasn’t until 1975 that the bank finally closed its doors to money-makers and opened them to the public.
Even though it is now a pub, the old bank of england has kept all its old charm. You can still see the grand wooden staircase and the beautiful floor tiles. It is like stepping back in time to the Victorian era. The building is a reminder of how wealthy and powerful London was during the late 1800s. People love coming here just to stand in a place that has so much history behind it.
A Quick Look at the Stats
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | The Old Bank of England |
| Location | 194 Fleet Street, London |
| Built In | 1886–1888 |
| Original Use | Law Courts Branch of the Bank of England |
| Current Owner | McMullen & Sons |
| Special Feature | Routemaster Bus in the Garden |
| Famous Legend | Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett |
Export to Sheets
The Legend of Sweeney Todd
One of the spookiest things about the old bank of england is its location. It sits right between where two very famous, and scary, shops used to be. On one side was the barber shop of Sweeney Todd. On the other side was the pie shop owned by Mrs. Lovett. If you know the story, you know that these two were up to no good!
Legends say that there are tunnels running underneath the old bank of england pub. People whisper that these tunnels were once used to move “mystery meat” from the barber shop to the pie shop. While this is likely just a tall tale, it adds a fun bit of mystery to your visit. Sitting in the pub today, it is hard to imagine such dark stories happening in such a bright and beautiful room.
What’s Underneath the Floor?
If the ghost stories aren’t enough for you, let’s talk about real treasure. Since this was a real bank, it has massive underground vaults. In the past, these vaults held huge stacks of gold bullion. Can you imagine standing right above millions of pounds worth of gold? It is a very cool thought while you eat your lunch.
+1
There is even a rumor that the Crown Jewels were kept here for a short time. During World War I, the city wanted to keep the royal treasures safe from bombs. They decided the strong rooms at the old bank of england were the perfect hiding spot. Today, the basement is used for more practical things like keeping the beer cold, but the history of the gold remains.
Step Inside the Stunning Interior
The first thing you will notice at the old bank of england is the ceiling. It is painted in rich colors and decorated with shiny gold. It looks like something you would see in a museum. The bar itself is massive and made of dark, polished wood. There is even a balcony area called a mezzanine where you can look down at everyone below.
Finding a seat on the balcony is the best way to experience the old bank of england pub. From up there, you get a bird’s-eye view of the chandeliers and the busy crowd. It is a great place to take photos. The pub has done a wonderful job of keeping the Victorian style alive. They haven’t changed the classic look, which is why it feels so special.
A Bus in the Beer Garden?
Most pubs in London have a small patio, but the old bank of england has something much cooler. In their outdoor garden, there is a full-sized red Routemaster bus! This isn’t a toy; it is a real vintage bus that was lifted into the courtyard by a giant crane. It was a huge job because the entrance was too small for the bus to drive through.
You can actually climb onto the bus to sit and have a drink. It has been converted into a cozy seating area. This is a favorite spot for tourists because it combines two iconic London things: a historic bank and a red double-decker bus. Whether you sit inside the grand hall or out on the bus, the old bank of england offers a unique vibe.
What to Eat and Drink
Since this is now a pub run by McMullen’s, you can expect some classic British food. They are famous for their pies, which is a funny nod to the Sweeney Todd legend. Don’t worry, though—the ingredients are much better than the ones in the stories! They serve hearty meals like fish and chips, burgers, and Sunday roasts.
The old bank of england pub is also known for its great selection of ales. Because it is owned by a brewery, the beer is always fresh. It is a popular spot for lawyers and workers from the nearby courts to relax after a long day. If you are looking for a real taste of London life, this is the place to be.
Why Is It So Popular?
The reason people love the old bank of england is that it feels grand but friendly. Even though it looks like a million dollars, anyone can walk in and feel welcome. You don’t need a fancy suit to enjoy the gold-leaf ceilings. It is a “people-first” kind of place where the staff is happy to tell you about the building’s history.
It also stays busy because of its location. Fleet Street is one of the most famous roads in the world. It was the heart of the newspaper industry for a long time. Now, it is a hub for tourism and law. The old bank of england serves as a perfect resting point for anyone exploring the city’s landmarks.
Finding the Old Bank of England
If you are looking for the old bank of england, just head toward the Royal Courts of Justice. The building stands out because of its beautiful stone exterior and large windows. It is located at 194 Fleet Street. It is very easy to find if you are walking from St. Paul’s Cathedral toward Covent Garden.
The pub is usually open every day, but it can get very crowded on Friday nights. If you want to see the interior without the big crowds, try visiting on a weekday afternoon. That way, you can take your time looking at the architecture of the old bank of england without bumping into too many people.
A Must-Visit London Landmark
In a city full of history, the old bank of england still manages to stand out. It is a perfect mix of high-end architecture and cozy pub culture. You get to learn about bank vaults, royal jewels, and barber legends all in one visit. It is truly one of the gems of Fleet Street.
Whether you are a history buff or just someone looking for a cool place to take a break, this pub won’t disappoint. The old bank of england pub is a great example of how London breathes new life into its old buildings. So, next time you are in town, make sure to stop by and see the golden ceiling for yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Was the Old Bank of England a real bank?
Yes, it was! It served as the Law Courts branch of the Bank of England from 1888 until 1975.
2. Can I see the bank vaults?
While the vaults are not open for public tours, they are still there beneath the floor. They are currently used for storage and keeping the pub’s beverages cool.
3. Is the Sweeney Todd story true?
The story of Sweeney Todd is a work of fiction, but it is based on urban legends from the Fleet Street area. The pub sits right between the locations mentioned in the famous tale.
4. Can you eat on the red bus in the garden?
Yes! The vintage Routemaster bus in the garden has been turned into a seating area where guests can enjoy their food and drinks.
5. Do I need to book a table?
It is a good idea to book a table if you are coming with a large group or visiting on a busy evening. However, walk-ins are usually welcome.
6. Who owns the pub now?
The pub is currently owned and operated by McMullen & Sons, a family-owned brewery that has been around since 1827.
Conclusion
Visiting the old bank of england is an experience you won’t forget. It is rare to find a place that feels both like a museum and a neighborhood hangout. From the gold-covered ceilings to the red bus in the yard, every corner has a story to tell. If you want to feel like royalty while enjoying a simple meal, this is the spot for you. Don’t forget to look up at the ceiling and imagine the gold that used to be stored right under your feet. Cheers to a great London adventure!
