Old Bank of England, The - Entertainment, Pubs & Bars

Old Bank of England, The

Location: 194 Fleet Street
Tube: Temple

Perhaps the best of a recent rash of conversions which have seen former banks transformed into stunning drinking emporia. Owned by Fuller's (one of London's two large family run brewers), the ales are always second to none and the huge bar means that service is never a problem.

Even at its most crowded, the place never really feels packed due to its sheer size. There's a separate restaurant that serves excellent pies although food can be delivered to wherever you're sitting, and a balcony if you feel the need to view the melee from above. Formerly a branch of the Bank of England, it was built in 1888 and ironically replaced a pub that had been on the site for many years!