I’d been here for a light lunch with a group of friends before and really wanted to come back with my husband. So, while wandering down Fleet Street, we decided it was the perfect time for another visit.
The Old Bank of England is such a striking pub, from the outside you’d never guess what’s waiting inside!
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON brings you to the Old Bank of England pub on Fleet Street, one of the City's grandest and most unusual drinking spots.
The History of the Old Bank of England Pub
Despite the name, this was never the Bank of England, just to be clear. It was a working branch of it.
The building at 194 Fleet Street dates back to 1886 and was designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield in an Italianate style. It was originally a bank serving the nearby Royal Courts of Justice and is now Grade II listed.
Before that, two old taverns stood here, The Cock and The Haunch of Venison, before making way for this rather grand building.
The bank closed in 1975, and after a few different uses, the building was restored and turned into a pub in the 1990s.
Inside, you can still see plenty of its banking past: huge ceilings, ornate plasterwork, chandeliers and the original gallery overlooking the main hall.
And apparently, there are even old bullion vaults and Victorian tunnels hidden underneath…
What makes the Old Bank of England Pub so special
An iconic, unmistakable building
This is not a pub you walk past by accident and forget. Its corner position on Fleet Street, all columns and carved stonework, announces itself long before you reach the door.
Inside, the scale is the surprise: ceilings soar, the room stretches back further than you'd guess from the street, and every surface seems to have a story. You'll spot old clocks, framed prints, financial and legal motifs worked into the decor as a quiet reminder of what this space used to be. We loved it!
Set on one of London's most storied streets
Fleet Street isn't just a pretty backdrop here, it's part of the story. This was once the beating heart of British journalism, lined with newspaper offices and printing presses for over a century.
It's also steeped in darker legend. The pub sits close to the spot where Sweeney Todd, the fictional "demon barber of Fleet Street," is said to have plied his trade, with Mrs Lovett's pie shop supposedly just around the corner.
The pub leans into it too. Look closely and you'll spot chairs inside referencing the legend, a nice little nod that keeps the story alive rather than just leaving it as a footnote. Whether or not you buy into the tale, it adds a delicious layer of theatre to your lunch (all the more as we had pies that day!!)!!
That red routemaster Bus in the courtyard
One detail we didn't expect: a vintage red double-decker Routemaster bus, parked in the pub's small outdoor courtyard. It had to be craned in over the roof of the building, which tells you something about how committed McMullen's were to the bit!
You can sit inside it with a drink, which feels like exactly the kind of eccentric London detail worth seeking out.
A proper sense of discovery
What struck me most wasn’t one single feature, but the accumulation of them. The clock above the bar, the worn wooden furniture, the odd portrait tucked away in a corner… You could spend an entire pint just looking around, and so did we!
What made the experience even better was how passionate the staff were about the building’s history. Cheryl, in particular, gave us a proper little tour, pointing out details we would have completely missed and sharing so much about the building’s past.
It really brought the Old Bank of England to life for us and made our experience even better!
A proper Pub, not a tourist trap
What I liked most is that this isn't a pub dressed up for visitors. It's a working local with proper pub food and cask ales.
It just happens to sit inside a small architectural marvel! That combination is rare, and it's exactly the kind of layered London experience I go looking for.
We ordered a traditional British pie from the menu, which sticks to classic pub favourites. It was hearty, comforting and exactly what we were hoping for alongside a pint in such a historic setting.
Why the Old Bank of England Pub is worth visiting
If you're building a day around Fleet Street, the Strand and Covent Garden, this pub earns its place on the route without any convincing needed.
In the heart of a lively neighbourhood
It sits right in the flow of one of London's most walkable and culturally rich stretches. Covent Garden's markets and street performers are a short stroll away.
The Strand's grand old buildings make for a proper architectural warm-up before you arrive, so the pub feels like a natural stop rather than a detour.
Close to Somerset House
Somerset House, one of London's best cultural hubs, is just a few minutes' walk east. Think exhibitions, courtyard fountains in summer, and even ice skating in winter!
It pairs naturally with a stop here, either before or after. A gallery visit followed by a pint surrounded by all that history makes for a pretty perfect London afternoon!
A Thames walk right nearby
Fancy stretching your legs further? The Thames path is close by too, and it's one of the nicest riverside walks in central London.
Views toward the South Bank, the odd glimpse of St Paul's, plenty of spots to stop. It's an easy add-on before or after your visit.
Feeling inspired? If you're planning a visit to the Old Bank of England pub, I'd love to hear about your experience on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON!
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Everything you need to know about the Old Bank of England Pub
Address: 194 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2LT
Tickets: No ticket needed, walk-in pub, table bookings available for groups
Opening hours: Monday–Tuesday 11:00–22:30, Wednesday–Saturday 11:00–23:30, Sunday 11:00–21:00 (kitchen closes earlier, check ahead for food service times)
Website: oldbankofengland.co.uk
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