The Old Bank of England, Fleet Street
Step into a grand Victorian bank turned iconic Fleet Street pub, where history, legend, and opulence blend beneath ornate ceilings and hidden vaults.
The Old Bank of England is a spectacular pub located at 194 Fleet Street, London, housed in the former Law Courts branch of the Bank of England from 1888 to 1975. Renowned for its stunning Italianate architecture and richly decorated Victorian interior, the pub features ornate ceilings, a grand mezzanine, and historic vaults once used to store gold bullion and briefly the Crown Jewels. It offers a unique blend of British pub culture and banking heritage in the heart of London’s legal district.
A brief summary to The Old Bank of England
- 194 Fleet St, London, EC4A 2LT, GB
- +442074302255
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-10:30 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-10:30 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-10:30 pm
- Thursday 11 am-11 pm
- Friday 11 am-11 pm
- Saturday 11 am-11 pm
- Sunday 11 am-8:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit the mezzanine level for the best views of the pub’s intricate interior and lively atmosphere below.
- Explore the outdoor beer garden featuring a vintage Routemaster bus available for private hire.
- Try traditional British pub dishes paired with Hertfordshire-brewed beers for an authentic experience.
- Learn about the building’s history and its connection to the Sweeney Todd legend while enjoying your visit.
- Reserve a table or private room in advance, especially for larger groups or special events.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Central Line to Chancery Lane station, approximately a 5-10 minute walk to 194 Fleet Street. The station is wheelchair accessible and trains run frequently. A single fare costs around £2.50 with contactless payment.
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Bus
Bus routes 11, 15, and 23 stop near Fleet Street, with a 5- to 15-minute walk to the pub. Buses run every 10-15 minutes during the day. Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for fares around £1.75.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing services can drop you directly at 194 Fleet Street. Travel time varies from 10 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares from £10 to £20 within central London.
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Walking
If staying nearby in central London, walking to the Old Bank of England offers a scenic 10-20 minute stroll through historic streets. The terrain is flat and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
The Old Bank of England location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Old Bank of England
Architectural Grandeur and Historical Legacy
The Old Bank of England occupies a magnificent Italianate building constructed in 1888 as the Law Courts branch of the Bank of England. Its grand facade on Fleet Street commands attention, standing proudly next to the Royal Courts of Justice. Inside, the pub retains much of its original High Victorian interior, featuring intricate wall paintings, an ornate ceiling, and a sweeping mezzanine that overlooks the bustling bar below. The building’s design reflects the opulence and solidity befitting a financial institution of its era, now repurposed to welcome pub-goers into a space rich with history and character.Vaults and Underground Mysteries
Beneath the pub lies a labyrinth of vaults and tunnels that once safeguarded gold bullion and, reportedly, the Crown Jewels during World War I. These subterranean chambers now serve as storage for the pub’s drinks but remain inaccessible to the public, preserving an air of mystery. The vaults evoke the building’s past as a secure financial stronghold, and their thick walls and heavy safes hint at the immense value once protected within. This hidden underworld adds a thrilling dimension to the visitor experience, connecting patrons with London’s layered history.Connection to Fleet Street Lore
Situated between the legendary sites of Sweeney Todd’s barber shop and Mrs Lovett’s pie shop, the Old Bank of England occupies a place steeped in Fleet Street folklore. The pub’s location ties it to the dark tales of the ‘demon barber’ and his pie-making accomplice, whose grisly story is woven into the fabric of London’s cultural heritage. This proximity enriches the pub’s atmosphere, blending historical fact with literary legend in one of London’s most storied neighborhoods.A Hub for Socializing and Events
Since its transformation into a pub in 1994, the Old Bank of England has become a vibrant social hub offering traditional British pub fare and Hertfordshire-brewed beers. It features unique spaces such as a vintage Routemaster bus in its beer garden, available for private hire, and intimate function rooms for events ranging from business meetings to celebrations. The pub’s blend of historic ambiance and lively atmosphere makes it a favored destination for locals and visitors alike, combining heritage with hospitality.Preservation and Modern Use
The building is a Grade II listed structure, carefully preserved to maintain its architectural and historical significance while adapting to contemporary use. Extensive refurbishments have respected the original design elements, ensuring the pub retains its grandeur and charm. The Old Bank of England stands as a testament to London’s ability to repurpose its historical buildings, offering a unique experience that bridges past and present in the heart of the City.Surrounding Historical Context
Located on the edge of London’s legal district, the pub neighbors the Royal Courts of Justice with their soaring Gothic architecture and the Temple complex, home to prestigious law offices and the historic Temple Church. This setting situates the Old Bank of England within a rich tapestry of legal and financial history, making it an ideal spot for those interested in London’s heritage to pause and soak in the atmosphere.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Temple Church
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Royal Courts of Justice
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Middle Temple Venue Hire
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The Maughan Library
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Two Temple Place
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Essential places to dine
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Sea Containers Restaurant
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Rules
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Circus
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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London Transport Museum - Shop
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Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
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Bankside Arches Boutique
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
