please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Beer and the pie were both OK, but a plesant enough lunch and worth a look for the interior. Not as good as I remember from years back.
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Great looking pub. Service was good and the beer was typical Fullers. Although it looks good to me it lavcks atmosphere.
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Stunning interior, with a little corner my friends and I always like to hide in with our pints. Unfortunately though in recent years I've always found it a bit dirty, which is ashame as when I first drank in the pub 11 years ago it used to be spotless.
Warning though if you are gonna use the gents loo, if a double decker bus goes by and you're at one of the urinals the people on the top deck can see right through the window at what you're doing!
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Fantastic historic building steeped in history had a lovely pint of ESB. Will definatly visit again.
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Visited last Friday on the strength of the mostly positive reviews here and wasn't disappointed. Whilst it was very busy we got served virtually straight away and the London Pride was great. The pub has a really spectacular interior and is well worth a visit.
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If you go to a pub regularly, do not rate it for its best times, but its worst: on a bad day, how well do they do?
This pub has done well on good days for me for two years. I have taken many people there for a pub lunch - pie and mash. Very tasty, and adequate service.
Today I saw a bad day. The pie was dry, the mash was sloppy, and they brought my colleague the wrong drink. They replaced it with the correct one, but with staggering ill-grace.
We had some jumped-up Fuehrer march over, proclaim the price, and stand there with his arms folded whilst we paid. Rude, gruff, unfriendly. We paid £22 for our £21.85 bill. We got up to go and he returned with the 15p and said sourly "here you go - you wouldn't want to miss out on that now". With some grace, he might have earned a few quid tip. As it was, he got nothing.
I would remind them, and readers, that service charge is a discretion of the customer, not an obligation, nor a hidden tax. It must be earned.
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dishy manager in one of fullers greatest pubs wonder if she wants a date................ maybe on saturday ??
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Agree with the general comments on here, attractive decor, does remind you of the Counting House, good for a quick visit but wouldn't remain for more than a swift one...
....but this place was made for me on our last visit when we actually saw a bloke in a Bowler hat!!
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Certainly well worth a visit, and good if you have a group of people with you, as it's large and there are plenty of tables and standing area. It does get well busy, but you knew that anyway. The interior isn't the most spectacular, but special nonetheless. Service a bit slow.
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Superb interior, standard range of Fuller's ales in good enough condition, although a shame not to have the monthly seasonal brew on offer as already noted.
I just found the place a bit too "corporate" though. Identikit young staff of varying quality and efficiency, all wearing uniform. It can get ludicrously busy at times and I just prefer somewhere a bit more intimate.
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Fullers do the whole grandiose refit thing really well and this beautiful high ceilinged pub is evidence of that. It made me think of the Counting House on Cornhill. Fullers range of beers and friendly service but a bit of a strange shape and nothing that makes the pub stand out in the crowd.
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Acceptable Chiswick - and generally a good place to meet. However, very much in the current Fullers city pub mould and I would agree with the comment below that it's not really a place for a session.
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Popped in tonight to tick it off in the 2008 GBG. Had a pint of Chiswick which was ok but nothing on the ones I had in the Andover Arms when Saints played QPR. I quite like this place, roomy and high ceilinged. Beer standard Fullers, was hoping for a seasonal. Worth a visit.
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If I'm spending a day in London, then I want my choice of pub to be something out of the ordinary, and The Old Bank of England is one of my favourites. As I come from McMullen territory, the chance to drink ESB on draught is always a treat. Food good, although could probably do with some more basic options, but this is a minor quibble.
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Seemed a very ornate pub, quite agreeable really
TheGP - 20 Apr 2007 14:08 |
As a general rule I don't particularly like Fuller's City enormo-houses such as this, the Counting House or the Butcher's Hook. The beer in Ye Olde Bank is fine - good, in fact - but it is just too big and busy, with not nearly enough seating, to be an at all relaxing experience. Suitable for a quick pint, but I'd prefer not to spend the whole evening in here.
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I have spent nearly a year abroad and have fond memories of many English pubs. I am posting two reviews, my favourite and least favourite visits to pubs that stick in the memory. I visited The Old Bank of England on the afternoon of 23/06/05 and received the rudest service i can recall in a pub. Even though the pub was empty the 2 bar staff ignored me for 5 minutes. I consider myself quiet and polite, so i waited patiently for them to finish their conversation in their language (They had no one to serve). Eventually they served me a Beer in a dirty glass which they seemed to find amusing. I felt unable to complain about this and left a few quid poorer leaving the beer behind undrunk. I had wanted to see the pub's acclaimed interior. If the Sistine Chapel were a pub and had such service i'd give it a miss. A pub needs more than a good setting. Hopefully things have turned around after nearly 2 years.
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Much improved pub- management seem to be keen and enthusuiastic and the pub seems well run, which was certainly not the case several years ago, The London Porter is currently on - very moreish, but treat it with respect.
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I like the building and what has been done with the interior but unfortunately it's another of those places that fills with the suit brigade. Mind you, they've all cleared off to the suburbs by 10pm which leaves it virtualy empty.
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Went in there for an evening last week. A very pleasant pub and the building itself is fantastic. Staff were friendly (especially the pleasant Australian barmaid) and service no problem.
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Joe Cool, what did your last comment mean? It doesn't sound finished. get more what? Sex?
This place is classy looking and if you need the cashpoint the fanciest cashpoint in the world is over the road. Downside is the service which can err on the grumpy side at times.
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A delightful convesrion by a decent ale purveyor ( Fullers). Customers are a mix of legal types and students from KIngs College whic is just up Chancery Lane.
Lively at lunchtime and early evening, chatty but not overly crowded with a great bar menu until 9pm. Their pie was great and previous reviewer that expects these things to be baked personally by Fanny Craddock over an AGA stove need to get more!
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the steak and ale pie is terrible. heated up in a microwave with about 7 ropey chips, served up by sullen and disinterested staff.
anonymous - 11 Aug 2006 16:39 |
The steak and kidney pie is one of the best I've tasted. We'll be in London in mid September and I will be there for lunch a couple of times for sure.
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Well worth a look if just for the decor. The staff do not fall into the obsequious category, but that's a blessing. Stocks a good range of beers.
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I was in the Old Bank of England during the week... it was a bit quiet and I was chatting to one of the people behind the bar... seemed perfectly pleasant to me and was to the other customers. Don't really know what you're going on about... it's not a bad pub at all.
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I agree with the last poster. Lets forget the whole Polish bit entirely, and just focus on the fact the service in this pub is really unfriendly and that this is a crying shame because it is such a great conversion by Fullers. The attitude displayed by the General Manager in his post below ("harbinger") suggest maybe he is part of the problem. Personally I am steering clear, maybe I'll give it a chance again in some day but not for a bit.
anonymous - 2 May 2006 13:46 |
Maybe, but not every punter's a tosser and my main bone of contention is not where people come from but Management not training their staff.
anonymous - 2 May 2006 13:24 |
The Old Bank of England is a beautiful pub, with highly regarded service.
I have worked within the industry for several years, and indeed have been a manager previously at The Old Bank.
I am surprised that in the 21st century people are pigeon holed because of their nationality. London is a culturally diverse city, and welcomes people of all races and nationalities. It is one of the most exciting cities in the world because of this.
We need people of all backgrounds to work within the hospitality industry, mainly beacuse native "english" do not want to (too much like hard work, or too long hours for little pay) and also because they feel badly treated by the people they serve - the paying customer.
Just because they "serve" does not make them "servants".
If people want good service perhaps they should look to the way they are treating the people who serve them. Its a two way street. We are after all only human and deserve a little respect, regardless of our origins.
I am surprised that a website of this calibre publishes reviews from users that attack people because of their roots.
anonymous - 30 Apr 2006 12:17 |
I think many people forget that if it wasn't for the Polish, we'd be reviewing all the pubs on this site in German.
Stanislav Skalski, the hero spitfire pilot, would drink in the Bank of England. And I'd buy him a pint. First class pub, first class barmaids, first class nation of heroes.
anonymous - 28 Mar 2006 14:28 |
I don't think the manager's comments were particularly defensive and it's OK for him to defend his staff as he knows them personally. However, he could also have given a little more reassurance to his customers. Regarding the issue of Polish staff, they have a right to work there and people have a right to employ them. What a lot of people don't realise when they take staff, particularly from central/eastern Europe, on is just how different some of their cultural attitudes are, particularly body language and facial expressions. In a 'service sector' giving customers the right impression is important so they should be made more aware of what impression they are giving to customers. This isn't their fault, someone must teach them. I'll go back to the pub but I'm a borderline punter.
anonymous - 23 Mar 2006 15:46 |
To be honest in this place it doesn't matter what you say to the staff, you get the same unfriendly treatment...
anonymous - 23 Mar 2006 12:04 |
Anonymous - 22 Mar 2006 14:00: did you mean “uninterested” rather than “disinterested”? “Disinterested” means impartial while “uninterested” means indifferent or not caring. I’m sure the staff would be happy to be called “disinterested” ie impartial!!
anonymous - 23 Mar 2006 11:53 |
In reply to harbinger (apparently the general manager of this pub):
1. You may well "be surprised by the comments regarding the friendliness of the staff" - but that doesn't mean our comments aren't valid. Maybe you are just failing to notice the way your own barstaff treat people. I have been to your pub several times and EVERY time myself and the people I have been with have experienced and commented to each other on the unfriendly staff.
2. Your concentration on tips and sales growth is fair enough - you are running a business. But look at your location - no wonder you get tips and make money. If that is ALL you care about, fine. Understandable. But it shows little professional pride in my opinion.
After reading the general manager's comments I am not returning to this pub - I would have otherwise. But my hackles have been well and truly raised.
anonymous - 23 Mar 2006 10:46 |
Well, now I've seen it all - Polish staff and "work ethic and willingness" in the same sentence. They ought to be stuffed and put in a museum, for their rarity value. Most of the Polish bar staff that I've come across in pubs across the capital are surly and disinterested - and those are the better ones !
anonymous - 22 Mar 2006 14:00 |
As the General Manager, I am surprised by the comments regarding the friendliness of the staff. Their tips speak for themselves. We don't expect to get it right 100% of the time but we do aim to offer friendly service and good value for money. Internally, the above average anual sales growth also tells a positive story. As for the Polish staff, I make no apologies - their work ethic and willingness to help and do more than the minimum makes them by far the right choice.
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£2.70 a pint of Pride served by not so friendly staff in a pub that was clean but a lot of stairs to climb to go to the toilet.never again will i darken it's doorstep!
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I can't let you get away with that. The Bank of England is a class pub. As for the pillock who objects to Polish barmaids, I'd rather be served by them, than the sour-faced old British boots we get outside the capital. Personally, I've never found the staff at the Bank anything but polite, helpful and friendly. Perhaps you need to take a look in the mirror mate; there are always plenty of stupid, irritating men in suits behaving badly with the bar staff. Be nice, they don't get paid much and they look fabulous, particularly the manageress with the sparkly-bummed trousers.
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Staff are without exception rude in my experience. Agree that when empty, the place is too big and the ceilings too high to retain any atmosphere.
But the building is beautiful, and Fuller's beers as excellent as you would expect in one of their own venues, in terms of both range and quality. So the impressive decor and the real and bottled ales are what makes this place worth a visit.
I ate here and was disappointed with the pie and chips I ordered - small portions, not well prepared at all. Would probably avoid eating here again.
And, yes, this is the former Fleet Street branch of the Bank of England - but was never the head office.
anonymous - 13 Jan 2006 11:43 |
Yep - Very nice. Looks classy but not in a Bob Hoskins kind of way! Would definitely go back.
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Nice commercial refit. I usually am not a fan of the bank turned pub but it works here. Can get a bit loud. Worth a look and a pint just to soak it all in. Not a classic pub but works at its own level. Has an outstanding ESB here.
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The mighty Old Bank of England is a nice place to go for a drink and food. But I would say there is a problem. Is it really the Old bank england? I realised that the people working there are all Polish. I have nothing against that!
have seen the extremely beauty of the place, I wanted to book my birthday party, but they could not even speak English! That's really a shame!
I just wanted to say to their general manager to be a bit more selected with their staff!
Remember, we are not in Poland, we are in England!
Thank you very much for your time!
Best regards
Rolando
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Absolutely massive pub, worth a visit just to gawp up at the inside space.........The problem is, its so large that when its not busy there can be little to no atmosphere. Can be a bit touristy at times. Best on a friday evening.
anonymous - 1 Aug 2005 13:55 |
This is one of my favourite pubs in London. Light and airy, no foul Fosters lager on tap, and pleasant staff. Should avoid the temptation to cordon off areas for private parties though.
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as mentioned below a real classic... beer is average and expensive but the decor and atmosphere alone makes it worth at least one visit.
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Excellent pub - a real classic. Spent whole evening there recently and staff remained friendly all the time despite party being a bit loud. London Pride excellent - food OK. Definately somewhere to impress your out of town visitors.
petew - 16 May 2005 13:46 |
love this pub - food is yummy and cider not bad either
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Very grand and ornate interior, although the exterior is shrouded in scaffolding at this time. Friendly staff, crowded with suits, but lots of room for all. Worth a visit.
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The pub IS worth a visit, however the beer is not particularly good and is pretty expensive.
Snarling Mallard - 12 Oct 2004 15:26 |
Very good and friendly service. Nice lunch food too, this April 16th.
Fullers ales well kept.
And above all, very good staff
Gilles - 23 Apr 2004 10:36 |
I rate this pub better than the 7 stars round the corner, and I got mates that run/drink there. despite the non-local alphonses (I am "local"), the Staff still have time for you, despite being busy and despite the fact of (you/me) not wearing a cheap whistle. They even manage to be friendly. The food is great, and not overpriced and not Gastro (yuck). It is a big room, but there is usually room to sit in private at the back where the Clerks used to work, and have a quiet drink/chat. This is especially on the weekend when all the Alphonses have gone back to Surbiton or whatever khazi it is they come from. A top pub, I rate it at least an 8 overall, especially as City pubs go.
L. Sutton - 31 Jan 2004 19:46 |
A Baroque Vallhalla among watering holes! A resplendent remnant of Imperial grandiosity! Drink to the twilight of Empire!
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Huge cavernous drinking establishment with garish decor and fine ales, what more could you want? Amusing chatty bar staff who look like Doctor Evil? You got it! A two mile trek to the toilets? You got it! Nasty eighties soft rock playing over the speakers? It's yours baby! All in all an enjoyable atmospheric pub and a great drinking experience with plenty of space that you will want to return to.
Agnes - 14 Jan 2004 11:05 |
This is a unique place and not to be missed if you are in the area. Quoting Dave "Great pub with good Fullers beer and very good food. If this doesn't impress your friends they have a mental problem!" - I totally agree Dave:)
At the moment Fullers are serving their excellent Winter Warmer called 'Jack Frost' which knocks spots off Young's recent offering - it finishes this month so do get some in! All their beers are well kept and the service friendly. Their food (though expensive) is very good. The main problem is getting a table, however, you can book so do call.
George - 11 Jan 2004 15:29 |
I really despised the place on first blush but I have changed my mind after subsequent visits. Fantastic quality on the Fuller's. The main room is still a tad bit too big to be a truly comfy drinking spot.
Jeff - 16 Nov 2003 14:28 |
Nice Fullers pub with well kept beer (usually has seasonal beers) and friendly staff. The manager will sometimes offer a tour of the vault which actually has all the cocktail drinks lining its shelves.
Tim - 23 Sep 2003 23:45 |
Amazing interior and bar!
Worth a visit at Lunch time.
The Fullers beers are well kept, and friendly served
Gilles - 12 Sep 2003 17:32 |
Amazing interior - you could believe it used to be the Old Bank of England.
Gary - 7 May 2003 09:12 |
One of the best pubs in London great Fullers beers fantastic food and wonderfull service.
arturo_morales - 18 Mar 2003 15:25 |
Great pub with good Fullers beer and very good food. If this doesn't impress your friends they have a mental problem!
Dave - 22 Jan 2003 13:25 |
Wonderful interior, large, Fullers flagship, ale and pie house. Take your visitors there to impress them. Gets very busy with the legal crowd from Inns of Court. Closed at weekends.
Barry N Evans - 24 Dec 2002 14:11 |
