Old Bank of England

This former Victorian banking hall, with its Italianate pillars, sweeping brass chandeliers, neoclassical murals & galleried mezzanine overlooking a gothic carved oak bar, is a grand, spacious & frequently very busy place, serving Fullers to thirsty pen-pushers from the adjacent Law Courts. Defendants in need of a nerve-steadier will find the usual range of spirits, but would be well advised to go easy on the reasonably priced vino before doing business with a High Court judge. It’s solid, dependable & safe as the Bank Of England itself, as is its steak & ale pie, although given that Sweeney Todd operated from premises next door, faint hearts might think twice before ordering.