London, a city renowned for its ever-evolving landscape, offers a comforting sense of continuity in its repurposed historical buildings. Among these, the transformation of former institutions into public houses stands out as a particularly delightful trend, offering spaces for community and conviviality. In a city where countless pubs have closed since the 1970s, often replaced by commercial or residential properties, the reopening of a space like The Old Bank Of England as a pub feels like a victory for London’s social spirit.
Shortly before the world shifted with the onset of lockdown, I had the unique privilege of exploring the subterranean vaults of this remarkable Grade II listed building, a structure steeped in history and architectural grandeur. Constructed in 1866, this Italianate masterpiece became a pub in 1994, aptly named “The Old Bank of England” due to its former life as the Law Court’s branch of the Bank of England until 1975.
Alt text: The robust and secure vaults of The Old Bank of England pub, formerly used for storing gold bullion, now repurposed for wine and spirit storage.
Positioned adjacent to the Royal Courts of Justice, The Old Bank of England presents a truly majestic façade. To enjoy a drink within such architecturally significant surroundings is to truly immerse oneself in the historical pulse of London. This establishment is one of four distinguished pubs under the McMullen’s family brewery, and it underwent significant refurbishment during the global Covid-19 pandemic. Just before the initial lockdown in March 2020, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to explore its hidden depths before these renovations commenced.
My long-standing fascination with pubs, combined with my background in urban exploration, made this visit particularly exciting. Navigating through the dimly lit labyrinth of tunnels and passages beneath the pub was an exhilarating experience, a journey into London’s concealed past. These subterranean spaces, once the domain of serious banking operations, offered a unique perspective on the city’s history.
Alt text: The grand Italianate exterior of The Old Bank of England pub in London, showcasing its architectural splendor and prominent location near the Royal Courts of Justice.
The formidable vault safes, which once secured gold bullion and possibly even, according to local rumour, the Crown Jewels, now serve a more liquid purpose: housing an impressive collection of wines and spirits. It was awe-inspiring to stand within these chambers and contemplate their former function as a high-security stronghold. The sheer scale and robustness of these safes are truly remarkable, testaments to a bygone era of banking security. Intriguingly, one vault remains unopened since at least 1994, its key lost to time, adding an element of mystery to the pub’s already rich history. What secrets might it still hold?
Directly beneath street level, further exploration revealed former staff facilities and storage areas. I was informed by McMullen’s representative, Simon, that these spaces had remained untouched since 1991 until the week preceding my visit. Hearing the sounds of traffic and pedestrian chatter from above, while standing in this time-capsule beneath the streets, created a surreal sensation. To be the first person to set foot in these spaces in nearly three decades offered a fleeting but powerful connection to Victorian London. These atmospheric, slightly decaying, catacomb-like arches are now planned to be transformed into escape rooms, promising a unique and historically infused entertainment experience. For a pub aficionado and urban explorer like myself, this experience was profoundly captivating, a rush of historical discovery.
With the easing of lockdown restrictions on May 17th, a return visit is planned to witness the exciting transformation of The Old Bank of England. Having heard about the renovation plans from Simon, I am confident that it is poised to become a premier destination pub on London’s historic Fleet Street, blending history, architecture, and the timeless appeal of the traditional English pub.
