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Old Bank Of England, London

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Operator: McMullen
194 Fleet Street, Aldwych, London, EC4A 2LT (View on Google Map)
(020) 7430 2255
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This Grade II listed building was, until 1975, the Law Courts branch of the Bank of England and then a Bristol & West Building Society office. After a period of time as a Fuller's pub, latterly one of their Ale & Pie establishments, the lease reverted to owners McMullens in early 2019 and the pub is now directly managed by them.

The pub was given a refurbishment in early 2020 and, whereas the ornate high ceilings complete with chandeliers and the gallery beneath it were retained, the island bar was replaced with a modern metal work structure with similarly styled booths alongside. The rear courtyard now features a classic Routemaster bus, craned in during the McMullens refurb, see our photo. This is used as a bar in fine weather.

The ale range is now entirely from the McMullen brewery, complemented by a menu offering typical pub grub.

There are three function areas but occasionally the whole pub may be booked out so do check before making a special visit.

Historic Interest

A story has it that this was once the site of Mrs. Lovett's Pie Shop, who obtained her ingredients from a man named Sweeney Todd who ran a barber's shop nearby! Nowadays iit is Grade II listed, Historic England entry 1192681. Includes No 1 Bell Yard. 1886, by Sir Arthur Blomfield. Vigorous, Italianate corner building. Basement of rough hewn grey granite. Portland stone above, with order of engaged Doric columns to ground storey and Ionic to 2 storeys above. Red granite columns to windows, those to ground storey of Venetian type, Corner pavilions with bracketed eaves cornice. Balustrade to area and crowning main building. Good ironwork to entrance in west pavilion. Small, lower wing to rear in Bell Yard.

Information for this venue is provided by the West London Branch of CAMRA
Previous Names
Local Authority
Westminster
Last updated
15/06/2025
Last surveyed
12/08/2021
Leasehold owner
no lease
Freehold owner
McMullen
Pub ID
ELC/14928
Asset of Community Value

Conversion

A Grade II-listed building from 1888 and the former premises of the Fleet Street branch of the Bank of England and then a building society office, sensitively refurbished. Murals reference the rich history of the area. Ornate high ceilings and chandeliers.

General information about outstanding conversions and restorations
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Monday
11:00am - 10:30pm
Tuesday
11:00am - 10:30pm
Wednesday
11:00am - 10:30pm
Thursday
11:00am - 11:30pm
Friday
11:00am - 11:30pm
Saturday
11:00am - 11:30pm
Sunday
11:00am - 9:30pm
Monday
11:30am - 9:30pm
Tuesday
11:30am - 9:30pm
Wednesday
11:30am - 9:30pm
Thursday
11:30am - 10:00pm
Friday
11:30am - 10:00pm
Saturday
11:30am - 10:00pm
Sunday
11:30am - 9:00pm

Current beers

This Pub serves 1 changing beer and 2 regular beers.

Regular and recently seen
AK Original Mild
McMullen - AK Original Mild Mild • 3.7% Spotted 14 times
AK Original Mild
McMullen - AK Original Mild

Mild

Dispense: Handpump
ABV: 3.7%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No
This beer is served regularly.
Spotted 14 times
Country Bitter
McMullen - Country Bitter Session Bitter • 4.3% Spotted twice
Country Bitter
McMullen - Country Bitter

Session Bitter

Dispense: Handpump
ABV: 4.3%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No
This beer is served regularly.
Spotted twice
McMullen IPA
McMullen - IPA Premium Pale Ale • 4.8% Spotted 5 times
McMullen IPA
McMullen - IPA

Premium Pale Ale

ABV: 4.8%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No
Spotted 5 times recently. Last spotted 3 hours ago
Changing

Changing beers typically include: McMullen (seasonal)

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Facilities
Sports TV Sports TV
selected sports on terrestial television
Lunchtime Meals Lunchtime Meals
Evening Meals Evening Meals
Garden Garden
the courtyard to the rear features a routemaster bus!
Family Friendly Family Friendly
Dog Friendly Dog Friendly
Function Room Function Room
there are two rooms that can be booked, as well as the bus
Smoking Smoking
courtyard
Wi Fi Wi Fi
Features
Cask Ale Cask Ale
OCR Pub OCR Pub
Transport
Close to bus routes (75m)
various
Nearby Station (650m)
City Thameslink
Close to London Underground/Overground/DLR (400m)
Temple

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