This was the first Wetherspoon pub in Southampton. As the name implies, the premises was once a bank - the Southampton branch of the Bank of England. The bank, dating from around 1925, stood on the site of St Lawrence's church and was connected by tunnel to Southampton's medieval vaults. As you walk in, the bar with 12 handpumps in two banks of 6 is on the left and a raised seating area is to the right. Further down is much more seating and to the right a small courtyard provides an outdoor area for drinkers and smokers. Decoration is with a cabinet of old books and plenty of pictures, old photos & posters celebrating Southampton's past. Very reasonably-priced food is available from 8am until 11pm. To the front of the pub has pavement seating but neither smoking nor alcoholic drinks are not permitted here. While open early for breakfast the pub does not serve alcohol until 9am.