The Old Bank

The Old Bank in London isn't just another pub with a clever name - it's literally housed in what used to be a Midland Bank branch from the 1900s. And while you can't make deposits anymore (unless you count depositing yourself at the bar), this South Bermondsey gem has preserved all the grandeur of its banking days while transforming into something far more entertaining than a place to cash checks.

Walking into The Old Bank, London's historical bones shine through in the most delightful ways. The wood paneling that once witnessed serious financial transactions now bears witness to much more jovial exchanges, and those gorgeous stained glass partitions that probably once separated tellers from customers now create cozy drinking nooks. It's like someone took a stuffy banker's office and turned it into your favorite living room - complete with raised banquettes that make you feel like you're sitting on a throne (though after a few pints, maybe don't test that theory too literally).

The bar itself stretches practically the length of the room, a gleaming testament to proper pub priorities. There's something wonderfully democratic about how the space has been transformed - where once stood a counter separating the haves from the have-nots, now stands a bar where everyone's equally welcome as long as they're up for a good pint and better conversation. The tribute to the Royal Green Jackets mounted on the wall adds a touch of military history to the banking heritage, creating an atmosphere that's uniquely British without trying too hard.

Speaking of pints, let's talk about what really matters here. The beer selection at The Old Bank might not be trying to win any craft brewing awards, but that's exactly the point. You'll find all your familiar favorites on tap, served at prices that'll make you wonder if they're still using old bank rates (in a good way). At just over a fiver for a perfectly poured Cruzcampo, it's the kind of place that reminds you why London's traditional pubs are worth protecting.

While The Old Bank doesn't do food itself, they've cleverly partnered with destiny in the form of a Pie & Mash stall (@the_pie_den) that sets up shop right outside on market days (Thursday through Saturday). There's something perfectly fitting about enjoying traditional London comfort food next to a pub housed in a traditional London bank. Just grab your pie, find one of those outdoor benches, and watch the world go by in true Bermondsey style.

The atmosphere here shifts with the crowd, but it never loses its welcoming vibe. On Millwall match days, it transforms into a buzzing hive of football enthusiasm, while sunny afternoons see a mix of locals and their dogs sprawled across the outdoor seating area. The TVs showing greyhound racing and horse racing add that classic pub ambiance without overwhelming conversation, and the staff - well, when your bartender genuinely loves working there enough to tell random customers about it, you know you're onto something special.

For those planning a visit, The Old Bank sits conveniently close to Bermondsey tube station on the Jubilee Line, right next to the Blue Market. The 2022 addition of three stories (now containing six flats) hasn't changed the ground-floor magic - if anything, it's added to the building's evolving story from bank to boozer to vertical village.

Here's the real deal: in a city where pub prices can make you feel like you need a bank loan to enjoy a night out, The Old Bank in London offers something increasingly rare - an authentic pub experience that won't empty your current account. Whether you're a Millwall supporter, a curious tourist, or a local looking for your new regular, this former house of money has transformed into something far more valuable - a genuine community pub where the only interest rates you need to worry about are how interesting the conversations get as the evening progresses. Pop in, grab a pint, and discover why some of the best investments in London don't involve any actual banking at all.