please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
As others have said - an impressive interior which is in keeping with a number of other Fuller's bank conversions (gents also in good order which isn't the case for many of the small, older, 'real' pubs in the area). Unfortunately the high ceilings and mostly hard surfaces make it very "echoey", happily though it wasn't busy when I was in yesterday so could have a conversation with my friends without bellowing at each other. I can imagine that when crowded its hard to hear yourself think.
Started off with a Hop Head that was excellent but they promptly ran out (whether they had another barrel but couldn't be bothered to change it would be anyone's guess). Moved on to Seafarer which I really didn't enjoy so settled on Tribute which was certainly drinkable but not the best pint I've ever had. A couple of my friends were on the Frontier Lager at a truly staggering £6.05 a pint!
Service was polite and friendly but a bit haphazard in terms of knowing who to serve in the right order, or indeed spotting that someone needed serving at all. Didn't see any short measures though which was good.
All in all - as a bank turned into a pub, its fine and I'd happily go back.
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Undeniably impressive interior that once housed an old bank - not a surprise given the area. The usual Fullers range was augmented by Dark Star Hophead which was a relief. Sumptuous furnishings but as lamentable a clientele as you would expect in the City.
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Situated in an impressive Edwardian building full of atmosphere, this pub is ideal for meetings (of which I attended one recently). The range of Fullers beers plus a guest is fine on quality. Quantity is another matter however and at around £4 a pint, the glasses ought to be filled up without one having to ask for a top up (this happened twice when I was there). Not everyone who drinks there is as rich as the bankers who "work" in the area. If you want to save money and be sure of a full pint, you might prefer the Crosse Keys round the corner, itself a magnificent Edwardian ex-bank.
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One of the better examples of a Fullers' Ale and Pie house. Tend to visit on a regular basis and the food is usually excellent - the pies contain good quality ingrediants and the food is well cooked - the beef salad was surpringly good, and reasonavbly priced. The Pride and Chiswick are well kept and whilst I agree that short measures are not unknown, I've experienced worse in most other London pubs......
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Nice pint of London Pride here yesterday, no problems with short measures. Very busy pub but a very interesting one. Steeped in History and Elegance. Saw they did food but did not sample it as I had planned own eating in Chinatown. Well worth a return visit.
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Oh dear.
Once a firm favourite in the heart of the square mile and architecturally a real gem - of the kind Fuller's do exceptionally well (cf The Old Joint Stock, Birmingham, or The Parcel Yard at King's Cross station). But once money starts changing hands, things start appearing considerably lack-lustre.
Over a three hour session yesterday, every single pint I ordered I had to ask to be topped up. The Discovery, usually bright and tasty was dull and insipid. Identical rounds cost a difference price each time. When food was ordered, it wa taken to a table but we weren't notified it was ours. Perhaps the fish pie was once shown a photograph of a fish, but that's where any connection ends. Totally tastless, and almost ingredient free. £10.50 for a sad and chewy prawn plus one a bay leaf in a bowl of mashed potato.
Really not good enough. Needs work.
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Very nice Fullers pub, excellently decorated, plenty of staff (it needs it), and by all accounts the food is pretty good as well. And you really can't beat a pint of London Porter.
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Flagship Fullers pub on Cornhill. Beautiful, historic interior. Excellent and efficient staff leads to minimal waiting time at the bar. The food's terrific and have never had a bad pint there.
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First visit early doors yesterday. Lovely comfy place, and nicely-kept beer, as it should be for a Fuller's pub. Beautiful woodwork, everything gleaming. Just right at this time of year. The only drawback was the music: it did rather spoil the atmosphere. Why do pubs insist on having chairs that don't fit under the tables?
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Visited her for the first time... and not a suit on sight. I suppose coming on a Saturday helped.
Enjoyed the ESB very much along with some of the guest beers, including the 'new' London Brewing Company's Beer Street.
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Been meaning to visit this place for a while and glad I did.
Only had chance for a quick pint before meeting friends but this was enough to appreciate the magnificant interior.
Pub was pretty busy with fellow suits (17:45 on a Thursday evening) but the service was very quick and efficient. Can't comment on the quality of the beer as I only had a quick larger, but looking at the pints of drinkers around me it looked well conditioned.
Yes it is expensive but it is right in the hart of the City so can't come as a great surprise. All in all impressed with the place and will be coming back for a much more prolonged visit.
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Fantastic building, fantastic beer prices!! Lovely place for a few pints and the pies are up there with the very best. Shortcrust pastry bottom, puff pastry lid and packed full o' meat, excellent.
Not cheap but a nice experience.
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Me and some mates, on an unofficial walk, popped in here. A friend explained that it used to be a bank and a security guard was unfortunately killed during a raid years ago. The decor is stunning, both the building and the female kind. A complete array of Fullers beers, all well kept. Prices of course are staggering, but I suppose that is to be expected. Quite busy, even for a Monday night.
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This pub is one of Fullers biggest (the biggest is probably on Fleet Street). Great atmosphere, especially on Friday nights! Sadly Emily Maitlis is not a regular fixture - she once hosted a series of interviews for Newsnight in the pub!
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Went back again for second time this year - wanted to sit upstairs and view the ceiling but was told I couldnt unless I was eating - fair enough but a shame seeing as there were plenty of empty tables.
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Pleasant pub and the barstaff most welcoming, most of whom were rather pretty blonde girls. Had a pint of Pride (As stated below - �3.40), looked at the menu, then put it down again after seeing the prices, I fancied something to eat, not shares in the company!
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Fabulous interiour...........packed with suits as you would expect for the City, expensive too but yes lovely place, nice history - would go back!
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Spot the difference quiz John?
Ok its in the last line:
"but you need to be prepared to pay for the privilege, as it's not cheap"
"but you need to be prepared to pay for the privilege of drinking here"
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Former Nat west bank branch, converted a good number of years ago into a particularly impressive example of a Fullers Ale and Pie House.
Those of us familiar with the Ale and Pie concept will have a good idea what to expect here - a large central island bar, much dark polished wood, chandeliers and a large glass domed high ceiling.
Of particular note at The Counting House are some impressive floor mosaics and, just inside the entrance, a Memorial to those bank staff who served in World War One. This is believed to be the only pub in England to display such a memorial. Note also the upstairs balcony seating, from where you can observe the thirsty hordes of office staff down below, and the small wood panelled rooms at the back which were previously offices of the senior bank personnel.
On my recent early evening visit, both the London Pride and the Chiswick - � 3.40p and � 3.15p respectively - were in good form.
I echo the generally positive comments about this place - particularly in relation to the service. I always like coming here and it's well worth seeking out if you haven't been before, but you need to be prepared to pay for the privilege of drinking here
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Former Nat west bank branch, converted a good number of years ago into a particularly impressive example of a Fullers Ale and Pie House.
Those of us familiar with the Ale and Pie concept will have a good idea what to expect here - a large central island bar, much dark polished wood, chandeliers and a large glass domed high ceiling.
Of particular note at The Counting House are some impressive floor mosaics and, just inside the entrance, a Memorial to those bank staff who served in World War One. This is believed to be the only pub in England to display such a memorial. Note also the upstairs balcony seating, from where you can observe the thirsty hordes of office staff down below, and the small wood panelled rooms at the back which were previously offices of the senior bank personnel.
On my recent early evening visit, both the London Pride and the Chiswick - � 3.40p and � 3.15p respectively - were in good form.
I echo the generally positive comments about this place - particularly in relation to the service. I always like coming here and it's well worth seeking out if you haven't been before, but you need to be prepared to pay for the privilege, as it's not cheap.
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Good pub, well worth a visit if just for the lay out and ceiling.
Interesting balcony area to sit looking down on the City at work below !!.
Had a good pint of London Pride.
Service was OK apart from the food which we had to wait ages for (not for the first time).
The food was good if a little sparse when it arrived.
.
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Now the week before Christmas is never a good time to see a City pub at its best because the Christmas celebrating throngs will put a demand on the service levels and beer quality of even the best run pubs.
And the Counting House was packed to the rafters (or rather the spectacular ceiling) on the evening of our visit.
But happy to report that we experienced good service levels from the hard working staff who were on in sufficient quantity. And the multiple dispensing points around the circular bar meant the Pride kept coming all evening , even when the pumps nearest to our position had to be changed.
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An excellent Fullers pub in the heart of the city. Visited at 6 on a Thursday evening and was very busy but plenty of staff so service was very good. The Chiswick was good. Prices on the high side but probably the norm for the city. Worth a visit.
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Hands down the most impressive pub in the City. Usually busy but service is good, as is the range of beers and the food. Also has private areas and quieter first floor at the back if that is your preference.
Don't know what else you could ask for from a pub.
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We only went to this pub as everywhere was closed for food middle of a Frdiay afternoon, there was a large group of us and the service was great. We sat upstairs in the eating area, and they were really good and friendly, the ceiling is amazing!
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An interesting old pub - a former bank or such like. Usual Fullers fare of reasonably quality. A bit of an upmarket Spoons. Service was good but prices a little on the high side, perhaps reflecting the pubs overheads in Cornhill. That said, would go there again.
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This is a very grand pub with the full Fullers range available. The staff were pleasant enough and I�ll agree that it is very expensive.
The pub was packed, but there were plenty of spaces to stand comfortably even if the upstairs balcony was rammed.
I'd go back if in the area.
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What an excellent pub! Discovery was excellent, although had a full range of Fullers beers on including HoneyDew. Very busy when i first went in, but service was quick. One of the better pubs in the area.
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Really is the best pub I've found so far in the Square Mile. Gets top points for decor & atmosphere, beer (Fuller's Porter is on tap) and the food (Counting House pie is the money).
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Fantastic building, and awesome pies for lunch... A tad expensive for my taste, otherwise known as London prices... Definately go for lunch, eat the pies!
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Interesting building, and decent Fuller's beer. However, no real atmosphere and expensive. Overall verdict - quite OK as somewhere to stop for a quick pint.
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As the picture depicts - desrvedly famous for its glorious decor, a sister pub to Fleet Street's Olde Bank of England pub and probably even more glamorous. Even the suited clientele seemed inoffensive and the place is lacking the braying city boys who tend to plague the Square Mile.
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Visited on a crawl last week. Beer excellent as always but does lack personality.
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Paid a recent visit and although it still lacks atmosphere it does have one thing going for it, the beer quality is excellent.
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It's my work's local, and all to familiar. Sensibily priced for the area, and with a decent selection of drinks and pub food. Friendly staff, and lots of little areas to hide away in, if you need some quiet space to hold a "pub meeting".
A little for an evening venue perhaps, but still pretty impressive.
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Great pub in fantastic surroundings. Serve decent range of beer, including my favourite and quite hard to come by Leffe Blonde. Food is a little more expensive than your average pub food, but then the food is nowhere near average, it is to die for! I thoroughly recommend the liver and bacon - it even comes with mash made from real potatoes, not Smash!! On the downside it can get pretty busy, but service has always been pretty good.
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Went in on a Friday evening about 2 weeks ago. Decor was nice, a Fuller's pub so Beer is always good, but the bar staff are LAZY. It took me 10 minutes to get a beer and there were 4 bar persons in the serving area, however they were more intrested in talking to each other then serving the punters standing at the bar. I did speak to the manager about the shabby service and all he said was that it had been a busy day, that's no excuse !!!. Will look for another bar in the area next time
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I have to agree this place is a fantastic building through and through and hosts a pretty decent boozer.
I've always been when its busy so service is about catering for the onslaught of demand. It seems to work and I have no negative comments here. Staff are friendly and there is a decent array of Fullers. I'm no Fullers man sadly so not for me. Yep it's not cheap at �3 a pint but look where it is.
I'd go again and probably will.
Mcloj - 24 Aug 2007 14:15 |
Fantastic building hosting an excellent pub. Service is first class even on busy days, staff are friendly (especially given the odd fat bawdy lawyer type you occassionaly get in there) and I've never had a bad pint of Pride in there (and I've sure drunk a few!). Yep it's not cheap at �3 a pint but it's still cheaper and more atmosphereic than the sterile All Bar Ones and the like in the vicinity.
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Went here last night and was really impressed. Busy but good atmosphere mainly due to the size and layout - real character. Service was spot on. Sat in the gallery upstairs overlooking the main "hall". Food was a bit pricey but good. A City pub that hasn't been ruined by new management and obscene refurbs.
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Fantastic pub. Full Fullers range was available for consumption. Chiswick was in good condition and reasonably priced. Quick service at the bar and with a smile as well. Food looked very expensive but have been assured it is very tasty. Cracking atmosphere in this pub, worth going out of your way for.
Sharp - 31 Mar 2007 01:31 |
I like this place - the "banking elite" seem to congregate here, for once you've waded through the swathes of pin-striped paunchers, you're sure to be met with a billowing haze of cigar smoke. Decent lager, can't speak for the ales as it's not my drink. Definately a favourite for xmas party-goers - pretty good bangers 'n mash at lunch.
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Always a good pint in here, a bit lively but fantastic decor and a good range of fullers beers makes up for it. Service is normally very good and reasonable food.
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Great pub offering a good selection of beer and an interior you would normally associate with an art gallery rather than a pub.
We went along on a Thursday night and there was a good size crowd but still plenty of tables available. Patronage was very male dominated which ensured even the Bradshaws of this world headed home alone.
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I'm normally against large drinking barns but this room is so impressive that it is worth going to. Like most large pubs though it gets bloody noisy.
Worth noting that the function rooms at the back are very useful - a couple of years ago I went to a mateds birthday do in one of them and we were able to sneak in a "rough as a badger's arse" stripper that took me right back to the 80s
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Revisited the Counting house last week. Been here a few times now. As zakman says, not the best pint of Pride around but usually good all the same and the service was fast and efficient.
There are several function rooms at the back and were in full use tonight. These can be a source of entertainment if you have enough front to try and blag your way in to one to lift a bit of buffet. But best tried in the run up to christmas when the occupants are usually too p**sed to know if you are with them or not.
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The building and interior are impressive. It is worth stopping in for this at least. (If you have not been to the similar Old Bank of England on Fleet Street, it is in the same vein). It is excellent to see the old city buildings reised like this, for which unless you worked there, would never get to see.
On the ground floor is a big island bar, which does help to spread people out, meaning we did not need to queue too long. Main selection of fullers ales on (as you would expect).
There is then a gallery on the left, which is good to escape from the crowds (assuming this is not booked out). Similarly another floor above for functions.
Beer quality was 'ok'. Not quite the fresh-ist pint of Pride around locally, but in the fine to drink, but not wishing as much as in some other places. Slight let down compared to the rest. (will update rating if this changes over coming months)
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Good location, interior has the wow factor. Well worth a visit if you have never been.
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Nice pub, but I don't understand why people crowd the passageway to the toilets when there is plenty of standing room in the massive bar!
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Much like the Old Bank of England, it's very plush inside. Positively gleaming and quite stylish. Fullers beers, which are nice. Smack bang in the city so expect it to be busy after work. I don't know if it's open at weekends?
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I stopped by at lunchtime during the New Year holiday when London was deserted, especially the City, so my impression may not be typical. But there is an impressive range of Fullers beers - ie pretty much all of them. The decor is also superb, as you can see from the photo. I didn't try the food, but the menu looked good - good enough for me to want to return to try it. In fact, it looked a spectacular place and well worth a visit. Not sure what it is like when filled with beery bankers, though.
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Wow, walked in here and that was the first thing I said. A stunning building with friendly staff and well kept beer. Will definitely return.
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Always the place I end up going with my banker/insurance-type mates. Don't go if you don't like City boys cos that's pretty much the extent of the clientele. Used to be fantastic service a couple of years back but it's slipped a bit. Still pretty good though.
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Nice after work city pub, though haven't been for about 18 months, hope it is still good.
A few nice evenings there and quality toilets. London Pride is a good purchase.
Go the Counting House.
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Comments from sports fans about time taken to get a drink are accurate in my limited experience of this place. However, if you love pubs with the full range of Fullers' beers and you love beautiful conversions of ornate interiors, look no further my friend.
Lots of those city types with fat bottoms in pinstripe.
Perhaps a place to visit at a quiet time on a weekday. Closed on a weekend I'd imagine.
anonymous - 7 Apr 2006 15:39 |
My Bank is now a trendy wine bar.... Well a boozer anyway. Totally agree with comments about having to wait an age to get served. Members of staff come across as either gormless or just darn right ignorant. If you get served in the evening within 5 mins, give yourself a pat on the back as you've done bloody well !
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It's a case of find the ladies...
Nice building, but can get rammed some evenings making it something of a test to get served before closing time. However, there are lots of nooks and crannies to retire to - if you can find a seat - and it does have a garden of sorts out back.
Ok, but never somewhere that I would choose to go back to time and again.
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yeah fair enough it looks alright but its a bit like drinking in a draughty barn......oh what an atmosphere, i love a.....
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Magnificent building, but *good christ* you'd better be patient if you want a beer. I was there last Friday lunchtime and it took me over 10 minutes to get served.
The barmen are utterly incompetent... the sort of people who know damn well you've been waiting ages for a drink, but if a pretty girl saunters up to the bar then they'll serve them immediately. There was a near riot when this happened on Friday. It doesn't help that there's a supervisor-type constantly walking backwards and forwards aimlessly as customers are getting increasingly impatient.
8/10 for the venue, but 1/10 for service. They desperately need to re-train the existing barmen and/or get extra staff in. I dread to imagine what it's like on a Friday night.
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Another old bank turned into a pub. Got a wonderful ornate interior but like a lot of pubs of this type has a feel of a conference centre. Fullers beer which is served up well. Just lacks atmosphere.
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reliable boozer with excellent, good value food in great surroundings.
book a table if you want to each at lunchtimes. only �10 for some good food in good environment (upstairs).
evers - 29 Aug 2005 17:24 |
Yeah you're right,...thats my kinda refurb,.."If it aint broke.." an all that,....Maybe they just took two weeks out to refill the soap dispensers in the bogs....Still a decent gaff
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Apparently has been refurbished. Looks exactly the same as before to me.
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Lovely building, but you could be claiming your pension by the time you manage to secure a drink.
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Wonderful interior. Absolutely heaving - but that is my own problem for going during the Friday evening rush hour. Beer was very good - seasonal range available too.
mally - 21 May 2005 19:04 |
Very nice Fuller's pub. It's another old bank but a better conversion than the Wetherspoon round the corner. The London pride is nearly as good as at the Swan but you have more room to drink it in.
anonymous - 9 May 2005 20:54 |
Great environment for a beer and good fullers erved well by friendly staff. Just an oasis in the City that should never be missed!
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Good pub ...very large ex-bank...often full of "bankers" from Edenbrook
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Fantastic Fullers pub - well worth searching out. One of the best in the area.
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Superb pub, one of the most interesting interiors of any of the central city pubs.
What I love about it is that it has a zone for whatever drinking head you have on. You've got your propping up the very attrative bar option, having a chinwag with the lads /colleagues. You've got your very posh and cosy looking chairs round the edges of the main ground floor level, ideal for watching the punters come and go and looking business like if that's what you like.
You've got your rooms out the back, which have the vibe of an old drawing room / drinking club, very atmospheric and a good place to sit and have a smoke and a chinwag. Then of course you have the upstairs, which is a superb to take a little group of drinkers to and plot up in, or perhaps a lady for that intimate cosy chat. The best of it up there is that you can look down on the punters below and just people watch, and there are lots of little nooks to merrily consume your drink of choice in.
Love it, and a fairly mixed crowd.
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Pretty spectacular interior with a great domed roof, loads of seating downstairs, up on the balcony, and in a couple of decent sized rooms at the back. Really well kept Fullers beer (which one would hope to expect from a Fuller's flagship in this location!) Menu is standard Ale n'Pie fare but none the worse for that. Long bar and plenty of staff ensure quick service even when it's busy - only criticism is that it can be a bit 'blokey' but still one of the best pubs in the city.
Mr Lash - 11 Nov 2004 09:24 |
Excellent Fullers Ale & Pie House in a former bank. Always busy with City types, but service is good and pub seems very well run.
Atmospheric interior
John - 4 Nov 2004 13:04 |
An impressive pub - hugely over the top interior looks great. Very good range of Fuller's beers, decent food and friendly staff. Prices also pretty reasonable in the main. Some say it's a bit of old man's pub, and I suppose it is quite blokey due to the location, but it's hard to fault the place really. Also, the high ceilings mean it never gets too smokey, even when it's packed.
Kris - 16 Aug 2004 19:03 |
Couldn't believe the level of Essex totty in here - eye candy everywhere!
Even before I got my reasonably priced beer goggles on, I was raring to try out the spring-loading in the comfy leater sofas.
Mark Lee - 1 Jul 2004 17:08 |
Excellent interior, great food and reasonably priced considering the location, and good table service upstairs too.
sam - 19 Mar 2004 10:49 |
Beautiful interior (high ceilings). Standard fare with good service. Very busy on a Friday night
Justin - 23 Feb 2004 11:13 |
Classy joint for suits and plebs. Well poured beer. If your lucky there will be a few cute Essex girls after work there who work for Banks. Recommend it, good atmosphere.
Mark Joyce - 19 Feb 2004 14:14 |
Excellent meeting place, large and airy good for non smokers and you can talk without having to shout.Comfortable leather chairs.
London Pride pub so gets top marks.
I meet up here monthly with private trading chums for several and then up to Liverpool Street for an Indian or the excellent Turkish in devonshire Square.
Graham - 21 Nov 2003 16:37 |
Part of a small Leicester chain. Nice pub- well set out and good atmosphere.
Greg - 12 Nov 2003 22:14 |
Decent boozer, spacious, used to ba a bank of some such, hence the name. Has a nice high domed skylight ceiling thing, and good views from the terrace bit on the second floor. A great vangate point for eyeing up the skirt , not that there is much.
Wattsy - 5 Sep 2003 14:50 |
Not bad pub. Food good; and views from the upstairs gallery worthy of note, but may need to book in advance. If you don't like Fullers, don't bother.
Darren in the City - 18 Jul 2003 13:53 |
Busy City type pub, the staff need a special mention for rudeness and complete incompetence. Otherwise, I couldn't recommend it highly enough ;-)
Paul - 18 Jul 2003 08:53 |
