One of the things that the UK seems to be losing at an alarming rate is the classic British boozer. Once upon a time, you could stumble into a dimly lit pub, order a proper pint, and not feel like you’d walked into a coffee shop that just happened to sell beer.
Every now and again though, you find a place that still gets it right. Enter The Banker Pub, tucked away in Central London. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t try too hard to be anything other than what it is—a real pub. Of course, you’ll pay handsomely for the privilege, but shit this is London….
I came across this gem after a day of bureaucratic bullshit, securing a new passport on a same-day turnaround at Custom House. A few friends were around, and the decision was made to grab a drink. The Banker Pub was the chosen spot, and I was about to find out if it was a Banker, or Wanker type locale.
What the Banker Pub?
The Banker is situated right on the Thames, nestled under the railway arches between Cannon Street and London Bridge. The area itself is steeped in history—once a key financial and trading hub, now an odd mix of finance bros, tourists, and the occasional lost soul looking for a proper drink. The pub itself is part of the Fuller’s chain, which usually means a mix of tradition and corporate efficiency, but here they seem to have got the balance mostly right.
It’s housed in an old brick building, which adds to the charm, and the terrace offers a killer view of the river. Historically, this spot was once part of the bustling riverside commerce scene—warehouses, shipping docks, the whole lot. Now it caters to a different kind of trade: overpriced pints and city workers looking to drown their financial sorrows.
Is it a real pub?
For those of us who have been forced into one too many “gastropubs” that seem more interested in oat milk lattes than proper ale, The Banker is a breath of fresh air. The interior is dark, slightly dingy, and smells a bit like spilled beer—which, in this case, is a compliment. Unlike the soulless chains that dominate so much of the capital, this place has character.
There are nooks and crannies to hide away in, proper booths where you can have a conversation without feeling like you’re in a conference room, and even a staircase leading up to a pool table, just to add an extra bit of old-school charm.
And then there’s the view. The Thames at night is something else, and this pub takes full advantage. Whether you’re inside looking out through the arches or outside on the terrace, you’re getting one of the best riverside drinking spots in London without the usual tourist crowd.
Eating and drinking at The Banker Pub
Drinks-wise, they’ve managed to strike a decent balance between old and new. You’ve got your traditional ales, your lagers, and yes, the dreaded craft beer selection for those who want to spend £9 on something that tastes like grapefruit and regret.
Me? I kept it simple with a Peroni. No nonsense, easy drinking, and considering I’d already had a day of dealing with government forms, I didn’t need anything too complicated. My LetsBuyAniSland.com friend, on the other hand, decided to go full fancy and asked for “a good Rosé.” The bartender didn’t even blink and delivered exactly that. Of course, these two drinks set me back £25 ($30), which is par for the course in this part of town, but still always makes me die a little inside.
The food sticks to the pub grub classics. Burgers, pies, fish and chips—you know the drill. Our group went for a mix, with both meat and veggie burgers hitting the table, and everything seemed to go down well. Nothing groundbreaking, but solid fare that does what it needs to do.
Click to read about English street food.
Address and getting away
The Banker Pub is located at;
Cousin Lane, EC4R 3TE, just a stone’s throw from Cannon Street Station. If you’re coming in by train, you’ve got plenty of options. Cannon Street and Bank stations are right there, offering connections to the Circle, District, and Northern Lines, as well as the Docklands Light Railway. If you’re heading out east, the DLR will take you straight into Canary Wharf, or if you’re looking to disappear into the depths of London, Bank gives you access to the labyrinth of underground lines that can take you anywhere.
All in all, The Banker is a rare find—a proper pub in the heart of the city, serving up decent drinks with a view to match. Just be don’t forget the credit card….