London loves a good bank holiday – especially when the “bank” in question now serves Negronis instead of mortgages.
Across the capital, some of the city’s grandest and most characterful banking halls have quietly shed their ledgers and security screens to become hotels, cocktail bars and dining rooms.
From Lutyens‑designed City palaces to suburban branches reborn as neighbourhood hangouts, these former financial fortresses offer a glimpse of old‑money grandeur repurposed for modern leisure.
Here are 7 of the most interesting London banks where you can no longer cash a cheque – but you can definitely make a night of it.
The Old Bank of England, Fleet Street
Once a Bank of England branch, this Grade II listed building is now a pub.
It retains its original grandeur, with soaring ceilings and stained-glass windows.
The Old Bank of England pub showcases grand interiors of former banking hall (Image: Google Maps)
The Ned, Poultry
Sir Edwin Lutyens’ 1920s Midland Bank HQ is now a hotel and members’ club.
The marble-pillared banking hall is a food court, and the basement vault is a bar.
The Ned transforms historic Midland Bank into luxury hotel and dining space (Image: Google Maps)
Piazza Italiana, Threadneedle Street
This Grade II listed ex-bank is now an Italian fine dining restaurant.
The original architectural detailing adds to the dining experience.
Piazza Italiana blends fine dining with ornate former bank architecture (Image: Google Maps)
The Old Bank, Northcote Road, Battersea
A former local bank branch turned into a cocktail bar and restaurant.
The mid-20th-century bank structure is still visible.
The Old Bank Battersea reimagines local branch as cocktail bar venue (Image: Google Maps)
Former bank restaurant near Oxford Street (Aki)
Aki, a Japanese restaurant, occupies a former bank building dating back to around 1825.
The high ceilings and decorative cornicing have been preserved.
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Lebanese restaurant in a 1930s Notting Hill bank (Kinz)
Kinz, a Lebanese restaurant and deli, has taken over a 1930s bank.
The building’s distinctive façade and generous windows remain.
Kinz brings Lebanese dining to former Notting Hill bank building (Image: Google Maps)
The Royal Exchange, City of London
The Royal Exchange, once at the heart of London‘s financial life, now houses high-end retail and dining.
The Fortnum’s Bar & Restaurant occupies part of the space.
Across the Square Mile, various once-financial premises have been repurposed as bars and restaurants, preserving original features like vaulted ceilings and teller windows.
These establishments offer a unique blend of history and modern leisure.