The Old Bank of England

A stunner of a pub, the Old Bank of England occupies the Law Court's branch of the previous Bank of England, which operated until 1975. It boasts a striking interior with high ceilings, tasteful wooden furnishings and an airy central area trimmed with greenery. When night falls outside the large windows and the chandeliers light up to full effect, the setting becomes downright majestic.

Thanks to its interior, the Old Bank of England is often praised as one of the most beautiful pubs in the city, but it's not all just on the inside, either. There's a proper vintage Routemaster double decker bus parked in the sunny garden out back, excellent for any photographic tomfoolery you want to indulge in.

The location on Fleet Street is also great. As evidenced by a macabre barbershop nook inside, the pub stands between the murderous Sweeney Todd's workplace and his accomplice's pie shop. You can walk to well-known sights such as St. Paul's Cathedral, Covent Garden and the River Thames in ten minutes or less, while the Temple and Blackfriars tube stations provide easy access with public transport. Sadly, you can't have the double decker drop you off home if you've had too many, though it is available for private hire for special occasions.

The pub is operated by the family-run Hertfordshire brewers McMullen, offering a selection of their tipples as well beers and ciders from all over the world, while the food menu includes both small and main plates, with handcrafted pies a particular highlight. Whatever you choose, your money will be invested well here.