As the name might suggest, this pub was once a bank, but don’t imagine a transformed local branch of HSBC: this is a grand, towering old building with ornate railings and colossal mirrors.
The Counting House on Cornhill is Fullers award winning flag-ship pub in the heart of the City. Fullers even announcing their half year results here, the location being ideal and the surroundings suitably impressiv
Built in 1893 as a bank it passed though many banking hands, Natwest bank being the last. The building was purchased by Fullers in 1997 and was Grade II listed in the same year.
Surrounded by the quaint public gardens of St Peters church the Counting House is suitably stunning. Its grandeur is only eclipsed by its size and it muddles minds with its beauty. There are two entrances, one is from the street but the more enjoyable route will take you past the church and along a narrow passageway to its rear.
Upon entry you’ll be greeted with a small study complete with large, green leather armchairs, low lit reading lamps and thick cosy carpet. This is just one of the many rooms that surround the main bar. On the short journey through to the pub, the attention is grabbed by gold framed pictures of London landmarks that line the walls and guide the way.
Entering the main bar, the huge glass dome that hovers over the room will call to you with sunlight streaming through its gaping chasm above. The large grand bar is at the epicentre of the room, situated below the dome, and is a sight to behold. There are plush leather sofas, armchairs and a mezzanine hitched up into the air where golden chandeliers reside for voyeurs to enjoy the sights below them. From this viewing gallery you can see that it’s a bit of a shame that things below are spoilt by the flashing LEDs of fruit machines and the foreign shapes of cigarette machines, their presence upsetting the history of the place. This is really a mute point though as the Counting House seduces all with the classy charisma of its interior.
The foundations of the Counting House must shake when it hears the drab sounds of radio pop trickling through the speakers and this is a place that deserves better. Classical strings should play over the bar, bouncing off the domed windows and creating drama in a setting that craves it. Nonetheless, the atmosphere is joyous and welcoming.
The clientele are a mixture, from the local City crowd to all day drinkers who relish the surroundings. The volume of the pub means that it takes a lot to look like it’s anywhere near full during the day. The evenings are packed though and the balcony fills up quickly with people looking for the number one spot. By night and with the cover of loud, excitable voices, the shortcomings of the atmosphere during the day are forgotten and there is a pleasant and controlled rowdiness.
The menu isn’t covering any new ground here and the main meals can be found at all the Fullers pubs. The standard pub fare is about all you should expect but quite rightly the pies have been commented on positively. Also platters are an interesting proposition if you’re attending with company. They include a vegetarian plate, pie tasting plate and meat plate, while there is also a specials menu that comes out daily.
The Fullers powerhouse is in full effect here and there’s a real treat to be had with so many beers on offer. There is the crisp Discovery or the sweetness of Honey Dew and Porter. If you gaze across the bar then you’ll see all your favourite brands including Leffe, Becks Vier and Peroni, while there is a further selection of ales like Chiswick, London Pride and HSB.
Come day or night, a quick drink or an all-day affair, a pie or a pint, or just somewhere to muse over beautiful surroundings, the Counting House ticks all the boxes.
| 50 Cornhill, London, EC3V 3PD | Transport: Bank tube/DLR |
| Telephone: +44 020 7283 7123 | Open: Mon-Fri 11:00-23:00 |
| Email: countinghouse@fullers.co.uk | Website |
