The Old Bank of England Reviews Summary

Service

Pros:

• "Our server (a friendly woman whose name I can't recall!) was very attentive and looked after us."
• "We visited on Wednesday the pub was very busy and we was served very promptly by Laura, the service was amazing and food was 10/10."
• "Young staff really on the ball had some great banter with those that served us ole crumblies."
• "Everyone were very kind and helpful and Julia really made our evening an absolute pleasure."
• "Laura was extremely personable as well as professional."
• "Both Emily and Laura are a credit to the company."
• "Staff were really friendly considering we were a tour group."

Cons:

• "A glorified 'spoons. Staff are rushed off their feet, delays to drinks, food taste didn't match the description."
• "People behind the bar are numerous but don’t know what they’re doing, confuse orders, communicate poorly between themselves… mayhem."
• "We got in, asked for a table and were toll that we could choose and free. After 15 minutes of waiting I went to the bar to place my order. People who came after me were serviced and I was ignored."
• "Service was pretty bad. We had to ask to have our table cleaned and it’s confusing on where you order vs if a server comes to the table."
• "Closer to the end of the pub working hours the staff came and just moved our tables apart (we were a large group) without any notice or excuse - I found it quite unwelcoming."
• "Waitress, despite being lovely and try to help, didn’t have a clue about the drinks/beer or the menu."
• "Service was poor."

Atmosphere & Decor

Pros:

• "Atmosphere is England all the way."
• "A true historical moment. Loved it. The atmosphere inside or outside is a real pleasure and change."
• "Terrific place in good tourist location near temple church and royal courts of justice, with plenty of seating including an upstairs area and garden with red London double decker bus."
• "Loved the architectural designs especially the huge chandeliers.. so beautiful."
• "Amazing history. Great vibe."
• "The interior was absolutely beautiful, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere."
• "The double decker bus in the back is a fun and unexpected feature - you can sit inside and enjoy a drink while taking in the lively atmosphere of the pub."

Cons:

• "The music is aggressively loud so you can barely hear who you are talking to and it creates a club atmosphere rather than a pub."
• "It wasn't as beautiful as in some of the photos on Google maps and I was a little disappointed."
• "Gone is the historic atmosphere and wooden bar with the famous clock."
• "An impressive interior, but unfortunately the ambience is at odds with it. There is loud music in poor taste."
• "We had a reservation at your restaurant but unfortunately we had to sit in the billiards room, which was not really great in comparison to the main part of the restaurant."
• "The Christmas decoration was very poor."
• "It was so full people could hardly move or hear each other."

Food & Drink

Pros:

• "Pint was of high quality, as was the scampi."
• "The food was really good too - the chicken burger with sweet potato fries and really good."
• "The steak pie and ham pie were good."
• "The food was very tasty and the mains' portions are very very generous."
• "Decent food and considering the surroundings area, it was a decent price."
• "The food is almost delicious and there is the table service that is really an added value for a pub."
• "Food was great too."

Cons:

• "Food and menu were average."
• "We ordered a 'aged' steak that was probably forgotten in the fridge."
• "Beer was flat."
• "Food was below average."
• "The food is bland. No sauce on the waygu burger and an over toasted bun."
• "Apple and blackberry crumble utterly atrocious never had one that bad in my life."
• "I was poured a pint or bitter that was still cloudy after 5 minutes and tasted off."

Management & Staffing

Pros:

• "AMAZING, AWESOME FIRST CLASS CUSTOMER SERVICE."
• "Amazing experience at the Old Bank of England! The staff is friendly, professional and really helpful."
• "The staff were super friendly."
• "Our food was great, and the service was efficient."
• "Staff were very welcoming and the interior is really impressive and nicely done."
• "It was bustling and energetic, with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying a pint and soaking up the unique atmosphere of the Old Bank of England."
• "The staff are very friendly and helpful the food and service is great."

Cons:

• "Location and decor are great but the service is abysmal. Lacks proper management and training."
• "Service was hard pressed during after work drinks, two staff didn't know how to make a Pimms."
• "Table service was very poor."
• "Having waited for ten minutes whilst the six waiting staff at the bar did very little."
• "It was extremely busy and the staff couldn't cope."
• "Beautiful place with a great atmosphere. However, the staff was extremely rude and unhelpful."
• "The trouble is the management which is lost. People without a guide struggle to serve tables."