Pub review: The Counting House
Address: 50 Cornhill, London EC3V 3PD
Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-11pm, closed Sat & Sun
Food served: 12pm to 9pm
Rating: ***1/2 (out of 5)
Review by: Alexa Williamson
Well-placed a few minutes walk from Bank tube, this is an elegant pub worth visiting for a quick drink or a light meal if you’re in the area. Built in 1893, the site was originally a bank that still shares a wall with a Roman Basilica and has a glass dome atop it.
The character of the pub comes from its striking interior features and furniture. With high, moulded ceilings, marble walls, chandeliers, dark heavy wood furniture and over-stuffed leather chairs, it’s the picture of the grandeur of an era passed and will appeal to those who love historic places. And, the internal balcony, where you can sit and gaze down at the large, wooden centre piece of a bar, enhances the venue’s charm.
The good points of the pub are its lavish feel, ability to get served and seated easily at peak times and the friendly and knowledgeable staff. The drawback is that the Fullers branding throughout the pub is very obvious and takes away from the old-world feel of the place (hence the lower stars rating).
Main courses are priced approx £8-10 and include things like Smoked Haddock with wilted spinach and new potatoes (£9.50), Rump steak and chips (£10.75) or Wild mushroom and spinach risotto, plus vegetarian mains, soups, sandwiches, cheese platters.
The bar also has a solid selection of beers, ales, wines and spirits.
Avg drinks prices: £3.15 for a pint of Carling, £3.00 for a pint of London Pride, £3.65 for a shot of Jack Daniels, £4.00 for a small glass or £5.75 for a large glass of Pinot Grigio.
Beers and ales on tap include: Leffe, London Pride, Carlsberg, Honey Dew, Hoegaarden, Carling, San Miguel, Fuller’s ESB, Discovery, Kronenburg 1664.
Further information:
The Counting House – official site
