please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Massive pub. Been before and could hardly get in - by 9:50pm, the staff outnumber the punters. Superb views. And ESB.
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Decent pub in an interesting location beneath Cannon Street station and by the Thames.
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Nice pub, good beer and good food. Surely staff with little knowledge of how to run an English pub though.
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Good Fullers pub next to the river. Well worth seeking out.
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Great riverside boozer which is not always too crowded as you really have to know where it is.
Food is OK, but main attraction here is a wide range of Fullers and Gale's ales.
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Used to go to this place a lot when i worked nearby, sadly i dont' anymore.
Pours great pints of both London Pride and Chiswick, with these two tasting so good I must admit i never tried much else.
One of my fave pubs in and around the city
anonymous - 3 Sep 2010 14:16 |
Brilliant - the fact that it is harder to find means a little more space which is always appreciated.
pool tables as well! they even let my mate in wearing a wetsuit, what more can one pub offer?
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This was my first visit to The Banker and I have to say it made me annoyed. Annoyed in respect of all the years I�ve walked along the South Bank Thames Pathway and suffered indifferent service and indifferent beer in the Anchor, just to have a pint by the river, I was not aware of this much better boozer opposite, a short detour across Southwark Bridge. Well, I�ll know next time.
As mentioned previously it is a bit difficult to find but well worth searching out for its design (the way they�ve made full use of the Railway station brick arches) and for the riverside location. The outside terrace is an excellent place to enjoy a beer and even though they had a BBQ in full swing in the corner, it is still large enough to accommodate several groups.
Also experienced some of the short measures mentioned by RogerB below, but as the bar was quite busy I put this down more to an attempt to deliver our round of nine pints quickly rather than any underlying tactic to rip us off. Especially as they were topped up without problem when requested.
The Fullers ales were decent quality and as mentioned below, nice to see them served in the correct glasses with The ESB coming in the large goblet style glass.
So in conclusion , a very decent example of a large Fullers pub in the City, and I will be back.
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Tucked away down a side street alongside Cannon Street Railway Station, the Banker it not a place found easily. The interior is quite cavernous but spacious, consisting of a couple of massive brick Victorian arches that prop up the station above. Running perpendicular are 2 smaller tongue and groove lined arches with a few sofas. At the end is a narrow terrace that commands a panoramic river view beneath the railway bridge that passes overhead. The vast expanses of brickwork have some unusual arty style modern black and white photos of the local river traffic and architecture and the smaller arches contain some more historic river views. There is an upstairs balcony as well as an outside terrace beside the river and certain areas can be sealed off for private functions. Even during the busiest periods I have always managed to get a seat and a table. A well positioned plasma screen covers the usual sporting occasions and the music is unobtrusive albeit fairly safe and mainstream.
On the beer front, a good selection of well kept Fullers beers available (Chiswick, ESB, HSB, Discovery & Pride) but at �3+, they are a bit on the pricey side. The only other downside from my recent visit was the woefully short measure, especially given the Cask Marque accreditation and a top up wasn�t exactly delivered with a beaming smile. As a non-regular I wouldn�t let it affect my rating but it is something I would keep an eye on in future visits. In general, a pub that is well worth seeking out but, as other posters have mentioned, there are areas that need attention on the service side.
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I like Fullers boozers and ale but this place could try a bit harder. Great view, over our beautful river, food was reasonable enough - I had carved pork, (gel-a-kayrop for those that talk butchers' backslang), plus vegetables. It's a carvery self-sevice style thing going on. Had a pint of FranzKaner weiss beer (sic) which was served with no head and could have been better. Then had an ESB which was in the correct glass but again seved without head. Had to ask 2 (pidgin English peaking) bar staff if they served Fullers bottled ales, (they don't), before finally getting some kind of an answer. London life...
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Unless one works in the immediate area, it would be easy to be put off attending this Fuller's pub because of its poor location - one has to track down the side of Cannon Street station and cross the thundering traffic of Queen Victoria Street to get there from the city proper. But once one has put that effort in, it's not a bad place - interesting interior in an old railway arch with lots of nooks and crannies - the Fuller's range of ales (and, I've always found, notably prompt service), and (although I've not eaten here), a decent smell of food tends to pervade. It's also got a small garden overlooking the Thames, which makes it a rarity among London pubs.
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Went in here on a nice summers afternoon and had a pleasant experience. Was fairly quiet due to the time (4pm-ish) but I would imagine that it gets much busier at peak times. The beer was good, with a few decent ales on tap and was nice to sit outside by the river.
Not the best pub you'll ever visit, but I can think of a lot that are much much worse.
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Ah well, as a newbie to this site, this is my first Fullers' review. And of the regular local (meaning wot you see a lot of in London - inc Shepherd Neame) brewers, is probably my favourite. So with that admission out of the way...
A decent sized pub under the rail bridge and on the river behind Cannon Street Station. Have not eaten here, but I notice the menu (which always sounds good) has the day's date on it, so presumably changes regularly (?). Or else its just to make the place sound pretty gastro-y.
Th usual range of Fullers' brews on + additionally - which I haven't seen anywhere - their IPA. So I duly had 3 pints' worth. It is a classic IPA - extra hoppy, so extra bitter in taste - well worth a try if you like that in a beer. Pretty well kept too.
Staff were attentive, and no problems getting served. Lunchtime crowd generally office workers, and not quite as dingy as the 'underneath the arches' position might make you think. A decent Fullers house.
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Reasonable, but unremarkable Fullers pub by the river under Cannon Street arches. Lacking in atmosphere early yesterday evening, even allowing for the fact that it was a Monday.
London Pride was on good form at � 2.80p.
Probably better in summer when you can sit outside and watch the river, which of course you cant do on a cold January dark evening
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My boss tim is a Banker
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nothing stand outish about this pub , real ales freezing cold - as with so many Fullers pubs. Didnt try the food but its odd that if the cheeses/meats/pies are as enticing as they sound then surely Fullers would be singing the artisan origins from the wood beam rafters - so i suppose the grub actually comes from a generic catering supplier and subjected to a criminal price mark up.... A quiet pint is impossible as music blasts into every corner no matter how many punters there are. Disappointing.
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A decent, busy pub with 5 Fuller's cask ales available on my recent visit. As well as the outside seating balcony, there is a conservatory (located directly under the railway bridge over the river) with views along the Thames.
Did not try the food although looking at the menu, would probably not have been my type of thing as I prefer straightforward, English bar meals!
Convenient for the station and worth a visit. Think average cask ale price was �2.80 per pint.
alexw - 29 Jun 2007 18:48 |
A great pub which I, following my first visit, naively thought didn't get busy on Friday nights. Wrong. It was absolutely heaving last week! The outside area is nice in the summer with good views across the Thames, and the cavernous interior has plenty of space for sitting or standing later on. The "pool balcony" is an excellent idea, with 2 decent tables (albeit at �1.30 a play!). The only downside, as below, was being hurried along to drink up as soon as the clock chimed 11. I know bar staff want to get home but please chill a bit and everyone will be happier.
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Lovely riverside pub, with a pool tables, has most of fullers real ales, staff were really nice, only problem is at 11.03 we were being pushed out the door!!!
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Always enjoy my visits here. A nice riverside pub with plenty of seats to look out over England's greatest river. Fullers's ales plus HSB. HSB was excellent and went down a real treat. If you can find it go there.
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Visited this pub for the first time last week and was very pleasantly surprised. This is the first pub I have ever been in where they serve beer at the table and believe me, I've been in a few!! Didn't sample the food, but it looked and smelt delicious. Fantastic views over the River Thames too. I also liked the fact that they have a decent no smoking area.
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Tucked down a side street under Cannon Street station, it is not that obvious for many to find. Just that there a lot of 'locals' who do refrequent. Mainly of the City trader types from Euronext etc.
Normally have most of the Fullers range, which tend to be in good condition. Had an excellent pint of Gales Festival mild. followed by another...
Food (helpful for prelonger visit) is of the cavery style. But still pretty good.
Has pool table tucked upstairs and reasonable non-somking space. Outside can be more fun, as well as to watch the next door recycling station in action.
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Large pub underneath a railway bridge - typical range of Fullers' beers, which I found in excellent condition. I'd guess the beer garden with riverside views comes into its own in the summer.
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Visited last night - first pint of ESB was OK, then it all went down hill. ESB went very cloudy and the happy holiday bar staff continued to sell it. What happened to quality control ?
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Visited in my holilday last week. Excellent pint of Pride , great location with lovely views over the Thames.
Very helpful staff as well, I think first time in all my England holidays they served me a beer at the table !!
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This pub has always been a favourite of mine since I worked nearby. Now retired, I meet my best friend for a monthly lunch. Nice refurbishment and the change in menu has grown on us. Mind you, we still remember fondly Tony's huge plates of chilli and rice for �3.50 - happy days! Fullers pub with the whole range on offer which are always well kept. Very nice manager who's been there ages and the view of the river is matchless!
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unusual location under a bridge and grat river views.quite a large pub.good beer but weired opening hours best to phone first if your making a special journey.
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Haven't been since the refurb, but this has always been a reasonable option for an after work bevvy. Nice views over the river from the conservatory area.
anonymous - 26 May 2006 15:48 |
�2.60 pint of Pride served at it's best by very friendly and welcoming staff in a very clean pub. well worth a visit and with great views over the thames
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Nice pub underneath Cannon St. railwy bridge.Sit in the conservatory and watch the boats go up and down. Pride first class
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Good place to go for that all-important after work drink. Nice location, good selection of beers and a layout that lets you talk to your friends but still carries a lively atmosphere.
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The first time visted the Banker was a couple of years ago. Back then, I thought it was a good pub - decent beer in an excellent (and unique) location. The only flaw was it closing at 8 pm! I went there again last night with friends and am pleased to report that it stayed open till late, making it an excellent venue to hole up in for the evening. The outside terrace is also blessed with some fearsome heaters. Goodness knows how much energy they were consuming, but I was quite happily sitting outside in shirtsleeves after 9 o'clock. In October.
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Fantastic view of the thames, ESB on tap, and wasn't crowded by a pack of bankers. Not common in the city.
RJK - 8 Nov 2004 20:13 |
This is a pub worth hunting down if you're at this end of the city. It is split nicely across three floors, the larger first floor being the main bar and food area, accessible in a wheelchair. The second floor consists of riverside seating set within the arches of the Cannon Street railway bridge, overhanging a couple of feet over the water's edge. The third is a smoky vice den of pool players overlooking the main bar area below.
The food is no-nonsense and home-cooked, a rarity these days, served from large dishes kept very warm under heat lamps. I heartily recommend it; and the beer, as you would expect from a Cask Marque accredited Fullers pub, is just what the doctor ordered.
Great for a hearty pint & grub at lunchtime.
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Outside terrace looking towards Southwark bridge is good, beers pretty reasonable, Pride on tap and the like. Worth a look just because it's right under Cannon St station and part of the inside looks out under the bridge. Dead after 8 though.
Dan - 29 Sep 2004 12:43 |
Brilliant terrace overlooking the river and possibly the best London Pride at this end of the City. Food looks a bit dodgy as it comes from under heat lamps behind one of those nasty glass counters .
Mr Lash - 24 Sep 2004 14:25 |
