The Banker, EC4

Riverside Charm with Stunning Thames Views

If you find yourself ambling along the Thames with a hankering for that quintessential London pub experience, The Banker beckons—a veritable hidden gem crouched under the mighty arches of the Cannon Street railway bridge. Enveloped in brick and British charm, this Fuller’s establishment layers its intrigue with riverside allure and a history-tinted atmosphere, invoking scenes straight from a cinematic set. On sunny days, its outdoor terraces ensnare patrons with stunning waterway views while indoors, the medley of cozy nooks and a lofted mezzanine says, "Stay a while." As trains rumble overhead and skulk through the vaulted passageways beneath, they knit the industrial with the convivial—a shuddering backdrop that adds character, not chaos, to your pint-sized tales.

Despite its iconic haunt-like presence and expansive drape of riverside cadences, the gastronomical offering dances on the line between pulchritudinous and perfunctory. The well-poured Fuller’s cask ales and Rugby-themed pints invariably cast shadows over the pedestrian pub fare that occasionally misses its mark, evident in reports of greasy cheese steak nightmares alongside praises for roasty rotisserie triumphs. There’s an undeniable charm at play though, inflected by lively and seasoned staff who transform ordinary Thursdays into pulsating pre-weekend escapades. This isn’t merely a whistle-stop for beverages; rather, it's a tale steeped in camaraderie, aspirations, and arches—holding their ground against London’s architectural skyline. For some, The Banker could just be a casual pause amid urban wanderings; for others, it gleams as an enduring icon poised in the heart of riverside revelries. — Clarissa Cuisinier