May '25 - The Counting House
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Want to sit in awe of your surroundings? Visit The Counting House. You might not immediately think that the Financial District would be home to some great pubs, but that would be a mistake. Thirsty bankers need a place to drink as much as the average punter. The pub is not that old, but it started life as a bank (no surprise there) in the 19th century. You can still see remnants of the building’s past banking life. It’s really on a grand scale.
You really need to make your way up the grand sweeping staircase to the second level to take it all in. Please note that the second level is typically reserved for dining during meal times, so plan your visit accordingly. If its banking past is not enough to grab you, know that it sits on remnants of a Roman wall. Not that you’ll be able to see it, but still.
Before you leave the area, you will want to make the short stroll to Ball Court. This little alley is home to Simpson’s Tavern, the oldest chop house in London. Unfortunately, it’s now closed due to a rent dispute with the landlord, but you can still get a sense of a place that served its customers (including Dickens) for 265 years. My wife and I managed to have breakfast there shortly before it closed and were very thankful that we did. It was special.
- Doug
