In a rapidly changing London its refreshing and a delight to see buildings that no longer fulfil their original purpose converted into public houses for the wider London community and visitors to gather in. With hundreds of pubs closing since the 1970s and witnessing changes of use to bookies, shops, churches, community centres and private dwellings it always feels a small victory when we the people ‘get one back’.

Just prior to lockdown I was honoured to be invited for a tour of the vaults of this spectacular Grade II listed Italianate styled marvel. Built in 1866 and becoming a pub in 1994 it earns its name from being the Law Court’s branch of the Bank of England until 1975.

Next to the Royal Courts of Justice it’s a majestic sight. Being able to drink in such architectural splendour you just know you are in the beating heart of historic London.

One of four properties owned by McMullen’s the pub has undergone extensive redevelopment work over the course of the Covid-19 global pandemic. Just prior to lockdown mark I in March 2020 and I jumped at the chance to explore prior to the works starting.

Other than a lifelong love affair with pubs the genesis of LPE was urban exploring so this was a treat for me. Stooping and ducking my way through the dark warren of subterranean tunnels and passages gave me a real rush, treading in the footsteps of London’s hidden past.

The vault safes, that once held gold bullion, now accommodate bottles of wine and spirits and it was incredible to take in and wonder what it was like as a fully functioning stronghold. The volume, size and thickness of the multiple safes is amazing. You’d suppose they’d have to be as they once are rumoured to have stored the Crown Jewels. In fact, one of them hasn’t been opened since at least 1994 and the key has been lost. Who knows what is inside. Such mystery!

Directly under street level are old staff facilities and storage exist. I was told by McMullen’s Simon than until the week before my visit they hadn’t been opened up since 1991. As I heard the passing traffic and chatter from the pavement above it was surreal to know that not a single soul had stood where I had in nearly 30 years. For a brief moment these dark mouldy catacomb-like arches, that will become escape rooms, gave me an insight into being in the bowels of Victorian London. For me this was like pub-heroin and a hit that gave me a rush I’ll never forget for the rest of my life.

As soon as the latest round of lockdown restrictions ease on 17 May I will be back to capture the exciting changes in their completion. Hearing the existing plans from Simon last year I can assure you its going to be the go-to pub on London’s Fleet Street.