Today, the area of Bank is commonly associated with business, and if you take a stroll through its streets during office hours you’ll find them filled with workers.
The 'bank' that the name of this area refers to is the Bank of England, which has stood at its current spot near Threadneedle Street since 1734.
Yet today, plenty of other financial institutions have joined the national bank and established their headquarters in this area. This area of London has a rich heritage, rooted in the original Roman settlement of Londinium – it’s not all about banks! The Bank area contains a number of the City of London’s oldest churches, including a couple that were designed by celebrated architect and the mastermind behind St Paul’s Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren.
Photos by @urbanpixxels. Dutch expat + photographer + travel blogger living in London. Bit of a foodie and coffee addict.
Jacintha Verdegaal, Urban Pixxels
Bank is in the heart of the City of London – a square mile of London as a whole, widely known for the financial, law and corporate institutions it houses. It’s commuter central with 300,000 thought to commute in everyday for work. Facilities available reflect the busy working lives of those working nearby; perfect for the time poor and affluent workers.
You can spend your lunch break doing anything from a spin class, swimming, running or just taking a moment to sit back and watch the world go by.
Think high intensity workout with none of the next day soreness! The Speedflex machines may seem daunting at first but you’ll soon be in the know after your complimentary induction. The workouts involve a circuit of five customised machines in a 30 or 45-minute group session so perfect for fitting into your lunch break or before you head out for the evening after work!
WebsiteThe Trump Street branch of this popular sportswear chain is more than just a store. The ground floor retail spaces offer gait analysis from staff who are both knowledgeable and passionate about running. The store has it’s own Run Club which meets 3 times per week offering before work, lunchtime and evening groups. The top floor of the building also plays home to specialist running services The Running School, The Altitude Centre and Perfect Balance Clinic. A must-visit for those bitten by the running bug!
WebsiteCity Athletic is a high-end performance gym based in the heart of The City of London offering the opportunity for everyday city workers to train like modern day athletes. They have a select number of personal trainers who are the best in the business. A 2-lane sprint track, power racks and lifting platforms compliment the full range of fixed and free weights and classes available. With limited numbers of members on their books, you’re guaranteed the most square foot per member of any City of London gym.
WebsiteProject Fit is a new Central London studio specialising in high intensity interval classes. Founded by personal trainers Joel Hilton and Ben Staines, classes combine ‘body transformation exercises’ with intermittent bursts on the treadmill. This all takes place in a chrome-floored, red-lit studio reminiscent of a Soho nightclub. And all the rage, some evening classes even have live DJs to keep your energy levels high!
WebsiteBoasting a gym, health club, spa and swimming pool this club comes with everything you need plus the added extras. There’s a studio timetable to match the facilities too with all the latest and best classes including AntiGravity Yoga to align your body, relieve compressed joints and improve your flexibility. After your workout , class or swim you can wind things down a little by taking advantage of their sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi!
WebsiteOne of the newest boutique cycling studios in London, Cyclebeat is decked out with 50 state of the art bikes, top instructors and tiered stadium seating. Offering classes all day everyday, indoor cycling is all they do and they do it pretty well! Cyclebeats USP is what’s known as the ‘Beatboard’; an electronic leader board at the front of the studio live streaming how hard everyone is working!
WebsiteIf it’s a party vibe and a good looking crowd you’re looking for, Gymbox is the gym for you. They truly make sweating enjoyable and it’s all located just 1 minute from Bank tube station. Resident DJs spin the tunes while you workout / dance* (optional) on the gym floor. With a studio timetable packed full of unique classes (try Tour de Bank – a unique take on indoor cycling), a boxing ring and functional fitness there is something to tickle anyone's fancy.
WebsiteHealth and wellbeing courtesy of @keepitsimpElle. Health & Fitness blogger | Personal Trainer. Triathlete in the making!
Elle, Keep it simpElle
Bank has a wide range of must-see places waiting to be discovered, many of which often house a treasure trove of unique stories and experiences. Explore some of our top recommendations below and get the insiders’ take on Bank’s hidden gems.
Secreted away inside the covered Leadenhall Market is a small wine bar called Bedales. Popular with City office workers in the know and wine lovers from further afield, Bedales is actually located in the basement of the market, beneath its cobbled floors. Here you can find a glass of wine to drink in, or a bottle to take away, and the bar also hosts regular tasting events during the week.
WebsiteLondon’s memorial to the great fire that ravaged the city in 1666 is not easily overlooked, towering over 60 metres above the street below. But climb the Monument, and you discover a stunning view over the city, that is often overlooked in favour of more obvious heights, like the top of the London Eye. Bear in mind you’ll have to work for your view though – it’s more than 300 steps to the top of the Monument!
WebsiteSecreted away inside the covered Leadenhall Market is a small wine bar called Bedales. Popular with City office workers in the know and wine lovers from further afield, Bedales is actually located in the basement of the market, beneath its cobbled floors. Here you can find a glass of wine to drink in, or a bottle to take away, and the bar also hosts regular tasting events during the week.
WebsiteThis museum charts the history of the central bank of the UK since its founding in 1694. At the Bank of England Museum you can check out a real gold bar for yourself, learn about the individuals who helped shape the UK economy over the past 300 years, and explore the bank’s extensive art and furniture collection. The Museum has also produced an app, that allows you to take a virtual tour of its collections without leaving home.
WebsiteThe street of Cornhill runs eastwards from Bank underground station, with a network of tiny alleys heading off it heading both north and south. Take a wander through these enchanting medieval alleys around Cornhill and discover sculptures and monuments, magnificent architecture, and a number of old hostelries, including the Jamaica Wine House – the first coffee house ever opened in London in 1652.
WebsiteHealth and wellbeing courtesy of @keepitsimpElle. Health & Fitness blogger | Personal Trainer. Triathlete in the making!
Elle, Keep it simpElle
Appealing to city workers, Bank has a flurry of shops in the area. You’ll find everything from fashion and beauty for women and men, to chocolate shops and food stores. What could be better on your lunch hour than popping into a department store, picking up some clothes, choosing a gift from the best beauty stores, or maybe even sorting climbing gear for your next adventure?
When you’re done, why not enjoy some chocolate strawberries on Fenchurch Street from one of the world’s best chocolatiers?
Inside Harvey Nichols you’ll discover over four floors of designer fashion, including women’s men’s and children’s wear. Check out the denim gallery for that perfect pair of jeans, or the stunning collection of footwear from designers like Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo. There’s also beauty and accessories on the ground floor and for the ultimate treat, why not have a blow-dry at the Daniel Hersheson salon.
WebsiteKnown for their luxury health and beauty products, Molton Brown is the perfect shop to pick up a gift. Choose from their wide selection of indulgent bath products – with ranges including Blossoming Honeysuckle & White Tea and Orange & Bergamot – or maybe something for the home, like the Aroma-reeds. Molton Brown also stocks a men’s range, which includes skincare and gym bag essentials.
WebsiteIf you’re looking for a new suit, then Moss Bros should be high up on your list of shops to try. Rated the UK’s No.1 formal menswear specialist, this store is stocked full of shirts, suits, ties and everything you could need in men’s formalwear. They normally have a few offers on in store too, ideal for stock up work-wear and more.
WebsiteLocated outside Monument tube station, House of Fraser is perfect for a spot of lunchtime shopping. The department store carries well-known brands for womenswear, menswear, and childrenswear., as well as a home departments and a large beauty counter space, full with makeup and cosmetics from Clarins, Giorgio Armani, Chanel and more.
WebsiteGodiva is full of luxury chocolate treats, with plenty of chocolate boxes for the ideal gift. Stop by this branch for one of their famous ice creams, or try the chocolate covered strawberries, which are served in a cone and ready to take away. Godiva also serves up iced chocolate drinks, the perfect treat.
WebsiteShopping courtesy of @TheLDNDiaries your source of all things fashion, beauty, lifestyle, food and then some.
Paula Holmes, The LDN Diaries
The City of London, also known as the Square Mile, encompasses the area around Bank and Monument stations and is known as the city's financial district'.
Busy on weekdays, quiet at the weekend, Bank is home to high-end restaurants as well as chains for takeaway lunches. It’s also where London’s best top-floor restaurants and bars can be found, so definitely come here to get the best bird-eye-views of the city!
Located at the top of the Heron Tower in Bishopsgate, Duck & Waffle is a cocktail bar and restaurant, serving food and drinks 24 hours a day every day. It is famous for its stunning panoramic views of London and, of course, for its signature dish, Duck and Waffle: fried duck egg and leg, served on warm waffles with spiced maple syrup.
WebsiteLocated at the top of the Walkie Talkie building in the City (officially known as “20 Fenchurch Street”), the Sky Garden in London is a truly breathtaking experience. Impress friends and clients by taking them to Darwin Brasserie for breakfast. The menu features a healthy section with yoghurt, granola, porridge and more, as well as the traditional British breakfast dishes such as Full English or Eggs Benedict.
WebsiteA specialty coffee shop near the Gherkin building, Association is open from Monday to Friday serving espresso and filter coffee by Square Mile and Workshop coffee roasters. The trained baristas prepare every cup with careful attention and offer a range of coffees that are continually changing according to season. Association also offers teas, cakes and sandwiches, prepared by top quality London-based suppliers.
WebsiteAfter feeding Londoners with their amazing burgers at markets and pop-ups, Patty & Bun found a permanent home in Marylebone in 2012 and then expanded to East London with this City restaurant and take-away joint. Try their signature burger, the Ari Gold: a 35-day aged, grass-fed Aberdeen Angus beef patty, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickled onions, ketchup, smoky P&B mayo, brioche.
WebsiteHawksmoor is regarded as one of the best places to eat out in London, with its top-quality meat cooked simply over charcoal, perfectly mixed cocktails and enormous full English breakfasts. Guildhall is the City branch of the award-winning steakhouse chain; it includes room to seat 160 people, a private dining room, a walk-in wine room and a bar with a late license.
WebsiteFood and drink courtesy of @mulia Italian foodie in London – Blogger – Baker – Coffee lover, Photographer & Traveller
Giulia Mulè, Mondo Mulia
Set in the heart of the City, along King William Street, Bank sits shoulder to shoulder with many of Britain’s biggest financial institutions and investment banks and only a short distance from the Bank of England.
Offices starting from £517
Offices starting from £600
