Saturday 5 April 2008

The Bank, Northcote Road, near Clapham Junction, London


Housed in an old bank branch with a grand neoclassical facade and large arched windows, this pub used to be called the Fine Line, but has now been rebranded by brewery owner Fuller's. Outside is a small terrace, well-placed for people watching on this busy shopping street. Inside is a large square bar with a high ceiling and a wall decorated with about a dozen clocks, dimly-lit in the evening by orange lights. On a Friday night, the music is cranked up loud and most of the tables are occupied by well-heeled young professionals, but the Bank is far from packed and you can get served quickly. You pay through the nose for the privilege - there are only pricey premium beers on tap - two pints of Peroni, for example, cost almost £8. 5/10