London

Former 'most elegant bank in London' to become a Wetherspoons | London Evening Standard

A building that was once known as “the most elegant bank in London” is set to be given a new lease of life — as a JD Wetherspoons.

Former 'most elegant bank in London' to become a Wetherspoons | London Evening Standard
Former 'most elegant bank in London' to become a WetherspoonsThe building was converted into a branch of Lloyds bank in 1895Maggie Jones

A building that was once known as “the most elegant bank in London” is set to be given a new lease of life — as a JD Wetherspoons.

Councillors last week approved the pub giant’s scheme to convert the ground floor and mezzanine of the Grade II listed building on the Strand into a 27,000 square foot bar serving food and drink to up to 591 customers.

The upper floors will continue to be used by Outer Temple Chambers.

The property, which was originally built as a restaurant for the nearby Royal Courts of Justice, features ornate tile friezes, a fountain and carved pillars.

After the restaurant closed in 1886 the building became a Lloyds bank.