The Crosse Keys is in my top five pubs to visit in the City of London and that isn't because it's a JDWitherspoon, far from it in fact.  Formally the headquarters of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank this huge pub now occupies what was the main banking floor.  There is a mass of seating to your left as you make your way to the oval shaped bar.  Once there you will find all the favorites as well as a superb selection of guest ales.  Being Cask Marque accredited the quality of beer is outstanding.

You can not fail to enjoy the prestigious surroundings created by the architect W.Campbell Jones. Built 1912-13 to the highest standards, impressing on the long standing City institutions that the Hong Kong and Shanghai bank was here to stay.  Because of it's size, you can always find somewhere to enjoy the food, I can recommend the mixed grill, all washed down with a few pints of the guest ale Mole Catcher, if it’s available.

There is, of course, one problem with The Crosse Keys, the size means it can be very busy indeed.  On a Friday you can stand three deep at the bar, having to wait 5 minutes or more to be served.  With the staff not able to work on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, this wait can certainly get the blood boiling.   Don’t be disappointed, visit early in the week on a quiet day and enjoy the backrooms or even upstairs!

Oh, just to add, the beer prices are amongst the cheapest in the City and the range extensive, but don't expect service like an All-Bar-One, they aint compatible.