Knights Templar, Fleet Street  

Popular J D Wetherspoon pub in Chancery Lane, next to the Law Society. This used to be the Union Bank and the main banking hall forms a very large, high-ceilinged, public bar that is choc-a-bloc at lunchtime with hungry lawyers and a few students from Kings College. Lovely old Georgian building but JDW haven't been as sympathetic with this as with others, such as the Crosse Keys. It's not at all subtle - nasty fruit pattern carpet has been put over the original monochrome tiling, original plaster ceiling painted orange (no, we're not kidding). Poor murals of medieval scenes made to try and look like they are charcoal drawings and the odd bit of charcoal coloured marble dotted about. What it does have going for it is a little mezzanine that feels like a comfy middle-class Surrey anteroom - you have to say JDW does have a very good idea of who the customers are and what they want. Food is tasty, though not as cheap as other Wetherspoon but these punters can afford it. Most of the tables have high stools so it's not that comfortable to eat here. But there is a discount including a free pint if you want to eat after 2pm. And it's a freehouse of course with well-kept guest ales and the staff are helpful and friendly. However, there are better pubs in the area, however, and better bank conversions in the Square Mile to look at.

reviewed:
16/4/2008

pub features:(click on an icon to see an explanation)

real ale - regular guest beers

ATM on premises

late opening

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