Local Insight & Information
This highly business orientated area consists of many desirable serviced offices to rent or let and the locality is very prestigious in the financial world, hence the name Bank. There is much history attached to the area which was originally developed by the Romans and many of the buildings by Bank serviced offices are extremely impressive pieces of historical architecture. Walking around here is a pleasure in itself and there is a lot to learn from the region. The streets which make up Bank, mainly those surrounding the station, are also lined with numerous restaurants, bars and cafes as well as having its own unique form of shopping centre.
The Royal Exchange, possibly the most iconic building in the Bank area is today a magnificent office structure with a ground floor which houses a number of boutique shops and quality restaurants, providing the city with a unique shopping experience similar to that of the original building. Initially developed in 1566 by a man known as the father of English banking, Sir Thomas Gresham, the building was the first to trade stocks in London.
Almost 100 years later two extra floors were added to the building allowing it to house retail businesses, effectively creating the first shopping mall in London. After being burnt down and rebuilt twice throughout its history the building which still stands today was constructed in 1844. The original design was remodelled and, taking inspiration from Roman architecture, eight entrance pillars were added to the front of the building. Stores selling art, fashion, home ware, jewellery and tech can today be explored within the building.

1 Lombard Street is another building which has been transformed and is an important destination in the history of Bank. Originally housing the Payne & Smith bank in the rear of the building this is where Charles Dickens’ first love Maria Beadnell, daughter of the bank manager lived and the site in which Dickens would visit at night to gaze upon the building in which Maria slept.
Today, 1 Lombard Street is the home of a brasserie, restaurant and domed roof bar designed by former banker Soren Jessen and where many business men and women meet for a traditional British breakfast, lunch or dinner. Being in such a prestigious area the hotels within this region are well accustomed to accommodating for business types and their facilities are usually adapted to meet this requirement.
Apex London Hotel for example has a luxury common space inclusive of free WI-FI suitable for you to prepare before that important meeting or work on that big project. When it’s time to relax they are prepared for this also and all 89 rooms and suites include luxury bath products and large comfortable beds. There is also an exclusive fitness studio so you can maintain your regime whilst away from home and afterwards why not enjoy some fine dining at the Off the Wall restaurant.
Key Transport Links
Bank Tube Station is the fourth busiest in London and has recently seen a £57 million restoration to cope with the increase in demand which the station has been suffering with. A new entrance to the site is being constructed and is set to be complete in late 2017, consisting of two lifts, four escalators and a ticket hall. The station provides connections to the Central, Northern and Waterloo & City lines as well as DLR services. Cannon Street Tube Station is also close by which connects you with the Circle and District lines as well as Southeastern trains and bus services within four minutes.