The Old Bank House, Tamworth

Post

Subscribe

Posted 2021-12-14 by Tony Collins ⇒ follow

Enjoy a step back in time with a visit to this historic gem of a pub. In fact, The Old Bank House in the centre of Tamworth, Staffordshire, is so significant that it boasts its very own blue plaque above the door - one of the few buildings in the town to have one. The historic plaque in question makes reference to the fact that this splendid Victorian building was once the site of the former Tamworth Savings Bank set up by local resident and former Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel, the father of the modern police force. The building dates back to 1845 and, happily, evidence of its historic origins are plain to see as soon as you enter. In fact, The Old Bank House is set in the midst of a row of early Victorian buildings, positioned impressively above the road called Ladybank, perhaps to give more imposing views of the medieval Tamworth Castle directly opposite.

Despite its historical beginnings, and one of Tamworth's oldest buildings, The Old Bank House is actually the town's newest pub, having only opened as a hostelry in April 2021. And what an impressive addition it is. As mentioned before, the history shouts at you as soon as you step inside. The modern-day pub features four beautifully decorated rooms, three of them downstairs and one upstairs which I did not bother visiting on this occasion. Of the rooms downstairs, one is occupied by the compact but well-stocked bar, while the two splendid rooms at the front resemble what I image a Victorian gentlemen's club would look like. The rooms are all impressively furnished with tables and chairs and presumably leather armchairs or sofas. There is also a magnificent chandelier in one of the front rooms which, together with the illuminated Christmas tree in the entrance hall, was very welcoming on a gloomy late afternoon.

The building is said to have fallen into disrepair for many years before being painstakingly restored to its former glory by two local businessmen..The landlord pointed out to me that there is a pleasant beer terrace to the rear of the pub, while there is sufficient space for some seating to the front, but neither options were likely to be taken up on a cold, drizzly day in December. The Old Bank House serves up to five varied craft ales at any one time, as well as the usual array of other drinks if you prefer. There was a wonderful choice of five craft ales on the day I visited for the first time, with two friends. As well as the beer pumps themselves. there was a very helpful board on the wall with details of the five ales on offer.

I opted for the Crash & Burn pale ale from the Salopian brewery, while my friends in turn chose The Bandon Car porter from Lords and Woodfordes' Volt IPA. Each of the ales cost a pretty reasonable £3.60 a pint, with a further 10p knocked off for CAMRA members. I can certainly testify that I was very pleased with my choice, and I think my friends were with theirs. According to the pub's Facebook page, The Old Bank House is closed all day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. On Mondays the opening times are 5pm to 10pm, Thursdays are 4pm - 11.30pm, Fridays are 2pm - 11.30pm, Saturdays midday - 11.30pm, and Sunday is midday - 10pm.