Welcome to The Trading House - London
The Trading House - London is an exceptional pub and restaurant nestled in the heart of the city's financial district at 89-91 Gresham Street. Housed in a beautifully restored Grade II-listed building, this venue marries rich historical architecture with modern colonial-inspired decor, creating a unique atmosphere. Guests can savor signature dishes like hanging kebabs and wild boar burgers while enjoying an impressive selection of over 200 craft beers and theatrical cocktails. The ambiance, enhanced by captivating live music and an inviting interior featuring Victorian wood paneling and a striking glass-domed atrium, makes The Trading House a must-visit gem for both locals and tourists alike.
The Trading House - London: Reviews & Ratings
The Trading House is a distinctive pub and restaurant located on Gresham Street in London's financial district, blending historical architecture with modern colonial-inspired design. Housed in a Grade II-listed building originally constructed in 1912 for the Bank of New Zealand, it opened in 2015 after a meticulous 2-year renovation that preserved original features like concrete columns and stained-glass windows. ### Key Features & Atmosphere - **Architecture**: One of London's first concrete-framed buildings, featuring preserved Victorian-era wood paneling and a central glass-domed atrium. - **Decor**: Colonial explorer theme with taxidermy peacocks, antique globes, and a 1906 horseshoe-shaped "mobil bar" suspended from the ceiling. - **Signature Dishes**: Hanging kebabs cooked over open flames, wild boar burgers, and Sunday roasts served on sharing platters. - **Drinks**: Over 200 global craft beers, gin infusions (like rhubarb & ginger), and theatrical cocktails such as "Lavender Priest" served in smoke-filled cloches. ### Hidden Histories & Notable Connections 1. **Banking Legacy**: The vaults now used as private dining rooms once held gold reserves for the Bank of New Zealand until the 1980s. 2. **Celebrity Adjacency**: While not directly owned by celebrities, former London trader **Gary Stevenson** – known for his 35 million currency trades – reportedly frequented the venue during his Merrill Lynch career. 3. **Literary Link**: The building's original architect, William Campbell Jones, also designed parts of the Royal Exchange, featured in Charles Dickens' writings about London's financial district. ### Cultural Footprint - **Live Music**: Hosts nightly piano sessions mimicking Victorian saloon bars, with weekend DJs blending jazz and electronic music. - **Secret Symbol**: A carved wooden tiki figure hidden in the mezzanine nods to the building's New Zealand heritage, unnoticed by most visitors. Visitors should book ahead for the Central Bar's "Kebab Thursdays" or the 28 Sunday roast menu. The venue's blend of financial history and theatrical dining makes it a unique cross-section of old and new London.
A very classy British bar & restaurant. The fish and chips we had probably was one of the best we had in London. The ambience is very classic and the service is highly professional. The wood panelling across the restaurant gives it a beautiful old charm. Will visit again.
Fantastic venues for drinks/food with a warm welcoming atmosphere and gorgeous decor. We were served by the lovely Lydia who was amazing! Couldn’t recommend enough.
Great place, hidden gem, lots of space, great bar staff Would have been even nicer if they opened all the doors up as it was a hot day
Amazing service and great food. Thanks to Kate. Definitely I will come back!
I recently had the utmost pleasure of dining at this incredible restaurant. From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by its vibrant ambiance, delectable cuisine, and the melodious symphony of live music that resonated throughout the entire evening. The first thing that struck me was the intimate yet trendy atmosphere that immediately set the stage for an unforgettable evening. The restaurant managed to strike the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort, creating an inviting space for patrons to unwind and delight in their gastronomic journey. Let's move on to the main attraction—the food! The menu at the restaurant boasts a tantalizing array of succulent steaks, prepared to absolute perfection. Each bite was a revelation of flavors
Really beautiful pub. Definitely worth a visit! We had our work Christmas party here and found it to be a great venue. The staff were super friendly and helpful. Food was decent, some good vegan options. Would definitely come back again.
I had such a wonderful experience during my visit here. The food was absolutely delightful, and the service was exceptional. I especially want to mention Lydia—her kindness and attention truly made my time here special. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to enjoy this moment.
Location
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89-91 Gresham St, London EC2V 5AY, United Kingdom Hotline: +44 20 7600 5050
The Trading House - London is a remarkable blend of history and modernity, situated at 89-91 Gresham Street, right in the heart of the city's financial district. This distinctive pub and restaurant invites guests into a stunning space defined by its Grade II-listed architecture, originally built in 1912 for the Bank of New Zealand. After a meticulous two-year renovation completed in 2015, it now boasts an impressive central glass-domed atrium and preserved features, such as Victorian-era wood paneling and elegant stained-glass windows, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
As you step inside, you are transported into a world adorned with colonial explorer decor—think taxidermy peacocks and antique globes mingling with the intrigue of a 1906 horseshoe-shaped "mobil bar" that almost seems to float above the lively atmosphere. The environment resonates with both historical significance and modern charm, perfectly echoing London’s rich tapestry of stories.
The menu at The Trading House is a delightful reflection of British culinary tradition, offering signature dishes like hanging kebabs grilled over open flames and wild boar burgers that have gained fame among local food enthusiasts. Don’t miss their Sunday roasts, designed for sharing and embodying the warmth of British hospitality. The fish and chips have drawn particular praise, noted as some of the best in London, perfectly crisp and full of flavor. The attention to detail in each dish speaks volumes about the culinary team’s commitment to quality.
Drinks here are as adventurous as the setting; with over 200 global craft beers on offer and imaginative gin infusions, there's something to satisfy every thirst. Their theatrical cocktails, such as the "Lavender Priest" served under smoke-filled cloches, are not just beverages—they are experiences in their own right.
Beyond the food and drinks, The Trading House is alive with the pulse of live music, featuring nightly piano sessions that echo the charm of Victorian saloon bars. Weekend DJs seamlessly blend jazz with electronic, keeping the vibe energetic and engaging. Hidden gems adorn the venue, like the secret wooden tiki figure nodding to its New Zealand roots, waiting to be discovered by the curious diner.
With its unique blend of history, superb dining, and an inviting atmosphere, The Trading House - London stands out as a true gem in the bustling cityscape. Whether you’re stopping by for a post-work drink, a hearty meal with friends, or a special occasion, this venue is bound to leave a lasting impression.
Don’t forget to book ahead for their famous "Kebab Thursdays" or the impressive Sunday roast menu, as the warm and welcoming service will ensure your visit is memorable. The Trading House is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience woven into the vibrant fabric of London.