We frequently get bombarded with the question: “Where’s a good place to eat around Guildhall… that also does cocktails, with ale in them, that’s set in a former bank, filled with stuffed birds and palms?”
And, finally, now we have an answer.
Step through the doors of The Trading House and you’ll find yourself transported to another time, with decadent wood-panelled walls and sweeping palm leaves that nod to the building’s previous incarnation as the Bank of New Zealand. Here’s how it breaks down,
THE RESTAURANT BIT
Forgetting the venue’s Kiwi heritage, they’ve gone for a menu of old school comfort food, including a steak & stout pie, or a good ‘ol pork schnitzel. They’ve also got a BBQ for fattened rump steaks or chargrilled chicken burgers; a chicken-loaded rotisserie grill; and some hanging kebabs with a trinity of chicken, lamb, and beef.
While you dine, live musicians serenade you at the start of the week… before DJs help to get things lively on Thursday and Fridays.

THE BAR BIT
Here, instead of studying fluctuations in coffee prices, you’ll peruse an impressively comprehensive almanac of beers from around the world, and a cocktail list with ingredients collected from far-off lands and developed under their own roof, all for your delectation.
Alongside creations such as the karma tea-infused Karma’s a Bitch and the gin-charged Cherry Fennel Sling, you’ll find their selective list of small batch gins from across the country, each served with a carefully considered mix of spices and herbs to bring out their unique tastes. Aaaand, if you’re feeling a 19th century kind of adventurous, you can try out their gin & ale cocktails.
Cocktales, if you will.
NOTE: The Trading House is open Mon & Tues 12-11pm, and Weds-Fri 12pm-1am, with weekends available for private hire. Reservations can be made by calling 020 7600 5050, or simply heading right HERE.
The Trading House | 89-91 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7NQ
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Carpe Diem!