The Trading House is a spectacularly transformed Grade II-listed bar-restaurant that taps into the spirit of the East India Trading Company and London’s nautical heritage…

Conjured out of the Bank of New Zealand this mock colonial trading house on Gresham Street in the heart of the City of London, infuses live music, delicious foodie bites and an extensive drinks list that all pay homage to its trading heritage.

On arrival you’ll be greet by high ceilings, mounted Zebra heads and fake songbirds giving the bar a distinct backdrop. The bar itself features spiced-twist cocktails (Lavender Sazerac and the Cinnamon and Ginger Manhattan really stand out), traditional British Gin and Tonics, Champagne, wine, and a vast selection of craft beers. If you cast your stare away from the mounted Zebra heads you’ll see a spiral staircase to a mezzanine level which is a fantastic private space available for hire.

Behind the bar there is a well-planned seating area which is far enough away from the band to have a conversation but close enough to feel part of the party. When I took my seat I glanced around to see some work colleagues laughing, two business men working on their laptops and a small family having dinner, all of which represent the variety of clientele visiting The Trading House.

The menu is extremely diverse with international an outlook, there’s dishes from Malaysia and North Africa sitting alongside traditional British, burgers, comfort food and salads. Nothing is overly priced which makes a pleasant change for central London, there’s also a selection of small items such as chicken wings, peppers de padron (my personal favourite) and calamari.

The Trading House is ideal if you want some drinks and nibbles set within an atmospheric Victorian themed bar which gets tongues wagging.

89-91 Gresham Street, EC2 (020 7600 5050; thetradinghouse.uk.com