Santander is going against the march toward digital interaction, as it opens a London "lounge" for its private banking clients today.

The facility is on the first floor of Santander's existing branch in Devonshire House on Piccadilly, and serves private and business banking clients, as well as those using the bank's mass-affluent service, Santander Select.

It is the first time the bank has had an area dedicated to wealthier customers, and it will provide access to private bankers, wealth planning, and specialist mortgage consultants.

The private bank's minimums are gross income of at least £250,000, or £500,...