Though they did not chart, they are notable as an early exponent of the pub rock style, as well as for their connections with Dire Straits, as both Mark Knopfler and Pick Withers played with the group for a few months in 1973.

Mahogany's original material was composed by the team of singer/guitarist John Mackay and keyboard player Steve Darrington; this duo helped assemble a new group in 1971 that continued playing blues-based music, and gigged extensively in the early days of the UK's pub rock scene.

Signed to the UK division of RCA in 1972, at the time of their first album (Opening Time) Brewers Droop consisted of Ron Watts (vocals, percussion), John "Alimony Slim" Mackay (guitars, vocals), Steve Darrington (keyboards, reeds), Malcolm Barrett (bass), and Bob Walker (drums).

This lineup amended their name to "The Droop" and with Dave Edmunds and Kingsley Ward producing, issued another non-LP single ("Louise" b/w "Caught Us Doin' It") in September 1973.

Around the same time, Mark Knopfler was recruited as the group's primary guitarist, allowing Mackay to come to the fore more as a co-lead vocalist with Watts.