[5] It was designed by Nottingham-based Lungfish Architects and built by Wilmott Dixon largely of timber and has a capacity of 630.

An "elaborate" early 17th century plaster work ceiling features panels and borders depicting a coat of arms, birds, animals, foliage, grotesque figures and scriptural images.

Documentary evidence held by Bedfordshire Archives dates the building to around 1780, but its listing places it in the 17th century.

[14] It was owned by Bedford brewers Higgins and Sons by 1902, followed by Wells & Winch of Biggleswade in 1927 and from 1961 by Greene King.

[15] The Charles Wells-owned Harrows Public House built in 1899 on High Road closed in 2007 and has been converted into residential properties.

[16][17] Other Grade II listed buildings in Cotton End are a house at 21 High Road,[18][19] and cottages at 8 and 10 Bell Lane.