Built in the 1850s in a Classical style similar to the surrounding buildings in the rapidly growing Brunswick Town area, it was given a "spectacular" renovation when a restaurant was added in the 1920s.

[11] The inn existed by the 1850s, according to census information; its first landlord, Thomas Lindfield from Egham in Surrey, passed it on to his son John, who sold it in the mid-1870s.

[2] The firm was used regularly by the Kemp Town Brewery for pubs along the Sussex coast, and also undertook much work on offices and other commercial developments.

The entrance was framed by a two-storey mosaic of blue and gold pieces adorned with Masonic symbols, the Star of David and bizarre griffin-like creatures.

[13] The work included a "spectacular" lavatory installation, with a glass feature wall with a waterfall and a volcano image.

[3] There are similar oriel windows on two of the four bays on the western face, as well as a large single-storey porch with a modern glazed extension at first-floor level.

[3] The "striking"[2] and "spectacular"[13] restaurant section, added as part of the "famous facelift"[13] of 1928, has been described as "reminiscent of the Viennese Secession".

There are moulded beams and friezes with swag motifs, integral seating and other furniture, Art Deco lighting, decorative plasterwork and an original staircase.