Built in 1932–1933 by Ove Arup to resemble the bridge of the Queen Mary,[1] it exists as the only building solely designed by the distinguished engineer.

[4] The decline in popularity of the English seaside holiday led to the Cafe's neglect, and the building narrowly escaped demolition during the major redevelopments of the island's sea defences 1973–1982.

[5] By the 1990s the cafe was in a state of disrepair, but it was awarded the status of a Grade II listing in 1996 by English Heritage and then bought in 1998 by local businessman and lottery winner Chris Topping.

[7][8] The construction of the original café included a group of thin steel columns which supported canopies on the access areas of the roofs of the shelters.

[8][10] In the refurbishment of the late 1990s, the large black condensed text of Labworth painted around the north side of the first floor was removed and replaced with a collection of metallic signs.