The new building was erected during South Brisbane's heyday and was part of the 1880s boom-time reconstruction of Stanley Street premises.

[1] The hotel, prominently located in central Stanley Street, serviced the commercial heart of South Brisbane.

In 1922, additions were made by contractors Robertson and Corbette, following the designs of George Henry Male Addison and Son.

[1] In 1991-92 a conservation plan for the Plough Inn was prepared by Bruce Buchanan architects, and the interior was fully refurbished.

The front facade has three bays, expressed with rusticated pilasters and parapet decoration comprising pediments either end and a central name plaque.

[1] Whilst little remains of the original hotel internally, the Plough Inn retains its external envelope and overall form.

Plough Inn is significant historically as a rare surviving remnant of the commercial and shipping heart of South Brisbane in the late 19th century.

[1] The place has a special association with the life or work of a particular person, group or organisation of importance in Queensland's history.

The place has a strong association with the work of prominent Brisbane architect Alexander Brown Wilson.