It was established by First World War veteran Sydney "Syd" Tothill in a specially built carriage and occupied the same site throughout its life.

The carriage eventually received connections to the electricity, gas and water mains and, being unable to move, had kerbs erected around it when the road was resurfaced.

[3][2] The completed vehicle, in mahogany with etched-glass windows and brass fittings, was set up as a coffee stall on Calvert Avenue, near to the corner with Shoreditch High Street.

[4] The stall initially sold Camp Coffee, tea, cocoa and Bovex ("a poor man's Bovril") and snacks.

[4] During the Second World War Syd's coffee stall received a special licence to remain open during the hours of the blackout to provide refreshment to Air Raid Precaution wardens and emergency service personnel.

[4][1] During The Blitz a bomb fell on Calvert Avenue; the stall was protected from the blast by two London buses which had parked nearby but Syd Tothill's wife, May, was wounded by shrapnel.

[4][1] After the stall celebrated its 100th anniversary Jane Tothill announced that falling trade had forced its closure and it closed for the final time on 20 December 2019.