In the bad old days when Britain had draconian licencing laws, this pub used to open early for breakfast, before 7 a.m., for the blood-spattered workers from the nearby Smithfield (meat) Market. This special licence to serve them at this ungodly hour was just one of two in the area. It still opens early, but licencing laws allow much more flexible hours nowadays. There was a major restoration, with the intention throughout the development being to ensure that the pub retained its original character. Throughout the interior there is an abundance of rich mahogany and the bar and the etched glasswork on the doors have been restored to their former glory.