The gentleman on the sign outside is the Marquess of Salisbury, a Conservative Prime Minister at the end of the Victorian era, whose family owned the premises. Originally built as a restaurant in the late nineteenth century, a few years later during the great Victorian pub-building boom the Salisbury underwent a lavish and costly transformation into the glittering gin palace we see today. The interior has an ornate etched glass and mahogany interior, claimed to be one of the most impressive in London, with its etched mirrors, Art Nouveau decorations including sunflower lights and bronze figurines, and its leather banquette seating. The pub has also won Beautiful Beer Platinum awards for its exceptional-quality beer.