There has been a pub of this name on all or part of this site since at least the 1670s. The present pub was rebuilt in 1900 for the licensed victualler who had occupied the previous building, and was designed by PE Pilditch. This Grade II listed building is described by the Survey of London as "a fairly restrained example of neo-Jacobean public-house architecture". The Covent Garden Area Trust is more effusive: "The smart red and gold fascia signs, the high quality engraved and gilt glass window signs and the hanging bracket sign are all models of traditional pub signs and could not be bettered". It was bought by McMullen in 1927 for the sum of £7525, and some of the tile-work on the floor dates from that period.

It is now a large and generally busy establishment in the heart of Covent Garden. The customer area forms three sides of an oblong around the bar, which has three handpumps. The wide food menu includes brunch, sandwiches, pub favourites and Sunday roasts. Note at weekends that alcohol may not be sold until 10am under the terms of the licence.