New Palace Yard with figures in the foreground and Westminster Abbey beyond

The present picture depicts the north front of Westminster Hall with its cluster of taverns and coffee houses. To the left of the entrance is the Exchange Coffee House, and to the right Oliver's Coffee House. The Law Courts were held in Westminster Hall until 1874 and the coffee houses and taverns were heavily patronised by lawyers meeting their clients. The roof of Westminster Abbey, with the two west towers designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor in 1734 and completed by John James circa 1745, and the tower of St. Margaret's Westminster, can be seen beyond.