To be honest the current White Hart is better than the previous façade which had a mix of shops underneath (I used to work nearby). Even then it looked nothing

To be honest the current White Hart is better than the previous façade which had a mix of shops underneath (I used to work nearby). Even then it looked nothing like this view from 1827 https://collage.cityoflondon.gov.uk/view-item?i=1311 https://collage.cityoflondon.gov.uk/view-item?i=1311 so it's always been an issue. In this particular area of London I'd rather they knocked down the façade than try to keep it, unless it has particular merit (although there are less listed buildings (600) than I would have thought in the City).