In Drury Lane there is a house which has been celebrated for more than a century. It was a "cook-shop" in Jack Sheppard’s time. This notorious criminal often dined there, and it is now still frequented by hungry convicts or ticket-of-leave men, who find kindly welcome and may, If they choose, receive wholesome advice from the owner of this strange establishment.

From 'Street Life in London' 1877 by John Thomson and Adolphe Smith