When Trader Horn or at least the man on whom the book was based came to the Cape many years ago, he got into a Hansom Cab and asked to be taken to The Queens Hotel.  He had recently come into money after a lifetime of struggle and had been advised that the Queens was the best hotel in Cape Town. Arguably it was, being on the seaside in a corner of Sea Point sheltered from the wind atruly delightful spot and with amenities and service of the best.

But the driver looking at this rough-hewn seaman in shabby clothes took hime to the other Queens Hotel, a tough working man's pub not far from the dock gates.  After a two week stay at the pub, Trader Horn left, fully satisfied, and proclaiming it was the best hotel he had ever seen, or so Lawrence Green says.