The Pavilion Building was put up as a tea pavilion. First set out as part of Captain's George Swinton's 1913 redevelopment scheme, it was intended as the central of three buildings on the north side of a court looking down an axial walk. It is a development of the Italian Renaissance theme introduced by Joass in the Mappin Cafe. Built 1921-22, John James Joass, architect; J Jarvis and Sons Limited, builders. Converted 1989; John S Bonnington Partnership, architects. The ground floor, converted to a gift shop, was originally a tea room. The first floor room, with the roof terrace, was designed for special parties; since the 1960s it has been the Zoo's staff canteen. Its basement is a store.

The Buildings of London Zoo