The Royal Arcade is a distinguished example of the up-market shopping centres which flourished in the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. The single frieze of faience above each bay varies between peacocks in foliage and stylized flowers. There is a central crossing, decorated with elegant ladies in fashionable coats and hats holding up large red circular forms on two sides and by red circular forms framed by flowers on the others. The art nouveau façade to the east, seen from the Back of the Inns, rises to a white stone curved pediment framing a stained-glass window (intended to be seen from inside) with stylised trees and birds flying among the branches leading up to rich foliage suggestive of flowers. A female herm crowns the entrance, her white moulding set against blue faience tiles.