An unfortunate term, (or baited hook for tourists) most often seen when relating to;
- A tea room/restaurant/pub situated in a historic building.
- A tea room/restaurant/pub in the locality of a historic building, but not actually historic itself.
- A tea room/restaurant/pub in a historic town that wants more custom than more honestly named tea rooms/restaurants/pubs. ;o)
(It would appear to be a UK phenomenon, but I could very well be mistaken.)