The interior of an historic Oriental-style burial chamber could soon be dusted down and seen by thousands.

The Sassoon Mausoleum in Paston Place, Kemp Town, was built in 1892 to mimic the style of the Royal Pavilion and now forms part of a pub.

It was a mausoleum for Sir Albert Sassoon, a friend of King Edward VII, who lived in Eastern Terrace. Both he and his son Edward were buried there.

His grandson Sir Philip Sassoon sold it in 1933 and it became an air raid shelter in the Second World War.

It was later incorporated into the Hanbury Arms pub as a function room. Some of the details were painted over and a false ceiling was installed.

Owner Zelgrain now wants to restore the building and Brighton and Hove councillors are being recommended to make a grant of £24,000 towards the work.

The cash could come from the Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme, which covers the St James's Street and St George's Road area.

Environment director Alan McCarthy said the false ceiling concealed an onion dome structure with decorative glazing and a painted ceiling.

He said: "These proposals will fully restore this unique feature, including the restoration of the internal decoration by a specialist recommended by the paintings conservator at Brighton Museum."

Robert Hall, Zelgrain product manager, said: "We are trying to be a bit different. It is a fantastic, unique building in Brighton. We want to restore it and hold speciality nights there."