The Silver Cross Taven pub on Whitehall in London, England, was first opened as a licensed pub in 1674 as “The Garter” after having been a licensed brothel beforehand.It was initially owned by William Waad, son of politician Sir William Waad, who sold it to Joseph Craig in its first licensed year. Craig had also bought a number of building near the Silver Cross Taven. The pub was subsequently acquired by the Earls of Harrington. In 1861, it was leased from the Earl of Harrington by Earl of St Vincent,  being referred to as the Silver Cross. In the 20^th century the pub was owned by TJ Bernard who sold it to Taylor Walker Pubs. The pub is frequented by members of the civil service and tourists.

A claim made by a 1999 BBC documentary, By Trafalgar Square you will find what is supposedly the UK’s only legal brothel, Silver Cross pub on Whitehall. ” The Garter”, prior to this it had been a brothel with a royal license from Charles I. This license was never revoked meaning it could be considered the only legal (although not operating) brothel in the country.