Silver Cross Tavern, Historic pub in Whitehall, London, United Kingdom
The Silver Cross Tavern is a historic pub in Whitehall, London, set across multiple levels with traditional British interiors throughout. Dark wood furnishings and a wagon-vaulted ceiling in the central bar create the characteristic spaces where visitors can order food and drinks.
The building originated in the 13th century as part of a hermitage, later becoming a tavern known as The Garter from 1674 onward. This long continuity shows how the space has served successive communities across centuries.
The tavern serves traditional British dishes like Steak & Ale Pie and Fish & Chips, with a selection of real ales that reflect local brewing traditions. You can experience authentic pub culture here, where food and drink form a central part of the social experience.
The pub sits near government buildings and Trafalgar Square, making it accessible from central London locations. It opens Thursday through Monday and offers both food service and televised sports.
The building holds a royal license from Charles I that technically makes it the only legal brothel in the United Kingdom, though this purpose is no longer active. This curious historical quirk remains one of the site's most unusual characteristics.
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