It has been argued to be the only theoretically legal (albeit non-operating) brothel in the country, on the grounds that a 17th-century royal licence on the building was never revoked.

[4] Because of its location near British government buildings and Trafalgar Square, the pub is frequented by members of the Civil Service and tourists.

[2] In 1999, the BBC claimed that the Silver Cross Tavern was the only legal brothel in the United Kingdom, although not currently in operation as such, on the basis that a royal licence granted by Charles I was never revoked.

[1] A building on the site that was part of St Katherine's Hermitage was initially constructed in the thirteenth century with lead-lined walls.

[6] Shortly after opening, the pub had a plaster ceiling installed in the bar area when King Charles I lived in Whitehall.