Prospect of Whitby, London: oldest Riverside Pub on The Thames

The Prospect of Whitby is a Grade II listed gem and one of London’s oldest pubs.

In fact, the iconic pub is also thought to be the oldest riverside pub on the River Thames.

There has been a pub on this site since the time of Henry VIII, and the first pub was probably built in 1520.

You can still walk across the original 400-year-old flagged stone floor in the building (pictured below).

The pub also features a rare pewter-topped bar as well as old barrels and ships masts built into the structure.

Most areas of the pub have spectacular views over the River Thames, including the beer garden and first floor balcony and terrace.

In former times it was a meeting place for sailors, smugglers, cut-throats and footpads.

Sir Hugh Willoughby, an early Arctic voyager, sailed from here in 1553 in a disastrous attempt to discover the North-East Passage to China.

Other notable customers include Charles Dickens, Samuel Pepys, Judge Jeffries and artists Whistler and Turner.

According to historian John Stow, it was "the usual place for hanging of pirates and sea-rovers, at the low-water mark, and there to remain till three tides had overflowed them".

The most famous death here was probably that of the infamous pirate, Captain Kidd, who was hanged at the dock in 1701.

It is thought that Judge Jeffreys used to watch hangings from the comfort of the pub’s balcony…

The many small boats coming in and out of the banks made this place an ideal location for criminals to steal from ships, many of whom used the pub as a base.

The tavern was formerly known as The Pelican and later as the Devil’s Tavern, on account of its dubious reputation.

In the early 18th century, the pub got its current name for the first time when it was rebuilt after a fire that burned down the original building.

It is thought that the landlord at the time named the pub after a collier that used to moor on the bank outside on a regular basis.

The collier was registered out of the northern shipping port, Whitby, and was called “The Prospect”.

In December 1950, the pub was registered as a Grade II listed building - making it of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve it.

Listed buildings are considered nationally important and therefore have extra legal protection within the planning system.

If you are a fan of Only Fools And Horses, you might recognise the interior, the pub briefly featured in an episode!

When Uncle Albert goes missing in one episode, Del Boy and Rodney travel around London looking for him.

Nicholas Lyndhurst is shown in one scene walking out of the pub.

Apparently, The Prospect is also known for its haunted history too, in fact, the pub offer ghost tours and other events that will give you a spine-chilling experience.

Here are some of the most common ghost sightings at the pub:

• The ghost of Mary Frith has been seen walking through the pub, dressed in her trademark flamboyant clothing.
  

• The ghost of Judge John Jeffreys has been seen sitting at a table in the pub, drinking a glass of wine.
  

• The ghost of a young woman has been seen crying in the ladies’ restroom.
  

• The ghost of a man has been seen hanging from the gallows outside the pub.

If you’re looking for a spooky experience, the Prospect of Whitby is the place to go!

Today, The Prospect Of Whitby is a traditional British pub in Wapping serving great cask ales and freshly cooked traditional pub food.

Vegan, vegetarian and non-gluten options are also available.

If you visit, you will see a noose hanging outside the pub.

Some say that this was placed to commemorate Judge Jeffreys, a notorious judge in the 17th century who sentenced many river criminals to death.

His nickname was “The Hanging Judge” as he showed little mercy to criminals.

The reviews are very positive on TripAdvisor! A recent customer said: "I went there for the view and famous history of the place. I didn't know much about what to expect to be honest.

"I expect the usual British pub. But just wow... It's so cosy. It makes you feel comfortable as soon as you enter the space.

"The dining area is absolutely lovely with an amazing view on the river - it kind of feels like you are in an old boat."

The pub is open everyday, but check their website for opening hours as they may vary.

There's a lovely beer garden and it's also dog friendly!

If you'd like to visit this pub for yourself, the address is 57 Wapping Wall, London E1W 3SH.

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