The Prospect of Whitby
About The Prospect of Whitby
Dating from 1520, the oldest riverside tavern in London. Once a haunt of smugglers and thieves, now offering a historic pewter bar and Thames-side views.
History & Heritage
Founded around 1520 in the reign of Henry VIII, The Prospect of Whitby claims to be the oldest riverside tavern in London. For much of its early life it was known as the Devil's Tavern, owing to its unsavoury reputation as a meeting place for smugglers, river pirates, and thieves who used the Thames-side location to move contraband.
The pub was renamed after a Whitby-registered collier ship, the Prospect, that regularly moored alongside. Notorious 'Hanging Judge' Jeffreys is said to have watched executions at nearby Execution Dock from the tavern, and over the centuries it has drawn the likes of diarist Samuel Pepys, artist J. M. W. Turner, and Charles Dickens.
What to Expect
The pub retains a remarkable 400-year-old flagstone floor and a long pewter-topped bar, while the rear terrace and balcony offer sweeping views over the Thames. A noose hangs by the waterside as a grim reminder of the area's history. Expect well-kept real ales, traditional pub food, and an atmosphere thick with maritime history.
Known For
Features & Facilities
- Riverside terrace
- Real ales
- Historic interior
- Food served
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is The Prospect of Whitby the oldest riverside pub in London?
- Yes, dating from around 1520, it is widely regarded as the oldest riverside tavern in London.
- Why was it called the Devil's Tavern?
- In its early years the pub was a notorious haunt for smugglers, pirates, and thieves, earning it the nickname the Devil's Tavern before it was renamed after a collier ship.
- Does The Prospect of Whitby have Thames views?
- Yes, its riverside terrace and balcony offer excellent views over the River Thames.
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