Key Points
- The Prospect of Whitby, a historic riverside pub in Wapping, London, has been named the best pub in London.
- The pub’s origins date back to 1520, making it one of the oldest riverside taverns in London.
- It has a rich history of maritime and pirate associations, once known as The Pelican and later The Devil’s Tavern.
- The pub features a 400-year-old stone floor, a long pewter-topped bar, and maritime-themed interior decorations.
- Notable historical visitors include Princess Margaret, Charles Dickens, Samuel Pepys, and King Henry VIII.
- The pub’s name is derived from an 18th-century collier ship, the Prospect of Whitby, which anchored nearby.
- The pub is located near Execution Dock, notorious for executions of pirates and smugglers.
- The Prospect of Whitby is operated by Greene King and remains a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
- It has maintained traditional British charm while offering modern amenities such as vegan and vegetarian options, outdoor seating, and private dining.
- The pub experienced a notable armed robbery in 1953 but remains a culturally significant landmark.
- It has won numerous accolades including the prestigious London’s Best Pub award in 2025.
What Is The Historical Significance of The Prospect of Whitby?
The Prospect of Whitby is acknowledged as one of London’s oldest riverside pubs, with its history stretching back to approximately 1520. Originally known as The Pelican, it was later infamously dubbed The Devil’s Tavern due to its reputation among sailors, smugglers, and pirates who frequented the establishment. The pub stands on the site of an old brewery, with only a 400-year-old stone floor remaining from its earliest days, showcasing its long-standing presence in London’s East End.
Significantly, the pub is situated close to Execution Dock, where pirates and sea rovers were traditionally hanged, a dark chapter reflected in the noose and gallows replica prominently displayed outside. According to historical sources, including accounts summarized by Wikipedia, the pub 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.” This grim legacy is a poignant reminder of the pub’s maritime past.
The pub was rebuilt in the early 19th century after a fire and was renamed after the ship Prospect of Whitby, a Tyne collier that regularly moored nearby, delivering sea coal from Newcastle upon Tyne. Its walls are adorned with nautical memorabilia, including a replica of the ship hanging from the ceiling, as well as period panelling and historic artefacts that enchant visitors with stories of London’s riverine life.
Why Has The Prospect of Whitby Been Named London’s Best Pub?
The Prospect of Whitby’s recognition as London’s best pub in 2025 echoes its unique blend of deep-rooted history, ambiance, and customer appeal. According to a report by the East London Advertiser, the pub’s longstanding heritage combined with its atmospheric setting overlooking the River Thames places it at the forefront of London’s pub scene. Its blend of traditional charm and modern facilities has won the hearts of both tourists and Londoners alike.
While the pub offers a range of British pub staples, including cask ales, its appeal goes beyond just food and drink. The pub’s historical significance, combined with its location and venues such as a terrace with expansive river views, creates an unmatched experience recognised by awards and patron reviews. It remains operated by Greene King, a respected name in UK pub management, ensuring consistent quality and service standards.
The pub also honours its diverse clientele with options for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free diets, thus widening its appeal. Its private dining rooms and sports zones cater to different customer needs, enhancing its versatility as a social hub in Wapping.
Who Are Some Notable Figures Associated With The Prospect of Whitby?
Over its nearly 500 years, The Prospect of Whitby has hosted an array of notable visitors. Royalty such as Princess Margaret and Prince Rainier III of Monaco have been known to frequent the pub. Literary and artistic figures including Charles Dickens, Samuel Pepys, and artists J.M.W. Turner and Whistler were also patrons, adding to its cultural cachet. Local lore even suggests that King Henry VIII may have stopped by during his visits to nearby St John’s Hospital.
This illustrious clientele points to the pub not only as a place of leisure but also as a living monument bearing witness to London’s evolving history and social life across centuries.
What Is The Pub’s Atmosphere and Visitor Experience?
Visitors today often praise The Prospect of Whitby for its traditional British pub atmosphere enriched with historical décor, including nautical artefacts and a pewter-topped bar, which is said to be one of the longest of its kind in London. The ambiance reflects a time-capsule of London’s maritime past.
Despite the pub’s popularity, there have been mixed reviews about its food quality and service. Tripadvisor reviews indicate that while many appreciate the authentic setting and river views, some diners have found the food average or the service overwhelmed during busy times. Nevertheless, the staff’s friendliness and professionalism are widely commended, contributing to visitor satisfaction.
The pub’s outdoor terrace boasts coveted waterside views over the Thames, making it a favoured spot on warm days. Its location in historic Wapping makes it a focal point for those interested in maritime history or seeking an authentic London tavern experience.
How Has The Pub Evolved Over Time?
The Prospect of Whitby has undergone various transformations throughout its history. Originally functioning as a brewery and later a notorious tavern, it survived a major fire in the early 19th century which led to its rebuilding and renaming. In the 20th century, it was renovated and enlarged in the 1950s, doubling its interior space to accommodate growing patronage.
Notably, the pub was the scene of a dramatic armed robbery in 1953, when four armed men forced staff and customers to the floor and seized valuables and cash. Unlike the brutal historical punishments nearby, the robbers were ultimately sentenced to prison rather than death.
Today, the pub combines its heritage with modern pub culture, supported by Greene King’s stewardship, balancing preservation with functionality to serve an increasingly diverse and demanding clientele.
What Makes The Prospect of Whitby a London Landmark?
Its claim as London’s oldest riverside tavern, dramatic ties to piracy and execution history, and connections with notable historical figures place The Prospect of Whitby in a unique category. It is not just a pub but a living relic that encapsulates centuries of maritime London’s social fabric.
The pub’s physical attributes such as the 400-year-old flagstone floor, the extensive pewter-topped bar, and features like the hanging noose convey stories that go beyond mere hospitality, making it a site of interest for tourists, historians, and locals alike.
