Prospect of Whitby Pub in London

57 Wapping Wall, London E1W 3SH

About This Pub

Ah, the Prospect of Whitby—it's one of those pubs that just feels special, you know? Tucked away in Wapping, this place has been around since 1520, making it the oldest riverside tavern in the country, and that history really shines through in every nook and cranny. I love how it's got this warm, family-friendly atmosphere where you can bring the dog along and enjoy a pint in the beer garden or soak up those gorgeous Thames views from the terrace. The food's a real highlight too; they've got classic British dishes that are freshly made and come with plenty of options for different tastes, all at a moderate price that won't break the bank. The staff are absolute gems, always cheerful and ready to help, which makes even a quick stop feel like a proper treat. On the flip side, it's popular for a reason, so it does get packed, and I've heard from a few folks that waits can pile up, especially at the bar downstairs when everyone's trying to get served at once. Still, if you're after a spot with character and a bit of that old London magic, it's well worth popping in—just maybe aim for a quieter time if you're not up for the hustle. All in all, it's a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to experience a proper historic pub without the pretence.

Pros and Cons

Pros

It's got that incredible historic charm, being one of London's oldest pubs from 1520, which really adds to the atmosphere and makes you feel like you're stepping back in time.
The views over the Thames are absolutely stunning, especially from the terrace—perfect for a relaxing pint while watching the river go by.
The staff are so friendly and welcoming; they go out of their way to make sure everyone feels looked after, even on busy days.
The food is spot on—delicious traditional pub grub with options for vegans, vegetarians, and those avoiding gluten, all freshly cooked and reasonably priced.
It's family-friendly and dog-friendly, with a beer garden and other amenities like WiFi, making it a versatile spot for all sorts of get-togethers.

Cons

It can get really busy, especially on weekends, which means waits for service or a table might drag on a bit.
The bar service downstairs sometimes feels a tad slow when things are hectic, so you might need a bit of patience for that perfect pint.

Contact Information

57 Wapping Wall, London E1W 3SH

+442074811095

Pub

Opens at 11:00

Opening Hours

Monday	11:00 - 23:00
Tuesday (Today)	11:00 - 23:00
Wednesday	11:00 - 23:00
Thursday	11:00 - 23:00
Friday	11:00 - 23:00
Saturday	11:00 - 23:00
Sunday	12:00 - 22:00

Location

Recent Reviews

On a very busy Sunday, Leanne was super friendly in the restaurant and ensured we were seen to despite the very long waits. The food was absolutely delicious, and we were able to personalise the meal. However, The downstairs bar was rather slow and it took a while to be seen to.

Grace Phillips

Stopped by The Prospect of Whitby on Saturday and had a great time. The view over the Thames is stunning — you can watch the river snake past while enjoying a pint. The atmosphere was relaxed, the staff were friendly, and there’s a nice choice of brews on tap. A proper London pub with plenty of character.

Lloyd Dias

The Prospect of Whitby is a charming historic pub with a warm atmosphere and plenty of character. The food is delicious, offering classic British dishes done right. The view of the Thames River from the terrace is beautiful—perfect spot to relax and enjoy a pint.

Mihai Manea

Walked here as my partner always wanted to come here as oldest pub on the Thames. Really busy. Plenty of seating inside and outside. Upstairs area and terrace overlooking the Thames. Old pewter bar. So much history. Staff friendly and welcoming. Reasonably priced. We didn't eat but food looked good. Nice place so much to look at. Would recommend

Sarah Harleyquinn

Stopped by for a pint during the week and really enjoyed the visit. As one of London’s oldest pubs, with a history spanning over 500 years, it’s full of character and charm. The staff were warm and welcoming, and the pint was spot on. A bonus: the historic Execution Dock is located just behind the pub, adding to the unique atmosphere.

Tommy Ny