Why The Prospect of Whitby Is Worth Seeking Out
You may have come looking for The Prospect of Whitby because it appears on lists of London’s oldest riverside pubs, or because of its long association with smugglers, sailors and river pirates. Tucked along Wapping Wall, well away from central London’s usual sightseeing routes, this is a pub that will require a bit of an adventure.
Once you arrive, you’ll find a wonderfully atmospheric old pub filled with maritime history. But don’t stop at the bar. Between the wooden balcony overlooking the Thames, the replica gallows and Pelican Stairs leading down to the foreshore, some of the most interesting things are waiting outside.
Know Before You Go
Crowd Expectations — The Prospect of Whitby is particularly popular on weekends and sunny afternoons, when riverside seating is in high demand. Mid-afternoon on weekdays is generally quieter.
Food & Dining — Expect traditional British pub classics, including fish and chips, savory pies and Sunday roasts. Sunday lunch is particularly popular, so booking ahead is recommended.
Reservations — You can book a table in the indoor dining areas if you’re planning a meal. The outdoor riverside terrace tables are walk-in only and first come, first served. Balcony seating cannot be guaranteed.
Visiting with Children — The pub’s licensing restrictions do not permit children on the premises after 8 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.
Accessibility — The ground-floor pub and riverside terrace have step-free access, although some surfaces may be uneven. The upstairs dining rooms and balcony are reached by stairs, which may make visiting difficult for people with limited mobility.
Where to Settle In at The Prospect of Whitby?
Downstairs, The Historic Pub Bar — Step inside to find worn flagstone floors, dark timber, and cozy corners surrounding the famous pewter-topped bar. It’s the place to settle in if you’ve come for the pub’s historic atmosphere.
Outside, The Riverside Terrace — On a sunny day, head toward the back of the pub, where outdoor tables offer views directly across the Thames.
Upstairs, The Dining Rooms and Balcony — Head upstairs for a quieter place to enjoy a meal, with elevated river views and access to a small wooden balcony overlooking the Thames.
What’s the Pint Pick?
Order a pint of Abbot Ale if it’s available. This rich, malty Greene King bitter suits the Prospect’s historic riverside setting.
Order your pint or half-pint at the bar and pay when you order. If the card machine prompts you for a tip, you can press skip. Digital prompts are increasingly common these days, but tipping is still not customary when buying drinks at a London pub bar counter.
The Prospect of Whitby’s Notorious Past: Pirates, Smugglers and the Devil’s Tavern
Long before Wapping became a quiet riverside neighborhood, this stretch of the Thames was crowded with sailors, dock workers, and cargo ships. The pub was once known as the Devil’s Tavern, a name that suited its rough waterfront reputation.
Its current name reportedly came from the Prospect of Whitby, a coal-carrying ship that regularly berthed nearby.
But the pub’s most notorious piece of maritime history is waiting outside.
The Gallows, Captain Kidd and Pelican Stairs
Once you’re outside overlooking the Thames, look toward the foreshore for one of the Prospect’s more theatrical details: a replica gallows and noose hanging over the riverbank.
They’re a reminder of nearby Execution Dock, where pirates and other maritime criminals were once executed.
Captain Kidd really was executed at Execution Dock in 1701, but not directly behind this pub. The historic execution site was farther west along Wapping.
Near the pub, look for Pelican Stairs leading down toward the Thames. At low tide, the river pulls back to reveal a surprisingly broad stretch of muddy foreshore.
You might spot someone searching the mud for old clay pipes, pottery fragments or other objects left behind by centuries of London river traffic. They’re mudlarking—a modern hobby with roots in the desperate scavenging once carried out along the Thames.
Read more: Mudlarking on the Thames
Address: 57 Wapping Wall, London E1W 3SH
Nearest Station: Wapping (Overground)
Website: The Prospect of Whitby
Keep Exploring London
London’s Historic Riverside Pubs: 8 Thames Pubs Worth Seeking Out
London’s Haunted Pubs & Dark Histories: 6 Historic Pubs Worth Seeking Out
The Historic Wapping Pub Crawl: 3 Riverside Pubs, Pirates & Execution Dock