Join us on a captivating journey as we explore London's oldest pub, the Prospect of Whitby. This iconic establishment, steeped in history, offers breathtaking views of the River Thames and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Experience the unique charm of this hidden gem and indulge in the city's best fish and chips, made from fresh, sustainable ingredients.

In this video, we'll delve into the intriguing past of the Prospect of Whitby, revealing tales of smugglers, sailors, and literary greats who frequented its halls. You'll also get an exclusive look at the pub's cozy interior, complete with wooden beams, maritime artifacts, and a rare pewter-topped bar.

Don't miss this insider's guide to one of London's most treasured landmarks. Subscribe to our channel for more exciting adventures and local insights from a true Londoner's perspective.

The Prospect Of Whitby Pub in London's Wapping is a traditional British pub. Serving great cask ales and freshly cooked traditional pub food. The Prospect of Whitby is London's oldest riverside pub dating back to 1520. The original flagstone floor survives and the pub also has 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. The pub was originally frequented by those involved in life on the river and sea and it was a notorious haunt for smugglers, thieves and pirates.

The tavern was formerly known as The Pelican and later as the Devil’s Tavern, on account of its dubious reputation. All that remains from the building's earliest period is the 400-year-old stone floor, and the pub features eighteenth century panelling and a nineteenth century façade.

The pub has a pewter-top bar, and is decorated with many nautical objects. In former times it was a meeting place for sailors, smugglers, cut-throats and thieves. Sir Hugh Willoughby sailed from here in 1553 in a disastrous attempt to discover the North-East Passage to China.

In the 17th century, it became the hostelry of choice of "Hanging" Judge Jeffreys, scourge of the Monmouth Rebellion. He lived nearby and a replica gallows and noose hangs by the Thameside window, commemorating his custom. He was chased by anti-Royalists into the nearby Town of Ramsgate pub, captured and taken to the Tower for his own safety.

According to John Stow this section of the River Thames 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". Execution Dock was actually by Wapping Old Stairs and generally used for pirates. In the eighteenth century, the first fuchsia plant in the United Kingdom was sold at the pub.

Views from the pub were sketched by both Turner and Whistler. The writers Charles Dickens and Samuel Pepys are known to have had a drink here.

Following a fire in the early 19th century, the tavern was rebuilt and renamed The Prospect of Whitby, after a Tyne collier that used to berth next to the pub. The ship took sea coal from Newcastle upon Tyne to London.

The Prospect was listed as a Grade II listed building in December 1950. The pub underwent a renovation in 1951 to double the interior space. In January 1953, the pub was raided by armed robbers.

The pub has been visited by Princess Margaret and Prince Rainier III of Monaco.
On the opposite side of the road (Wapping Wall) is the Wapping Hydraulic Power Station, later an arts centre and restaurant.

In more recent history the Prospect was a favourite during the 1960's with celebrities and royalty including Kirk Douglas, Paul Newman, Glenn Ford, Rod Steiger, Princess Margaret and Prince Rainier.

The public house features briefly in an episode of Only Fools And Horses. 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. There is also a scene from the 1956 film D-Day the Sixth of June starring Robert Taylor and Richard Todd where Taylor's character is seen with Dana Wynter's character having drinks together during the Second World War in London.

Discover more on Roberts London [ Ссылка ]

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:32 Oldest Pub in London
01:58 Overground Train to Wapping
02:52 Wapping Station
03:22 Walking from Wapping Station to Prospect of Whitby Pub
04:15 The Prospect of Whitby Pub London
04:35 River Thames Views
05:14 Pelican Stairs Wapping
05:29 Gallows of Execution dock London
07:55 The Prospect of Whitby Food Menu
08:53 The best Fish and Chips in London
13:00 The Prospect of Whitby Pub Review
15:19 Toodles

свернуть