The Prospect of Whitby, Wapping named London’s best pub

On August 27, Time Well Spent Magazine (TWSM) revealed the 2025 winners of the votes for London’s best hospitality spots.

Amongst these was the Prospect of Whitby in Wapping Wall which took the title of London’s best pub.

TWSM described the boozer as a “gloriously cosy destination”.

The Prospect of Whitby (Image: Greene King) It is owned by Greene King but has been serving customers since 1520, making it reportedly London’s oldest riverside pub and it even has its own beach.

TWSM said: “Its riverside terrace is one of the capital’s premier drinking spots in the summer – featuring amazing views and its famous, dangling noose, a nod to the famous execution dock, which was once around the corner.

“Inside, it’s a warren of creaky wooden floorboards once trodden by everybody from Charles Dickens to Turner, Whistler – who sketched the views – and Princess Margaret.

“It serves traditional pub grub, like its hearty steak and ale pie and is definitely haunted – and who can blame any ghost for wanting to spend eternity haunting this beautiful old pub.”

The riverside view (Image: Greene King) According to TWSM’s website, the winners were decided via tens of thousands of votes over the past six months.

General manager Keith Newby said: “We are over the moon to have been recognised as London’s best pub and it’s a credit to our fantastic team who are dedicated to providing first-class customer experiences, day in and day out. 

“Originally dating back to the 1520s, the Prospect of Whitby is London’s oldest riverside pub, and the property is rich in history.

“The interior has a unique charm with historical relics and decor throughout, and outside we have a beautiful beer garden which is the perfect spot to unwind whilst soaking up the views across the river.

The bar in the Prospect of Whitby (Image: Greene King) “The pub is a real hub for the local community, and visitors come from around the world to experience a taste of London’s past.”

The watering hole has an average Google rating of 4.4 stars with more than 5,400 reviews registered online.

The most recent review, at the time of writing, reads: “Always a great time at the Prospect of Whitby.

Paintings in the Prospect of Whitby (Image: Greene King) “Delicious food and great atmosphere, not to mention the beer garden overlooking the Thames – my pub of choice in this part of London.”

Another punter recently likened the setting to a blockbuster film.

They wrote: “Only had time to quickly stop in this trip for a few photos due to it being such an iconic pub.

“Definitely staying longer next time!

“It’s like being on set of a Pirates of the Caribbean movie – but all completely authentic.”