Archive · 1 Aug 2025
London Pubs Clash Over Title of City's Oldest Riverside Spot
In London, two pubs are fighting over who's the oldest by the river!
One, The Mayflower, has parts from a ship and lets descendants of the ship's passengers sign a book.
The other, The Prospect of Whitby, has a long bar and a spooky past with hangings.
Both are in old parts of London and attract tourists.
The Prospect says it started in 1520, but The Mayflower has a name and connection from 1957.
However, there isn't a specific group or certification to say who's the true oldest, so it's a friendly rivalry between the pubs.
Two pubs in London, The Mayflower and The Prospect of Whitby, both claim to be the oldest riverside pub.
The Mayflower incorporates timbers from the ship Mayflower and allows descendants of Mayflower passengers to sign its book.
The Prospect of Whitby boasts a long pewter bar and a history linked to hangings at the nearby Execution Dock.
The Prospect claims establishment in 1520, while The Mayflower's name dates back to 1957, although some construction includes older timbers.
There is no official certification for the oldest pub in London; Guinness World Records has not awarded the title due to complexities.
- Who
- The Mayflower and the Prospect of Whitby, two pubs in London.
- What
- Two London pubs, the Mayflower and Prospect of Whitby, are disputing which is the oldest riverside pub.
- When
- The Mayflower's name dates back to 1957, though it has older timbers in the structure, while the Prospect of Whitby claims establishment in 1520.
- Where
- London, specifically along the Thames River in the East End.
- Why
- To attract customers and because of the lack of official certification for the title.
The Mayflower
The Prospect of Whitby
Establishment Date & Claims
The Mayflower
Incorporates original timbers, connection to Mayflower ship
The Prospect of Whitby
Claims establishment in 1520, has a long pewter bar, and a connection to Hanging Judge Jeffreys
- Pubs in question
- The Mayflower and the Prospect of Whitby
- Location
- London's East End, Thames River
- The Mayflower's Claim
- Incorporates original timbers, connection to Mayflower ship
- Prospect of Whitby's Claim
- Claims establishment in 1520, has a long pewter bar, and a connection to Hanging Judge Jeffreys
- Official Certification
- None exists for the oldest pub in London