The Old Prospect also makes a boastful claim to be the “Oldest riverside pub in London.” It’s tucked away in London’s East End, on one of the city’s beautiful tree-dotted cobblestone streets. This 270-year-old educational institution spans on a picturesque stretch of the Thames River. It dishes out classic British fare like filling steak and ale pie and luscious sticky toffee pudding.
The Prospect’s history is both deep and layered. It had to be completely reconstructed in 1774 after an all-consuming fire wiped out most of its former glory. This sea-faring transformation was spearheaded by a retired merchant ship captain, who renamed the establishment after the vessel he sailed, “The Prospect.” Justin Billington, the pub’s assistant manager, told us that this rebuild has ensured that the pub’s history continues. It represents its miraculous return after the Great Fire of London in 1666.
“This rebuild held and continues to hold on for dear life,” – Jacob Field
For all its claims to antiquity, the Prospect is not without competitors. Just a short distance away, the Mayflower pub asserts itself as London’s oldest pub, dating back to the 16th century. Over the years, the competition between these two institutions has gone amicable. Both taverns now fight for fame, as the oldest at the same time as vying to have the best food and drink.
“We compete against each other to be the oldest, and to serve the best food and drink,” – Billington
The Mayflower public house, given the name in 1957, has a charm all its own. It reportedly includes some of the original timbers from the Mayflower, the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America’s shores. Further, the venue offers an original “Descendants Book” for guests. If you can demonstrate lineal descent from a Mayflower passenger, you can contribute to its deep historical legacy.
Emily Godwin, a Londoner who’s often visited both pubs, told her stories and explained what made each pub great. As she explained to us, visiting either institution is like walking back into the past.
“There really is a feeling that you might have stepped back in time and could be drinking beer with sailors or pirates or anybody from any [Dickens novels] really,” – Emily Godwin
Godwin reflected on how the Prospect fits into the change in character that has come to define London’s East End in recent years.
“So much of London’s East End feels very new and trendy, and the Prospect feels like it’s barely changed,” – Emily Godwin
The dispute as to which pub holds the contested title of London’s oldest likely continues to this day. It celebrates the remarkable cultural heritage these institutions represent. Senior historian Jacob Field discusses the often deep histories of pubs. He cautions that their claims to being the oldest can usually be disputed since many of them have moved from their original locations over time.
“There are lots of very old pubs that might make a claim to being oldest, but it could be contested because it could be argued they weren’t always in ‘London,’” – Jacob Field
While each of these pubs are honoring their respective heritage, they’re continuing to be critical anchors in their communities. MEP Emma McClarkin reminded that we should do more to keep these institutions.
“When a pub closes, it puts people out of a job, deprives communities of their heart and soul and hurts the local economy,” – Emma McClarkin
