Menupedia is an independent reference. Not affiliated with any restaurant listed. Menu data reviewed May 2026 — confirm with the official source before ordering.
Historic Pub · British

Prospect of Whitby Menu 2026: Full Pub Food & Drinks Guide

The Prospect of Whitby has stood on the bank of the Thames at Wapping Wall since 1520, making it London's oldest riverside pub. Today operated by Greene King, it serves freshly cooked British pub classics — hand-battered fish and chips, steak and ale pie, and a celebrated Sunday roast — alongside a well-kept range of cask ales, in a space still featuring the original flagstone floors and a rare pewter-topped bar.

Est. 1520Thames riverside viewsCask ales & Sunday roastBeer garden & balcony
Sample · ££

Signature items

Hand-Battered Fish & Chips
Steak & Ale Pie
Sunday Roast
Greene King IPA
Quick answers

What to order — at a glance

Signature dish
Hand-Battered Fish & Chips

Atlantic cod with crushed peas, tartare sauce & triple-cooked chips

Most popular main
Steak & Ale Pie

Served with chunky chips or mash

Sunday special
Sunday Roast — Sirloin Beef

With roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese & cabbage

Vegan option
Pulled Mushroom Chilli
Full menu with prices

Prospect of Whitby full menu and current prices

Prices are not listed on the official website. Visit greeneking.co.uk or call the pub on +44 20 7481 1095 to confirm current prices before visiting.
Price comparison

How the Prospect of Whitby compares to other London riverside pubs

Approximate price ranges for classic pub dishes at comparable London riverside and historic pubs.

DishProspect of WhitbyAnchor BanksideThe George (London Bridge)Fox & Hound
Fish & Chipsn/a — verify~£16–18~£15–17~£13–15
Steak & Ale Pien/a — verify~£15–17~£14–16~£12–14
Sunday Roastn/a — verify~£18–22~£17–20~£14–16
Burger & Chipsn/a — verify~£14–16~£13–15~£12–14
Pint of Cask Alen/a — verify~£5.50–6.50~£5.00–6.00~£4.50–5.50
About

About Prospect of Whitby

The Prospect of Whitby takes its name from a coal vessel, the Prospect, that sailed from the port of Whitby in Yorkshire and was a regular at the Wapping moorings in the sixteenth century. The tavern it docked beside is believed to have been founded in 1520, making it the oldest riverside pub in London by some margin. The original building burned down and was rebuilt several times over the centuries, but the bones of the place — flagstone floors worn smooth by four hundred years of drinkers, a rare pewter-topped bar, and the same broad bend in the Thames it has always overlooked — give it a texture that no modern refurbishment has managed to erase.

The pub has attracted a remarkable cast of visitors across its five centuries. Samuel Pepys is said to have drunk here; the painter J. M. W. Turner is reputed to have used the upstairs balcony to sketch the river; and the infamous Judge Jeffreys, whose hanging sentences sent pirates to the gallows at nearby Execution Dock, was a known regular. The pewter bar itself is said to date from the reign of Charles II. Today the pub is operated by Greene King and draws a mix of local Wapping residents, Thames-side walkers and tourists drawn by its history and the panoramic river views from its first-floor balcony, riverside terrace and beer garden.

The kitchen serves the kind of properly cooked British pub food the building deserves: hand-battered Atlantic cod, slow-cooked steak and ale pie, a celebrated Sunday roast and a rotating cast of seasonal specials. The bar carries Greene King's cask ales alongside guest beers, wine and cocktails. The pub is family friendly, dog welcoming, and wheelchair accessible, with free Wi-Fi throughout — amenities that sit quietly alongside the flagstones and pewter without diminishing either.

1520year founded
500+years as London's oldest riverside pub
££price range

Ready to visit the Prospect of Whitby?

Book a table, check current food service hours and confirm today's prices on the official Greene King website.

Book a table at Prospect of Whitby
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Prospect of Whitby?

The Prospect of Whitby is located at 57 Wapping Wall, London E1W 3SH, on the north bank of the River Thames in the Wapping neighbourhood of East London. The nearest Tube station is Wapping on the London Overground East London line, approximately a 5-minute walk away.

How old is the Prospect of Whitby?

The Prospect of Whitby is widely recognised as London's oldest riverside pub, with records of a tavern on the site dating to 1520. The pub takes its name from a coal vessel called The Prospect that sailed from Whitby, Yorkshire, and was a regular at the Wapping moorings in the sixteenth century.

Does the Prospect of Whitby serve food every day?

Yes. The Prospect of Whitby serves freshly cooked pub food throughout the week. A Sunday roast is available every Sunday. It is advisable to check current food service hours directly with the pub, as times can vary seasonally. You can view the latest hours on the Greene King website or call +44 20 7481 1095.

What is on the menu at the Prospect of Whitby?

The menu features classic British pub dishes including hand-battered fish and chips, steak and ale pie, 28-day aged sirloin steak, a pulled mushroom chilli (vegan), and a Sunday roast. Starters include salt and pepper squid, ham croquettes, nachos and soup of the day. Desserts include sticky toffee pudding. The pub also has a children's menu.

Does the Prospect of Whitby have vegetarian and vegan options?

Yes. The menu includes vegetarian and vegan dishes. Confirmed vegan options include the pulled mushroom chilli. Vegetarian dishes include the house salad with halloumi, the soup of the day and the vegetarian Sunday roast. Gluten-free options are also available — ask staff for the dedicated gluten-free menu.

What beers and ales does the Prospect of Whitby serve?

The pub is operated by Greene King and serves a range of cask ales including Greene King IPA, Flint Eye and Prior Life. Draught lagers, wine by the glass and bottle, cocktails and soft drinks are also available. The ever-changing cask ale selection is a highlight for real ale enthusiasts.

Does the Prospect of Whitby have outdoor seating?

Yes. The pub has a riverside beer garden, a first-floor balcony and an external terrace, all offering views over the River Thames. The outdoor areas are a significant draw in warmer months and provide some of the most dramatic riverside scenery of any pub in London.

Is the Prospect of Whitby family and dog friendly?

Yes. The Prospect of Whitby is described as family friendly and dog welcoming. A children's menu is available. The venue is also wheelchair accessible. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the pub.

How do I book a table at the Prospect of Whitby?

Tables can be booked through the Greene King website at greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/prospect-of-whitby, or by calling the pub directly on +44 20 7481 1095. Booking is recommended, particularly for Sunday lunch and weekend evenings, as the pub is popular with locals and visitors alike.