4.6 / 5FCT recommendation

Prospect of Whitby Wapping

London's oldest riverside tavern, on Wapping Wall since 1520, and a history-soaked warm-up before a West Ham game at the London Stadium.

Plan your matchdayGet directions

57 Wapping Wall, London E1W 3SH

West HamHistoricThames-sideOldest in London

Matchday dispatch

A longer read on what makes this place worth your matchday

Matchday dispatch from Wapping

About the spot

The Prospect of Whitby has been pulling pints on the Wapping waterfront since 1520. Smugglers used the river door. Samuel Pepys drank here. There is a hangman's noose strung over the river at the back as a nod to the Execution Dock just downriver. As pre-match settings go, it is hard to beat anywhere in Europe.

Oldest surviving riverside tavern in London, established 1520. Original flagstone floor and 400-year-old pewter bar. Thames-side beer garden with the famous gallows. Linked to Pepys, Dickens and Turner. Two minutes from Wapping Overground for the line north. Proper cask ale and a full pub kitchen.

Five hundred years of London history in one pint. Then a quick Overground from Wapping straight up to Stratford and the London Stadium.

Pint by the river before the Overground east

First pint at the pewter bar. A look at the gallows replica out the back. Walk down to the river door for the view. Short walk to Wapping Overground for the ride to Stratford.

Heads up: it gets very busy on sunny weekends. The beer garden is small. Aim for early or be patient.

Walk the Wapping High Street river path after the game. The old warehouses lit up at night are extraordinary.

What to order

On the drinks side, a pint of London Pride or cask of the day. A cold lager for the garden. A glass of red by the fire in winter.

From the kitchen, fish and chips. A burger if you need filling up. Sunday roast for early kick-offs.

Who it suits

West Ham fans on a London city trip. History-minded visitors. Couples on a matchday. Groups who want a proper destination pub. Anyone who has read about Wapping and wants to see it.

The verdict

If you are visiting London for a West Ham game, build half a day around the Prospect. There is no better Thames-side warm-up.

Suggested matchday itinerary

A ready-made timeline for your visit

12:00Step 1
Arrive at the Prospect
Pint at the pewter bar, walk through to the river garden.
13:00Step 2
Lunch by the Thames
Fish and chips or a burger with another round.
14:00Step 3
Overground from Wapping
North to Whitechapel or Shadwell, change for Stratford and the London Stadium.
15:00Step 4
Kick-off at the London Stadium
In the Bobby Moore stand with the crowd.