The Prospect of Whitby is the oldest riverside pub in London, dating back to 1520. Boats heading for the London Docks would moor in mid-river and be attacked by river pirates and thieves. This pub was their meeting place. The pub gets it's name from a boat called The Prospect which sailed out of Whitby, Yorkshire and was often seen moored there. It was whilst sitting in the beer garden that I suddenly realised with a slight lean I could see my reflection in the highly polished door plate.