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The Prospect of Whitby, at the eastern corner of Wapping Wall, hanging right over the water by Pelican Stairs, is said to be the oldest in London. The sign out front claims "London’s Oldest Pub circa 1520." Once a den of iniquity where drunken sailors were robbed and tossed in the drink, the Prospect of Whitby has come a long way. These days the place is rather more sedate, and the landing stage pretty with benches and weeping willows. Though the present building is probably only 200 years old, an association with brewing and ale selling on that site goes back to medieval times. The immediate forebear of the Prospect was known as the "Devil’s Tavern." The outside of the pub is quite attractive and the inside, with converted ships’ masts acting as columns, is equal in charm. If I am not mistaken, a recent British Airways commercial was filmed here. Nourishing grub is readily always available and the barkeep pours a nice pint of Speckled Hen. Out in the back is mock gallows that stands as a reminder of more exciting times at the Prospect. The walls are adorned with replications of newspaper clippings (some over 300 years old) telling tales of criminals that were nabbed at the pub trying to escape the long arm of the law. The Prospect is an excellent place to wrap up a tour of Wapping—sit next to raging fire and dream of darker London, whilst you down a few beers and munch on some fine English fare (main dishes are about $15 to $25.)