London's best traditional riverside pubs

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

The Retox Magazine clan is now preparing for the spring and so we need to locate a few hot spots where we can dine, drink and socialise. As the days get warmer, we’ll start taking our social sessions outdoors and a tranquil view of a river will be a welcomed bonus.

At Retox you are in for a double treat! Not only that you get to enjoy the river view, but you also get to check out the traditional pubs with some of their original features still intact!

London's traditional riverside pubs

The Prospect of Whitby traditional riverside pub, E1

(Tel: 020 7481 1095)

The Prospect of Whitby is London's oldest riverside pub and dates back to the 1500s. In the 17th century it had a reputation as a meeting place for smugglers and villains, and became known as 'Devil's Tavern'. In the 17th century, it became the hostelry of choice of "Hanging" Judge Jeffreys who lived nearby and a noose hangs by a window commemorating his custom. Fire gutted the Devil's Tavern in the early 19th century and it was then rebuilt and renamed the Prospect of Whitby after a ship that was moored nearby. All that remains from the building’s earliest period is the 400 year old stone floor.

The main bar has a flagstone floor, its long bar counter is built on barrels and has a rare pewter top; timber beams and upright pillars appear to be sections of a ship's mast. What grabbed our attention is the outdoor terrace with tables where you can sit above the river and listen to the rhythmic lapping of the water. Venture up the creaking stairs and find the restaurant divided into several delightful panelled rooms, again enjoying river views. Another rooftop terrace, with iron garden furniture, overlooks the river too. Old photographs show what the Prospect and its surroundings used to be like, ramshackle and seedy, but crowded with vessels from around the world. Nowadays the occasional cruiser or barge passes by the warehouses, which have been converted into exclusive apartments.

The Prospect of Whitby was popular with Samuel Pepys and Charles Dickens. The Prospect of Whitby is mentioned in novels and featured in TV programs and films. In other words The Prospect of Whitby is famous, very famous!

The Prospect of Whitby traditional pub also serves a good selection of ales!

The Grapes traditional riverside pub in London E14

(Tel: 020 7987 4396)

The Grapes is another little gem situated in Limehouse by the river Thames. The downstairs room of this riverside pub dates back to 1720 and the pub boasts a long list of literary connections. This little lovely boozer has character and history.

The Grapes is a down to earth intimate traditional pub in London serving honest food, a good range of ales, wines, spirits and cocktails. It offers a great view of River Thames, including the wooden decking area at the back of the pub overlooking the river. This pub is best for a pint with fish n chips or Sunday roast downstairs (turn up early to get your order in!), and it's a dog friendly pub, which means you can take your dogs along and enjoy a peaceful pint!

Getting to The Grapes traditional riverside pub in London can be fun!

Getting to The Grapes can also be really fun! Westferry or Limehouse Dockland Light Railway stations are the nearest and for those from out of town, the DLR trains have no drivers! It can be really fun sitting at the front of the train! You can also take the tube to Canary Wharf Station but the most fun way to get there is by travelling on the River Thames! – Take the Thames Clipper river bus services to Canary Wharf Pier and walk down from the Pier to Narrow Street, where the pub is situated.

The oil painting “Saturday Night at the Grapes” by Alice West in 1949, still hangs in the bar room today.

We’ll be adding another traditional riverside pub shortly. Tune in to this page on a regular basis to check out the Retox Magazine’s selection of traditional riverside pubs in London!