In the seventeenth century it had a reputation as a meeting place for smugglers and villains, and became known as 'Devil's Tavern'.
One customer, this side of the law but no less a devil, was Judge Jeffreys, the Hanging Judge.
When the Monmouth Rebellion (1685) failed to overthrow Catholic King James II, the ringleaders were tried by Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys. He dealt with them in his usual savage way and was more hated than ever.
In 1688 the Glorious Revolution saw James II flee to France. Jeffreys tried to follow but was caught, it is claimed, hiding in a coal cellar at the tavern dressed as a coal-heaver. He was taken to the Tower and executed.
A hangmans noose a reminder of those times.
Old photographs show what the Prospect and its surroundings used to be like. Ramshackle and seedy.
Nowadays the warehouses have been converted into exclusive apartments and the Prospect has moved upmarket too.
The main bar has a flagstone floor. The long bar counter has barrels built into it and an unusual pewter top. There's a wealth of timber beams and matchboarding, upright pillars are sections of ship's mast.
There's a small balcony where you can sit above the river and listen to the rythmic lapping of the water, whilst enjoying the view.
A further bar has a servery and a raised (no-smoking) dining area, with superb river views. Next to this is a pleasant terrace with tables.
Up the creaking stairs is the restaurant. This is divided into several delightful panelled rooms, again enjoying river views. Another terrace, with iron garden furniture, overlooks the river.
Although this pub is quite large it is also very popular so go early if you want to enjoy it fully.
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11.30-15.00 & 17.30-23.00
Sat 11.30-23.00
Sun 12.00-22.30
TEL 020 7481 1095
TUBE Wapping, Shadwell DLR
Restaurant Mon-Fri
12.00-14.00 & 19.00-22.00
Sat 19.00-22.00 (Closed lunch)
Sun 12.00-14.00 (closed even.)
Speckled Hen