The Prospect of Whitby is a fantastic old pub, one of the most famous in London. The interior is what you’d expect, full of character with ancient beams and nautical paraphernalia, a stone-flagged floor (a survivor from the original pub) and a rare pewter bar standing on old wooden barrels. The supporting beams look like ships’ masts, which they probably are—it was once common practice to use the seasoned wood from old ships for building. There is a huge old weeping willow tree overhanging the riverside terrace at the rear of the pub. It adds a lot of character, lit up at night or providing welcome shade in hot, sunny weather. It's a Taylor Walker pub, selling an excellent range of cask-conditioned beers.