Pubs in London Compete for the Title of the Oldest Riverside Pub

• Two pubs are vying for the title of the oldest riverside pub in London.
• The "Mayflower" is named after the ship that set sail in 1620.
• The competition between the pubs is described as a friendly supermatch.

On a quiet, bricked-up street in London’s Southwark stands a pub that proudly claims to be "the oldest riverside pub in London." Across the Thames, another pub with similar pretensions is located on the opposite bank.

This unofficial title of the oldest riverside pub in the city has long been contested, with two pubs – "Mayflower" and "Prospect of Whitby" – vying for this status.

The pubs are situated on the Thames, far from tourist routes, and promote traditional British dishes, from meat pie to linden pudding.

"Mayflower" received its name in honor of the ship "Pilgrim" which made the journey to America from this location in 1620. Although the name was officially recorded only in 1957, the structure of the pub, with its beams, contains parts of the original wooden construction of the ship.

Today, the pub’s visitors, who can trace their lineage back to the passengers of the "Mayflower," may sign the "Book of Descendants."

Every evening, tourists stop at black taxis outside the doors of both pubs, leaving the modern skyline of London behind and stepping into the history of Southwark, which is reflected by its ancient buildings.

In both establishments, visitors encounter interiors where ancient paintings on dark panelled walls and other historical monuments create a feeling that they have returned to a different time.

"You feel as if you’ve stepped back in time and might ask for a drink from sailors or pirates," noted Emily Godwin, a Londoner who visited both pubs.

"Prospect" has the oldest ale bar in Britain, where, according to sources, it has been serving since "Suddy Jeffries." The pub is known for its association with rogues and contrabandists.

British pubs have always been the center of social life, but in the last five years, the industry has faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing costs. According to estimates, this year in England, Wales, and Scotland, nearly 378 establishments are expected to close.

With a history that attracts visitors, both pubs continue to compete for popularity among tourists.

"Prospect" claims to have been founded in 1520, and its original floor was replaced in 1666. The pub director noted that some people believe the pub was completely restored in 1774 after a fire, but he believes it has been operating uninterrupted.

However, between the pubs, there is no clear winner, and their competition is described as "a friendly supermatch." "We compete to be the oldest and serve the best food and drink," he said.

There is no official verification that either pub can claim the title of the oldest in London, as none of them have received certification, such as, for example, "Porteous House" in England.

Historian Jacob Field noted that many pubs have changed names, making it difficult to determine which of them is truly the oldest.

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