Inside the battle to be crowned London’s oldest riverside pub

The Mayflower has been a mainstay in London for several centuries - (Associated Press/Joanna Chan)

On a charming cobblestone street tucked away in London’s East End, a pub proudly hangs out a sign that reads “Oldest riverside pub in London.” Across the Thames River, a pub with a different name makes the same bold claim.

The unofficial title of the oldest riverside pub in the city has long been disputed, with both the Mayflower and the Prospect of Whitby laying claim to the title.