The Mayflower - Rotherhithe - Pub Reviews

History & Heritage

Nestled on the south bank of the Thames in Rotherhithe, The Mayflower pub is steeped in history and character. Often touted as London’s oldest riverside pub, its very name recalls the ship that carried the Pilgrim Fathers to America in 1620. The pub building was originally a 16th-century riverside inn (later called the Spread Eagle) and it still honours that heritage today. Outside, the cobbled street and old brick façade hint at centuries past, and an outside deck by the river offers stunning views toward Canary Wharf at sunset. In fact, The Guardian once listed The Mayflower among London’s top pubs, praising how every corner is steeped in history.

Historical records show a tavern on this corner as far back as the 1700s (then named the Ship Inn, later the Spread Eagle). After wartime bomb damage, the building was largely rebuilt in 1957, but in a traditional Tudor style using old oak beams and bricks – so the pub still looks and feels genuinely old. Some of the heavy timber in the ceilings may indeed date back centuries, giving the place a lived-in patina. Inside the pub you will find a commemorative plaque listing every Mayflower passenger’s name. As a quirky detail, The Mayflower remains the only place in the UK licensed to sell U.S. postage stamps – a charming relic of its transatlantic past. CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) has even noted the pub’s historic interior as being of special interest, underscoring how thoroughly its heritage is preserved.

Atmosphere & Décor

Inside, The Mayflower’s character is unmistakable. The first-floor dining room (pictured above) is especially atmospheric, with polished oak floors, leaded glass windows looking out over the Thames, and tables set with candles and fresh flowers. The walls are adorned with maritime paintings, ship models and brass instruments, evoking a traditional riverside tavern. In the evening, the warm glow of lantern and candlelight creates a cosy, intimate mood. Upstairs is quiet and romantic, with checked tablecloths and an old wood-burning fire for cold nights.

Downstairs, the ground-floor bar area has a livelier, casual vibe. It is divided into seating bays with dark wood panelling, worn leather settle benches and a long wooden counter. A large brick fireplace warms the room on cooler days. Despite the pub’s age, the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. On sunny days many patrons spill out onto the outside deck and jetty – a truly unique spot to enjoy a pint while watching boats glide by on the Thames. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the downstairs pub area and on the riverside deck (though not in the upstairs dining room). There are no loud arcade machines or blaring music here; instead, the pub’s character comes from the rustic décor and riverside setting. On a quiet night, candles flicker on the tables and maritime ornaments (old anchors, a ship’s wheel, polished portholes) reinforce the nautical theme. Outside, the sounds of passing boats and the Canary Wharf ferry add a charming, ambient backdrop – so much so that even river traffic feels like part of the experience.

Facilities & Entertainment

• Parking: None on site (the street is narrow; visitors usually arrive on foot or by public transport).

• Games & Sports: No dartboard, no pool table and no TVs for live sports – this is a pub for good food, drinks and conversation, not for gaming.

• Dogs: Welcome downstairs and on the outdoor deck (not allowed in the upstairs restaurant).

In short, The Mayflower is very much a traditional pub. The focus here is on hearty food, good ales and the river view, rather than on games or sports. Aside from the fireplace and nautical knick-knacks, there are no gimmicks – which is part of its charm. (On warm days you might spot a passenger ferry or a classic River Thames boat passing by.)

Food & Drink

The menu at The Mayflower features hearty, classic British dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Starters and small plates (around £6–8) highlight simple favourites. For example, the steamed fresh mussels in a creamy white-wine sauce are often praised, and the honey-rosemary baked Camembert (served piping-hot with toasted bread) is a favourite vegetarian option. Seasonal seafood starters – such as smoked salmon pâté or Atlantic scallops – may also appear, depending on the day.

• Starters: A piping-hot baked Camembert with honey and rosemary, steamed mussels in white wine, smoky fishcakes or fresh green salads.

• Mains: The fish option is a delicate pan-fried sea bass fillet (served with baby potatoes and greens). British pub classics dominate the rest: robust pies (steak & ale or chicken & mushroom) and hearty sausage with mash are on offer regularly. On Sundays (and often weekday evenings) the pub runs its traditional roast dinners: choices include beef sirloin, roast chicken, pork belly or lamb, each served with seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and gravy. There’s even a vegetarian wellington or nut roast to cover non-meat diets. The kitchen may also feature daily specials like braised pork belly or a large fish of the day.

• Desserts: Old-fashioned puddings like sticky toffee pudding, apple crumble or bread-and-butter pudding, and cheesecakes or panna cotta, round out the meal (roughly £6–£7 each).

Portion sizes here tend to be generous. A few diners have noted that some dishes could use a touch more seasoning and that the roast potatoes are sometimes less crisp than expected – minor quibbles in a generally solid menu. Overall the cooking is comforting and well-executed; think of well-made pub home-cooking rather than fancy restaurant fare. In short, The Mayflower offers satisfying meals that match its old-world setting.

The drink selection complements the food with a strong focus on beer and ale. The bar offers an excellent draught range: continental lagers and wheat beers (for example German ABK Pilsner or Belgian Leffe Blonde) sit alongside American-style ales (Blue Moon wheat beer) and London-brewed craft lagers (like Brixton Coldharbour). Traditional favourites such as Moretti lager and Guinness stout are usually on tap, and there’s often an Aspall Suffolk cider for those who prefer cider. Expect most pints (lagers, stouts or ciders) to be around £6–£7, with cask-conditioned ales a bit cheaper (typically £5–£6 depending on strength). The cask ales rotate frequently, so beer aficionados can look forward to tasting different British real ales on different visits.

The pub also carries a full wine list and standard spirits. The staff will happily recommend a suitable wine to pair with your meal – indeed, one diner remarked how their waiter “recommended a great wine and was attentive throughout our entire meal.” Simple cocktails and soft drinks are available too, but the main draw remains the beer, ale and cider line-up to complement the classic menu.

Prices & Value

Prices at The Mayflower are considered very reasonable for London. Starters run around £7–8, main courses about £15–£22, and desserts about £6–£7. A pint typically costs £6–£7, and cask ales about £5–£6. Given the generous portions, quality ingredients and attentive service, most guests feel the pub offers good value – hence its own motto of being “happily affordable.” Special deals add extra incentive (see below). All told, you’ll find it hard to beat a cosy riverside pub dinner with a good beer at these prices in London.

Customer Service

Service at The Mayflower is consistently praised as attentive and friendly. Waiters and bar staff know the menu well and often chat with diners about the pub’s history or local sights. Many customers comment that the staff make everyone feel welcome – as one review noted, the waiter “recommended a great wine and was attentive throughout our meal.” Even on busy evenings the team moves briskly, refilling drinks and clearing plates with a smile. Overall, the staff’s friendliness and knowledge add to the pub’s homely charm and help make the experience pleasant.

Events & Special Nights

The pub’s sidewalk chalkboard often advertises its weekly deals. One standout is Pie & a Pint on Wednesdays – for about £18 you get the pie of the week (meat or vegetarian) plus a pint of beer. On Fishy Fridays, the popular deal is two generous portions of fish-and-chips served with two pints for roughly £25. These midweek and Friday specials draw in the locals and give you a fun excuse to pop in when the pub might otherwise be quiet.

Beyond the regular deals, The Mayflower hosts occasional events. In past years there have been pub quizzes, live acoustic music nights and even summer garden parties on the deck. The pub sometimes runs themed or holiday menus (for example a Burns Night supper in January or a special Mother’s Day roast). While it remains fundamentally a dining pub, these events add a bit of extra buzz to the week. For most visitors, however, it’s the food, drink and river view that keep them coming back – the events are just a bonus that makes any week feel a bit special.

Nearby Attractions and Local Area

The Mayflower’s Rotherhithe location makes it a great base for exploring local history. St Mary’s Church is right across the street – a pretty 17th-century church with a large Mayflower memorial plaque and (in the churchyard) Captain Jones’s final resting place. A few minutes’ walk south brings you to the Brunel Museum on Corbetts Lane, housed in the original Thames Tunnel engine house. There you can learn about Marc and Isambard Brunel’s pioneering 1840s project under the river (plus enjoy the little rooftop “Midnight Apothecary” cocktail bar when it’s open).

A few steps from the pub, Rotherhithe’s cobblestone streets and brick terraces evoke London’s past. Landmarks like the old Norwegian Seamen’s Church and the statue of the Navigator hint at the area’s immigrant dockworker heritage. Along the riverside you’ll see converted warehouses and quiet canals. The nearby King’s Stairs Gardens is a small riverside park opposite the pub; from there a foot ferry crosses over to Canary Wharf (a fun short hop across the Thames).

• St Mary’s Church: Historic parish church next door, with Mayflower plaques and memorials.

• Brunel Museum: Thames Tunnel engine house (open Fri–Mon) with exhibits on the 1840s tunnel project.

• King’s Stairs Gardens & Ferry: Little riverside park opposite, with a passenger ferry to Canary Wharf and the Thames Path running by.

• Rotherhithe Village: Quaint village atmosphere, cobbled streets and old houses – a peaceful contrast to central London.

Visitors who enjoy walking can follow the Thames Path: westward it goes under Tower Bridge toward the South Bank or London Bridge, and eastward toward Greenwich. The Rotherhithe and Canada Water stations (Overground and Jubilee Line) are within easy reach, making the pub accessible from central London. In short, The Mayflower sits amid more history and riverside charm than most city pubs – you can easily make a full day of exploring the area around it.

Verdict

In an area of London that still feels like a peaceful village, The Mayflower offers a unique blend of history, character and hospitality. Its dark wood interior and candlelit rooms evoke a classic English tavern, while the riverside deck provides stunning views of the Thames. The menu of hearty British fare – from mussels and baked Camembert to pies and Sunday roasts – is consistently well executed, and the beer and ale selection is excellent. Combined with reasonable prices and knowledgeable, friendly service, the pub is a hit with both locals and tourists. In summary, The Mayflower combines a fascinating past with genuine pub comfort. It isn’t flashy or trendy – quite the opposite – but that makes the experience all the more authentic. For anyone seeking a classic London pub with a view, The Mayflower is truly a Thameside gem.