The Mayflower, Rotherhithe, SE16

Randomness Guide to London - Mayflower entry

Randomness Guide to London - Mayflower entry

One of the most historic pubs in London situtaed on the site where the Mayflower reputedly set sail for America in 1620. The pub has changed both name and appearance several times over the years, most recently in the 50's when it was substantially rebuilt having been derelict after the Luftwaffe popped in the previous decade. Situated right on the banks of the river in a quiet back street opposite the Brunel Engine Museum, the hanging baskets and warm glow from the windows are very enticing. The inside is quite small with the usual array of panelling, beams and a brick fireplace that you would expect of an old pub. Every available space is used as best as possible but table sharing is a probability when busy and with some tables squeezed into impossible angles it's a good way to get talking to people. There is quite an extensive if somewhat upmarket menu (see the boards dotted around the pub on the walls) but I have not eaten here so cannot comment on whether the prices are justified. The food certainly smelt delicious as we walked in. There were a couple of beers on hand pump among the usual selection of lagers, ciders and bottles. The staff were helpful enough (we quizzed them on an unrecognised beer visible in the fridge). The small pier at the back offers some good views of the river and is ideal to idle time watching the boats go by. There appeared to be a good mix of people when we were there. Didn't see any TV or games machines so the emphasis is on conversation. All in all, one of my favourite London pubs although I don't get there too often.

This is a Greene King pub, and when I was in there on Monday lunchtime only the usual suspects were on. There used to be a pub called The Ship on this site, and more recently it was call The Spread Eagle until the 60s. To my mind this is a very attractive pub. It’s tucked away down a backstreet behind Rotherhithe tube station, so is not the sort of place that you are likely to stumble upon by accident. It has a narrow frontage, but inside seems larger than it ought to be, and leads to some decking overhanging the river at the back. It has also avoided the temptation to modernise itself with the sort of unsympathetic makeover that we have seen happen to so many other traditional pubs. It retains all the nooks and crannies that give it its unique atmosphere, crammed with settles, and normal tables and chairs, and the witty epithets remain on just about all the flat surfaces. Both the exterior and interior featured in several episodes of “The Brief” legal series. Much of the decor is maritime based of course, but I did spot a couple of muskets hanging from the ceiling, alongside what looks like a ship’s spar. Nonetheless, it has gone upmarket, and it’s no longer the traditional backstreet locals’ pub that it once was. The food menu is on a blackboard, offering such favourites as broccoli and Swiss cheese quiche for £10.50; cod and chips for £11.50 - any American tourist worth his or her salt would expect fish and chips to be on the menu. The beer isn’t cheap either – GKIPA at £3.20 a pint is not particularly good for a very ordinary beer. This is now a tourist destination pub, playing on its historical association with the fact that the original Mayflower was built a few hundred yards to the East, before setting sail for the new world in 1620. It’s worth a visit because of its attractive interior and superb riverside setting, but don’t expect a traditional backstreet local, or cheap beer or food!