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The Mayflower, Rotherhithe, SE16
SE16
SE16 4NF
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 8 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The Mayflower
Very attractive old riverside inn, run by Greene King these days, retaining a tremendous amount of character in the three small seating areas around the central bar counter. The best spot, however, if the weather permits and you can find a space, and you don't get drenched by salt water washing up through the slats (which happened to some whilst I was there, to rather dramatic effect) is the narrow decking terrace with a great view overlooking the Thames. The beer selection is good too, with the 'house' Scurvy Ale (£4.00) supplemented by Hook Norton Hooky, St Austell Liquid Sunshine, Ossett Silver King and Dark Star Hophead from five of six handpumps on this visit.
On 13th September 2015
- rating: 8
[User has posted 8117 recommendations about 8117 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Bucking Fastard left this review about The Mayflower
Our correspondent from Malden has nailed the main points,and I can confirm that the ale policy feels like a free house with 6 ales although the presence of the charmingly named Scurvy Ale brewed by "Hardy and Hansons" still shows some link to GK.The interior is full of sailing bric-a-brac which enhances the interest although a small cage with models of two rats placed on a window cill did give some female customers a fright !The interior is small and cosy but the staff do put reserved signs on the tables during the popular Sunday roasts,so it maybe worth booking.We moved upstairs to the restaurant and were lucky to get a table after a cancellation in what is a charming room with a low ceiling and views out over the Thames.My sausages in red wine,black pudding and mash was very good and worth the £12
Real ale included Cotleigh Tawney Owl,Black Wolf Rok IPA (decent),Dark Star Hophead and TT Boltmakers on my trip and I would pay another visit for both the interior and the ale if walking the Thames Path again
On 22nd March 2015
- rating: 8
[User has posted 2727 recommendations about 2727 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Malden man left this review about The Mayflower
Although the pub sign still declares this to be a Greene King pub, there were none of their branded products on display yesterday afternoon. Six handpumps, St Austell Proper Job, Brentwood Golden Galaxy (£4.00), Dark Star Hophead, Skinner's Betty Stogs, Bath Ales Gem plus house ale Landlord's Choice Scurvy which I suspect is a GK rebadge. The pub itself is an 1860s rebuild but once inside it feels and looks even older. A C-shaped boarded floored space around a central bar, diamond leaded windows, black painted lower panelled walls, exposed brick inglenook fireplace, seating is mainly old benches and settles at small tables. The walls and ceilings have all manner of objects fixed or hanging from them, ships' lamps, some rigging and a bit of mast, ships' hooks, tools, photos of the area, the docks, ship building and ships in sail, also a hand written record relating to the pilgrim fathers' voyage on the Mayflower from 1620. All fascinating stuff and the sort of things I like to see in a pub with something new to spot each time rather than the modern stripped out minimalist fashion. As well as the maritime stuff there are china tea cups and teapots, a former pub sign over the bar and various quotations and inscriptions along the chair backs and beams.
It is a bit foody these days, I saw several people eating what looked to be decent fare, pie of the day with mash, veg and gravy £10.95, Glos Old Spot sausages with mash and black pudding onion gravy for the same price. A board lists a selection of artisan British cheeses with the price becoming a better deal per unit the more you choose.
The rear deck is a good place to sit on a sunny day with great Thames views; nowadays half the area has an awning, but you can still sit right on the river edge where there is a drinking shelf. The pub loan out blankets for those wishing to sit outside on colder evenings. Another change since my last visit several years ago, a Stars and Stripes and a Union flag fly from the deck over the river.
It's a cracking pub now with the range of ales on offer, it does get busy and it is on the tourist trail but if you get in at the right time and get a decent seat you may stay for longer than you intended.
On 13th April 2014
- rating: 8
[User has posted 1708 recommendations about 1681 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Rex Rattus left this review about The Mayflower
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!
On 1st March 2010
- rating: 8
[User has posted 2606 recommendations about 2520 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Roger Button left this review about The Mayflower
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.
On 13th October 2005
- rating: 8
[User has posted 1239 recommendations about 1233 pubs]