The Mayflower

The Mayflower is a historic pub on Rotherhithe Street, on the south bank of the Thames east of Tower Bridge, and it describes itself as the oldest pub on the River Thames in London. It takes its name from the ship that carried the Pilgrim Fathers to America in 1620; the Mayflower is believed to have moored nearby before setting out on that voyage, and the original mooring point can be seen at low tide. Inside, low beams, wood panelling, dark corners and maritime memorabilia give the pub the character of an old waterside tavern.

The pub serves a range of real ales, beers, wines and spirits, and a menu of classic British pub food served from lunchtime until the evening. Behind the pub, a decked jetty and a back terrace overlook the Thames, with views up and down the river towards Tower Bridge and the City. The jetty is walk-in only and is especially popular on summer evenings. Upstairs, a restaurant seats up to 40 people and can be hired exclusively from Monday to Saturday.

The Mayflower suits history lovers, couples, families exploring the Thames path and anyone looking for a riverside pub away from the busiest parts of central London. Rotherhithe still feels like a quiet village, with old warehouses, churches and wharves, so a visit can be combined with a walk along the river. Dogs are welcome on the ground floor and on the jetty, but not in the first-floor restaurant.

The pub is open from 12:00 to 23:00 Monday to Saturday and from 12:00 to 22:00 on Sundays and bank holidays. Food is served from 12:00 to 22:00 Monday to Saturday and from 12:00 to 21:00 on Sundays and bank holidays. Bookings for the ground floor and upstairs restaurant are taken through the contact page on the official website, and booking is advisable for Sunday lunch. The pub is part of the Black Dog Pub Company.

Rotherhithe Overground station is a short walk away, and Canada Water, on the Jubilee line and Overground, is also within walking distance. The Brunel Museum, at the site of the world's first tunnel under a navigable river, is just along the street, and St Mary's Church, the Thames path and the converted warehouses of Bermondsey and Shad Thames make for a pleasant walk west towards Tower Bridge.