The Mayflower Pub in London

117 Rotherhithe St, London SE16 4NF

About This Pub

Ah, The Mayflower Pub – what a cracking little find it is, tucked away in Rotherhithe with the Thames right on its doorstep. From the moment you walk in, you're enveloped in that timeless British pub atmosphere, complete with cosy candlelit spots and an open fire that just begs for a chat over a pint. The food really shines here; think fresh, seasonal specials and classics like fish and chips or a scrumptious Sunday roast that pairs brilliantly with their range of ales and beers – it's no wonder people are raving about it. The views from the outdoor area are simply magical, especially at sunset, and it's a lovely spot to while away an afternoon with friends. On the flip side, it's got that authentic old-school feel, which means it's not always the cleanest, and you might have to keep an eye on the weather if you're planning to sit outside, as high tides can cause a bit of bother. Overall, though, it's a welcoming place that strikes a great balance between tradition and enjoyment – I'd say it's well worth a visit if you're after that genuine London pub vibe, just go with an open mind and you'll have a whale of a time.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The historical charm is absolutely brilliant – it's like stepping back in time with its cobbled streets and original features from 1620, making it a real treat for history buffs.
The views over the River Thames are stunning, especially from the outdoor jetty area, perfect for catching a sunset or enjoying a pint al fresco.
The food is top-notch, with fresh, seasonal British dishes like the famous fish and chips or a hearty Sunday roast that folks rave about.
Service is warm and friendly, with staff going out of their way to make you feel welcome, just like in those classic London pubs.
A great selection of drinks, including well-kept ales, craft beers, local gins, and wines, all served in a relaxed atmosphere that mixes locals and visitors seamlessly.

Cons

It's got that old-school, creaky vibe which adds character, but it might not be the tidiest spot, so if you're after something spotless, it could feel a bit lacking.
The outdoor terrace can flood during high tide, which might disrupt your plans or limit seating options on certain days.
With its historic feel, it has a worn-in charm that not everyone loves – some might find it a tad dated compared to more modern venues.

Contact Information

117 Rotherhithe St, London SE16 4NF

+442072374088

Pub

Opens at 12:00

Opening Hours

Monday	12:00 - 23:00
Tuesday (Today)	12:00 - 23:00
Wednesday	12:00 - 23:00
Thursday	12:00 - 23:00
Friday	12:00 - 23:00
Saturday	12:00 - 23:00
Sunday	12:00 - 22:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Really yummy Sunday roast and fish platter! The fish platter was a delicious mix of sour, creamy, smoky, savoury, and crunchy. Pairs brilliantly with a sour beer! £70 for two mains and two pints.

Kelvin Ou

The Mayflower Pub is a real gem — full of antique charm and character. You can feel the history in every corner. We sat out on the terrace for a bit, which has a great view of the river, though we were told it can flood during high tide! They even have floodgates they close to seal the pub off — very atmospheric. The food was solid, and the beers were awesome. Definitely a memorable spot with a lot of personality. Worth the visit.

Lloyd Dias

Proper old-school vibe here—everything creaky, wooden, and full of character. It’s not the cleanest place by my standards (hence the 4 stars), but honestly, that’s part of the charm. The food was good, with a few decent veggie options too. We liked it overall. Also good to know that the Mayflower pub is named after the ship that famously set sail for America in 1620, and apparently, the actual Mayflower is believed to have departed from right around here in Rotherhithe. The pub itself has roots going back to around 1550, which is kind of wild when you think about it. Definitely worth a visit if you’re into old-world charm and a slice of history with your pint.

John Adib

Classic London pub! Plenty of history, atmosphere, and amazing views over the river. The service was friendly and attentive, and was really impressed with the menu as well. Such a good range. Highly recommend the seafood platter. Easy to get to from Canada Water or Rotherhithe stations

Zoë C

We stopped here during the week for lunch in February. It has charm, great food, and a wonderful server who has the perfect kind of attitude. I would definitely recommend this pub and would return if I visit London again. I had the calamari (4 out of 5), the soup of the day was Lentil soup (4 out of 5), and my husband loved the bangers and mash (5 out of 5). The beer was cold, the wine was tasty, and the sun was shining. (10 out of 5) 😁 There is a porch out back that overlooks the Thames and has seating outside; I bet it’s great on a beautiful day.

Lisa S