The Mayflower

This venerable local pub in the London village of Rotherhithe may be off the beaten path, but The Mayflower’s location on Rotherhithe Street, right by the Thames, is a point of historical convergence. And aren’t the best gems kept hidden? The legend goes that The Mayflower, formerly The Spread Eagle, was the literal hitching-post and starting point for the famed, eponymous ship of pilgrims who sailed to the New World in the 17th century. Preserving this history and giving guests a real English pub experience has been a labour of love for The Mayflower’s proprietors – and it’s paid off, with modern interpretations of classic pub meals and, of course, a great selection of ales on tap.

A long journey is best undertaken on a full stomach. We trust that was the case when the sturdy troop of pilgrims boarded the good ship Mayflower, which was moored right alongside The Spread Eagle, the pub that occupied the current site of The Mayflower. Undoubtedly, London real ale aficionados would be well advised to make the pilgrimage to Rotherhithe Street for a taste of olde London pub hospitality and a pint of The Mayflower’s Scurvy Ale, perhaps. It’s also true that long journeys (really not that long – The Mayflower is but a stone’s throw from the Rotherhithe overground station) are also best finished with a full stomach, so put down that pint for a moment and turn to The Mayflower’s regularly changing menu.

It’s extensive. Expect a lot of homemade fare, an unmissable cheeseboard, and a selection of vegetarian and vegan options surprising for traditionally meat-centric pub dining. Wednesday’s a good day to head down for one of The Mayflower’s homemade pies, served up with a pint or a glass of house wine for just a tenner, while Fishy Fridays double up the serves of The Mayflower’s popular fish and chips with a 2 for 1 offer. And don’t forget The Mayflower’s great entertainment options. Tuesday hosts a classic pub quiz, while bimonthly blues nights feature the Nathan Osgood Trio. A particularly interesting adventure is to be had on what’s known as Blackout Sundays. Here, The Mayflower turns out the lightbulbs, lights up the candles and stokes up the open fire to really take you back to 16th century London!