The Mayflower, Rotherhithe

A snug riverside pub on the spot where the Mayflower ship moored before sailing to America in 1620. Real fires, candlelit corners, and a wooden jetty hanging over the Thames. Friends send you here for atmosphere, not the food — it's decent pub grub at London prices. It's a trek unless you're on the Overground.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book a table at the Mayflower?

For Sunday roast or a weekend dinner, yes — book ahead on their website. For a weekday pint you can just turn up, though the jetty and the fireside seats go fast.

Why is the Mayflower pub famous?

It sits where the Mayflower ship moored in 1620 before carrying the Pilgrims to America — Captain Christopher Jones lived nearby and is buried at St Mary's church across the street. There's been a pub on this site since the 1550s, so the Pilgrim connection is real, not a marketing invention.

Is the Mayflower worth the trip if I'm short on time in London?

If you only have a day or two, probably not — it's a detour. But if you care about the Pilgrim story, love proper old pubs, or want a Thames-side pint away from tourist crowds, it absolutely rewards the journey.

Is the area around the Mayflower safe and is there anything else to see?

Rotherhithe is a quiet, safe residential village-y pocket of south-east London. Pair the pub with St Mary's church, the Brunel Museum five minutes away, and a stroll along the Thames Path.

Can you sit outside over the river at the Mayflower?

Yes — the wooden jetty at the back hangs right over the Thames and it's the best seat in the house. It's small and first-come-first-served, so on a sunny weekend you'll need luck or an early arrival.

How do I get to the Mayflower in Rotherhithe?

Rotherhithe Overground station is a two-minute walk, which is by far the easiest way. It's also a lovely 20-25 minute riverside walk from London Bridge along the Thames Path if the weather's kind.

Can Americans really sign a Mayflower descendants book there?

Yes — the pub keeps a book that descendants of Mayflower passengers can sign, and it's proud of the transatlantic link. It also famously held a licence to sell both UK and US postage stamps, a quirky leftover of its history.

Does the Mayflower pub serve food?

Yes, a full menu of classic British pub food — fish and chips, pies, Sunday roasts — with mains roughly in the £16-25 range. It's solid rather than destination-worthy; come for the room and the river, eat because you're already there.

Nearby in Ask London

• Prospect of WhitbyBar0.6 km · 8 min walk
• BermondseyNeighborhood0.82 km · 10 min walk
• Maltby Street MarketMarket1.51 km · 19 min walk
• Tower BridgeAttraction1.54 km · 19 min walk
• Tower BridgeLandmark1.55 km · 19 min walk