The Mayflower Pub in Southwark

Amazing old world pub with an unrivaled history. Good food and great ales. I have been twice now and both times the service and atmosphere were fantastic.

For £19 does a customer have a reasonable right to expect non-frozen chips on a fish and chips main course? I would hope so but this was not possible at The Mayflower. The fish (size of portion) also seemed somewhat small and at £6:50 for a pint of IPA with service on top it felt like a sting rather than a really enjoyable experience in a pub with a degree of character. Sorry to say l won’t be returning.

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.

Bit too much gravy? Never thought id say it but on the chicken roast it was swamped. Everything else was very good and traditional

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

I keep coming back to this pub even though i don’t line near there any more. Perhaps that’s all there is to it! Inside feels ancient in the best way, outside gives you the best pub on the Thames experience.

Good food and service by friendly staff. Recommend booking as very busy

Great food, great service, great atmosphere, and lots of history! Definitely stop by this pub if you are looking for a place to grab a pint and some food! The inside is very cool and the outdoor seating has some heat lamps which are a nice touch. I’d recommend trying the beef short rib and mashed sweet potatoes.

Excellent pub for pints by the river.

Great food but very poor and disrespectful service for a Saturday lunch.

Good and diversified food. Very pleasant atmosphere. Normal prices for London

As others have said - amazing location and a really atmospheric historic pub. Lovely to walk there from Blackfriars (an hour). Service very friendly. Food nothing to get excited about which is a shame as if they got that right too it would be spectacular. Nonetheless very enjoyable!

Great for a Monday night's sausage and mash!

Der Pub liegt direkt an der Themse. Wir hatten einen Tisch zum Sunday Roast reserviert. Um garantiert einen Platz zu bekommen, ist das absolut empfehlenswert. Unser Tisch war im 1. Stock und der Platz bot einen schönen Ausblick durch das Fenster auf das Treiben auf der Themse. Die Bedienung war sehr freundlich und aufmerksam. Neben Sunday Roast Gerichten gab es natürlich auch die übrigen Speisen auf der Karte. Wir entschieden uns für Pork und wurden nicht enttäuscht. Als Getränk bestellten wir Ale, was sehr gut zum Gericht passte. Die Preise sind etwas höher, für die Gegend aber auch nicht ungewöhnlich.

Super friendly staff, excellent, tasty food, and great tips for dining and excursions. We felt very comfortable.

Expectations were absolutely exceeded! The food was perfect, the service was very friendly, and the ambiance was lovely. We'll be back!

Great historic pub. Fantastic atmosphere and very welcoming. Great views along the river from the terrace.

We have done a break here during our London trip it was very nice a good beer and a good meal.

One of the oldest pubs just outside London proper. Packed, but got a table for dinner in about 15 minutes, first come first served so keep eyes open for a table! Very interesting history here, do some research and see! It's pretty cool.

A small but very cute pub that is definitely worth a visit. The staff is very friendly, even if it's busy at peak times. The menu includes somewhat wild creations that taste good, but are not exceptional.

We JUST left the pub. Our favorite in London. Incredible food, incredibly nice people, the atmosphere is everything you want in a local London pub. I could not recommend this place more.

Feels weird that there is a 5/5 Greenking pub out there... Their food is so much better, excellent service where the staff actually seem happy and helpful and the pub itself is beautiful with the quirky decor and the way their outside area around the back is set. Will definitely be returning soon

Recommended place. Cozy environment. Good food, and thanks to Lucy for her welcome, availability and kindness. We will return

Ottima soluzione per una cena british in un tradizionale pub. Lucy ci ha servito ed è stata cordialissima e disponibilissima. Ci torneremo

Fantastic Experience! As locals, we’ve been to The Mayflower before, but this time, we brought my in-laws, who were visiting,for dinner, and it was a wonderful experience. My mother-in-law is celiac, and she was delighted to find plenty of tasty gluten-free options. All of our food was delicious! On top of that, our waitress, Lucy, was absolutely amazing—attentive, friendly, and professional. The service was perfect, the food was excellent, and, of course, there is one of the best views in London here. Highly recommended!

Como lugareños, hemos estado en The Mayflower antes, pero esta vez, trajimos mis leyes, que estaban de visita, para la cena, y fue una experiencia maravillosa. Mi madre - suegra - es celíaca, y estaba encantada de encontrar un montón de opciones sabrosas sin gluten. Toda nuestra comida era delicioso! Además de eso, nuestra camarera, Lucy, era absolutamente increíble - atento, amable y profesional. El servicio era perfecto, la comida era excelente, y, por supuesto, hay una de las mejores vistas de Londres aquí! Muy recomendable!

Loved finding the Mayflower Pub! As a traveling celiac, food is always the hardest part. While my partner can eat anything, I’m incredibly limited. Was delighted to find gluten free options on the menu, including the traditional fish & chips! They have a separate dedicated fryer for a reduced chance of contamination and the service is both friendly and knowledgeable.

Buzzy, authentic pub on the water. Lovely outside on a sunny day, cosy inside on a winter’s day. Lovely ale, more than solid pub food.

Only 4 for the food as I only had a drink and the sticky toffee pudding ! Which was one of the best. Really want to try the roast dinner! Service was great very welcoming and chatty.. good with baby's and dogs.

All the meat dishes were found to be tough. Didn't try the fish. Sticky toffee pudding is recommended. Wouldn't recommend any of the other desserts

Lovely quirky pub, but always super busy and dark inside.

We only passed by because this historic place is very popular. Warm atmosphere, popular place that deserves to be known. I strongly recommend. Arrive early.

Visited on Sunday, and here again this evening. Super accommodating, found us a table upstairs despite being really busy. Was served by Lucy who was an absolute treasure! Just want to add, the best vegan sausages and mash I've ever tried!

Love this pub, really cosy and the people who work there are great. The only thing I'd change is to have more ashtrays on the decking - people smoke and just drop their ciggies which then go into the Thames, then inevitably the sea. Save the fishies!! 🐟

Really great little historic pub tucked away in Rotherhithe. Lovely staff as well.

Very unusual place, English pub atmosphere and candlelight dinner (upstairs, it's very nice) we are immersed in the Mayflower era. Small downside, it was a little expensive in the end for a dish, wine and dessert

Great views of the Thames, great ale

Really gorgeous traditional British pub with a garden right over the river, the interior is just ad gorgeous as the view. Staff were awesome, friendly, attentive and kind. Would recommend this as a good spot for a cosy date.

Absolutely stunning pub with amazing food and amazing pints.

Authentic pub with great food and atmosphere. If you want somewhere different from the classic pubs located in central London this is perfect.

Fab traditional pub with a lovely outdoor seating area which sits right on the river Thames! Highly recommended

Amazing food! Seats are not very elder friendly.

Love going to this little gem in Rotherhithe! Amazing Sunday roast too

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.

Tomó un amigo, como yo había sido muchas veces. Honestamente no puedo fallar la visita. Los dos tuvimos los pasteles absolutamente deliciosos y abundantes. Increíble, personal servicial, en particular la encantadora dama irlandesa que nos sirvió. Perfecto.

We were out walking and stumbled across this super, very old pub, just overflowing with history. Open fire, G&T's, just what we needed. We did not eat, but the fish and chips looked amazing

A well known pub but doesn’t disappoint. Nice and friendly service. Good range of beer and a great atmosphere.

You can imagine the pilgrims sitting here for a pint before they set off for the new world... great setting for a pint after long walk...

This pub is steeped in history and has incredible charm, less can be said about some of the staff who I’d put on the mayflower 2 and hope it sinks. Don’t add 12.5% service charge, it’s a working class pub in South London, don’t be American, ya wankers

This is place to be if you're looking for a place to chill and experience a real English pub. What sealed the deal for me was the glorious food. The coconut curry mussels are to die for! It could easily be the best I've tried in my life! Friends ordered the fish and chips and the grilled cod were just as amazing! The service was impeccable! The seating space was a little tight but hey, you feel better connection with the people!

We were very pleased to be at Mayflower with my daughters. Giovanni’s service was amazing Thank you Tia Aydın

Gorgeous place. Lovely views of the River Thames. Friendly staff.

One of the best pubs in London for dinner - especially if you love looking over the river like me! An extra special thanks to Lucy, who always goes the extra mile to make the whole dining experience so memorable from beginning to end. Thank you, Lucy, and see you soon! Mark

The best front of house staff, and bar staff, friendly, professional, the best ever!!! Erica, Paulo, Giovanni, Eddi, Milosh. Thank you for the unforgettable evening! We will come again!

Such a cute pub! We met a few friends for a couple of drinks. We’ll definitely be back to try some food!

Always heaving and warm with friendly staff and lovely food

I absolutely love this pub. Hidden behind the Brunel museum in Rotherhithe, it has a tasty Sunday roast and a nice beer selection.

Cool cozy place, gentle and polite service

This was our second visit to the pub, and we we enjoyed it as much as our first. Charming interior, good beer selection, friendly staff and lovely home-cooked pub food. Worth noting that if you don't want to drink your beer from a jug, you need to ask for a straight glass. Also, if you want to avoid the 12.5% service charge, best to order at the bar in the pub area. There seems to be an annoying trend in pubs where they offer to take your order from the table and bring drinks your drinks over, and then add service charge.

Steak pie was possibly the best I've ever had! Pastry was crisp and really tasty. Beers were good and staff nice and friendly.

Cosey pub. Beef pie was very good. Was full when we visited so had our meal on the terrace. A bit cold in january, however heating lamps helped. A service fee of 12.5 % is added to the bill.

A lovely, cosy pub. Food was excellent in both quality, presentation, and taste, with a good drinks selection as well. The place was packed for Saturday lunch and I can see why.

That jam is a godsend. The skin is crispy, but a little crunchy. It would have been nice if there was a slit in the middle. But that Yorkshire pudding is so delicious. It was delicious, not just oil, but something different.

The BEST vegan bangers & mash i have ever had!

This is one of the oldest pubs in London and I highly recommend it. Delicious food, great atmosphere, fantastic location with brilliant decked area to the rear right overlooking the River Thames. In the winter they supply blankets and hot water bottles. There is also a fire inside to keep you warm. Recommend you also check the specials board for more deliciously tasting food. Staff are friendly and welcoming. Can be very busy so you may want to book a table. Perhaps I shouldn't be recommending as it will only get busier. I recommend everything on the menu 😋

Beautiful pub where you can eat really well! Beautiful atmosphere and decor! Online account, very kind service! Excellent beers

The most delicious food (literally had a mandarin cheescake served as a ball which tasted divine)! The people that work there are always so warm, caring and just a pleasure to chat/deal with (they even got us food after the kitchen closed when we turned up late one evening despite the place being rammed) I don’t give somewhere 5 stars often but this place knocks it out the park for food, service, location (it’s right over the Thames) and vibes - its beautiful and old inside and has gorgeous views outside - go go go!!!

Great little pub with stacks of history. Cosy but the atmosphere is amazing 🤩 great food, friendly welcoming staff. Views of the Thames from the balcony, worth a visit if you’re in the area. 🏴‍☠️

Super cozy pub a little outside central London. There were no tables available, but we had a beer standing at the bar. Worth a visit.

My favorite pub I visited in London. It’s incredibly cozy and the staff is great. Plenty of outdoor seating overlooking the Thames and the inside is quintessential English pub vibes.

Please bring back the Caesar salad, it was just amazing and duck croquettes. Love this pub, staff are nice, the food is so good. I come here all the time. Wish it was slightly bigger with more seats inside, but they obviously can’t do anything about it.

Full of Americans wondering where they came from

A gem of a place. Historic, and a visual feast where quirky, humorous inscriptions abound. Also a fine pub, welcoming and friendly , serving great food and drink. Whether you just want a coffee, a beer, or a three course meal The Mayflower is a delightful venue.

Best pub in London. It's that simple

Great service, they have gluten free desert, beer, obviously cider and suuper nice stff. They have plenty of inside space, mid inside-outside space with heater and an outside space for smokers. Definitely recommend!

Had a family party on Friday to celebrate my sisters life 18/20! People could not have chosen a better venue . Fantastic food great atmosphere and full marks for the service mainly dealt with by one particular person who works there ? She was brilliant. Thoroughly recommended. Thank you. Gordon.

Great traditional pub with loads of historical importance. Lovely food and hospitable service

SO FAR THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PUBS VISITED. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE TYPE OF FURNISHING, FOR THE FACT THAT YOU CAN HAVE DINNER OR DRINK A BEER IN FRONT OF THE THAMES. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FOR THE SUPER KINDNESS AND FRIENDLINESS OF THE GUYS BEHIND THE COUNTER AND THOSE WHO SERVE THE TABLES. I ADVISE EVERYONE TO TAKE A GOOD WALK AND GET AWAY FROM THE CENTER TO DISCOVER SMALL JEWELS LIKE THE MAYFLOWER WHERE THE VALUE OF WELCOME HAS THE TASTE OF A BEER🍻🍻🍻-☆☆☆☆☆-

Great food, great staff and its exactly what a pub should be!!

Our local, so somewhat biased. Gets crowded, so do book a table if you want to dine. Food is really 👍 ❤️

I visited here for the first time in ages! It is still an excellent pub with a wonderful outside decking area that is literally on the Thames! Fabulous staff as well!

Bottom line: definitely go to this place for an authentic British pub experience. Reservations a couple days ahead of time are a good idea. There is very limited walk-in seating and it is very cramped. It is a couple short blocks from the Rotherhithe overground station. We were lucky to get a small table as a walk-in. We started with drinks - a Guinness for me and a Mayflower Scurvy Ale for my companion. The Guinness is well known, and the ale was just what you want from a local ale. For dinner I had the traditional steak pie and she had a seared tuna. Both were exceptional. For dessert we split the house specially of a Sticky Toffee Pudding which is sweet enough to trigger a room full of diabetic comas, but very delicious! The total bill including drinks and dessert was £66, and for the food, service and atmosphere I consider that a bargain. Will definitely go back!

A regular, and nothing on the menu has ever disappointed. Bao, fish and chips and the sticky toffee pudding have definitely stood out. Keep up with the good work! (Best pub grub in the city?)

Excellent place, service, keep up good work.

Este es un pub divertido, lleno de historia y excelente comida y una buena selección de cerveza de barril. Lucy es una verdadera risa e hizo que la ya excelente experiencia gastronómica fuera un poco mejor.

If I could give 10 stars I would great place, great stuff and excellent food

Absolutely amazing bar. Amazing atmosphere, amazing staff. Amazing vibe, amazing decor... amazing beers...Amazing everything!!! Amazing everything!!!!!!.... nearly..... Frozen chips....frozen chips. 🤦🏻😭 Still gonna give it 5, plz though.... Not frozen chips.

First visit here yesterday. Group of 4 - ordered sausage and mash, pork stew and burgers; then saw the roast dinners being brought past. Looked incredible and we were too late to change our minds, but no need - food was amazing. The mash was buttery, veg cooked perfectly and meat was flavoursome. Hope to visit again, despite it being on the opposite side of London to me!

I’ll have to go back to give an updated review since others told me to try again, but for what I can judge it on, my veggie burger was tasteless, and the overall experience was a bit off.

Such a nice pub! Great ambience inside, cool decor. We were lucky enough to get a table next to the fireplace which was great on a cold night Food was delicious & service was very friendly and great

Il mio Pub preferito a Londra! quest'anno ho trascorso la cena di capodanno al Mayflower e come ogni volta che ci vado mi sono trovata benissimo. Grande atmosfera del vero pub inglese, cibo sopraffino e prezzi accessibili. Un grande apprezzamento alla ragazza che ci ha servito al tavolo che avevo già conosciuto le volte precedenti...gentile simpatica e disponibile, grazie mille

First visit to pub today with group of friends, starters pretty much of a much, main meal was OK veg was raw, fish & chips.was very tastless and bland, dessert total waste of money. Needless to say will not be returning.

Lovely food, ambiance and ale! Embodiment of the 'Great British Pub'.

Been here a few times and always spotting new things I didn’t notice before, such a beautiful pub with good prices! Loved the scurvy ale

Went with my family and had a really special time, amazing staff, great food and beautiful place. Thank you!

Hermoso pub histórico en el río. Gran variedad de ales bien cuidados. La comida era muy buena - tuvimos el pastel vegano, y el cerdo del vientre. Ambos probaron caseros y fueron porciones generosas. No es barato, pero el precio es de esperar dada la ubicación. El personal era muy servicial - el pub estaba apiñado cuando fuimos, pero nos ayudaron a conseguir una mesa adecuada dentro cuando se solicitó. Si vas por comida, probablemente sea mejor reservar.

Great pub, great atmosphere in SE London. Stopped in here before going to see a local football team Fisher FC. Food is focused on all the pub classics, friendly staff and excellent service. Good deck area which was fairly warm during Winter. Recommended. For history buffs, especially those who love American Independence stories, this pub is a treat.

We were lucky enough to get a shared table since we didn’t have a reservation! Cozy atmosphere, and lovely vegan dinner!

Best pub in London. Location Amazing

Great pub for food and drink,good selection of ales,staff excellent lovely spot on the river thames. Pub full of character.