Standing almost opposite The Prospect Of Whitby, albeit on the other side of the river, is another pub claiming to be London’s first riverside Inn, The Mayflower.
Formerly known as The Spread Eagle this was the place the Mayflower was moored prior to making her journey to the Americas. Possibly more so than at The Prospect you can really feel yourself stepping back in time when you enter the Mayflower and they still have evenings when business is conducted by candle light the way it once was.
Good for a summer or winter visit the Mayflower has a wooden deck over the Thames which makes for a lovely spot to enjoy a cool drink in the summer. Inside however, with it’s open fire and traditional fittings it’s a lovely snug place to while away a cold winter afternoon or evening with friends.
Tucked out of the way and not in the immediate vicinity of major tourist attractions The Mayflower tends to attract a more local and less touristy crowd, it’s not hard to get to though, a very short walk from Rotherhithe Station and very much worth the effort.
Good food and drinks are served, the cheese boards you can enjoy with a pint are excellent and this is probably one of the most authentic London Pub experiences you will get.
I would reccomend booking a table if you want to eat, it’s not a large pub and it can get very busy at times.
If you are going to visit one London pub on your trip then make it this one.