Established in 1550, and London's oldest pub to be built by the Thames, the Mayflower Pub overflowed with history. Set in the London homeport of Rotherhithe, the pub is located at the original mooring point of Pilgrim Fathers’ Mayflower ship which, under the command of Capt Christopher Jones, set sail on its epic journey to America in July 1620.
Front entrance and seating,
Rotherhithe St
View over the river, Tripadvisor
In July 1620, the Mayflower ship took 65 passengers aboard, from its London homeport of Rotherhithe on the River Thames. It is believed that the Pilgrim Fathers had their last meal and gathered provisions in this very establishment. Rumour suggested that Capt Jones cunningly moored here to avoid paying taxes further down the river. The Mayflower journeyed onwards to Southampton for supplies and to rendezvous with the Speedwell ship. But after many delays, false starts and a dangerous leak, the Speedwell’s journey with The Mayflower was abandoned. In Sept 1620, Captain Jones set sail with 102 passengers and c30 crew members from Plymouth on a prosperous wind.
After sighting land in Nov 1620, strong winter seas forced the Rotherhithe captain to anchor at Cape Cod, much further North than the original destination, Virginia. To establish legal order in their new homeland, the settlers agreed to write and sign The Mayflower Compact. In Nov the Mayflower anchored at Cape Cod where the settlers signed the Compact, which set out the first framework of a U.S government. The Mayflower pub apparently had some of the ship’s original timbers incorporated into its structure
Capt Jones later returned to London on the Mayflower, arriving at the home port of Rotherhithe in May 1621. He died less than a year later and was buried at St Mary's church in Rotherhithe. This was close to the mooring point of the Mayflower where she sank in the Thames, no longer useful as a ship. A commemorative plaque to Mayflower voyage now adorns the side of St Mary’s church; plus a memorial statue, dedicated to the memory of Captain Christopher Jones, sits in the churchyard.
The district of Mayfair is clearly one of the world’s most distinguished neighbourhoods. Mayfair’s humble beginning dated back 400 years, when it was unwanted fields. Originally developed to host the annual May Fair in the late 1600s, which drew a more sordid crowd, it was not until the 1700s when the Mayflower Pub as we know it today began to take shape. The vacant fields were transformed into Grosvenor Square and Hanover Square, after the land was purchased by the prominent Grosvenor Family. Soon royalty and aristocrats quickly snapped up residences there.
Mayfair district, named for its noisy annual fair, was purpose-built from the mid 1700s. Many wealthy residents moved here from Soho, where they had lived after the devastating 1666 Great Fire of London
Capt Jones later returned to London on the Mayflower, arriving at the home port of Rotherhithe in May 1621. He died less than a year later and was buried at St Mary's church in Rotherhithe. This was close to the mooring point of the Mayflower where she sank in the Thames, no longer useful as a ship. A commemorative plaque to Mayflower voyage now adorns the side of St Mary’s church; plus a memorial statue, dedicated to the memory of Captain Christopher Jones, sits in the churchyard.
The district of Mayfair is clearly one of the world’s most distinguished neighbourhoods. Mayfair’s humble beginning dated back 400 years, when it was unwanted fields. Originally developed to host the annual May Fair in the late 1600s, which drew a more sordid crowd, it was not until the 1700s when the Mayflower Pub as we know it today began to take shape. The vacant fields were transformed into Grosvenor Square and Hanover Square, after the land was purchased by the prominent Grosvenor Family. Soon royalty and aristocrats quickly snapped up residences there.
Mayfair district, named for its noisy annual fair, was purpose-built from the mid 1700s. Many wealthy residents moved here from Soho, where they had lived after the devastating 1666 Great Fire of London
dark and atmospheric with wooden furniture, cosy open fire
Sir Richard Grosvenor engaged Thomas Barlow to lay out Mayfair around three large squares: Berkeley Square, Hanover Square and Grosvenor Square. Sir Richard had inherited the land from his father, Sir Thomas Grosvenor, who had acquired it upon his marriage to Mary Davies, heiress to 500 acres of central London. Today, the Grosvenor Estate still own swathes of Mayfair – making the 29 year old Duke of Westminster a very wealthy man indeed.
Anyone visiting the Mayflower Pub, if they are direct descents from one of the Pilgrim fathers, is welcome to sign the Descendants Book. So strong is the Mayflower’s connections to the U.S that it is the only pub in the UK that is licensed to sell US postage stamps.
A visit offers amazing riverside views from its terrace whilst inside offers wooden pews, a cosy fire and a lively, authentic atmosphere. To deepen the historic experience, wander to St Mary’s Church across from The Mayflower and you can see the grave of Captain Christopher Jones himself.
Nestled on the Thames, The Mayflower Pub in Rotherhithe is a true London treasure, offering a fine blend of history, hospitality, and stunning riverside views. My recent visit was an absolute delight, and it's easy to see why this establishment holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. The first thing that captivates you is the location. The pub's outdoor seating area provides an unparalleled panorama of the river, with views that stretch from the iconic Canary Wharf skyline to the bustling activity on the water. The views alone are worth the trip.
While the scenery is breathtaking, the staff makes The Mayflower special. When patrons walk in, they are met with genuine warmth and efficiency. They are happy to offer recommendations and share a bit of the pub's fascinating history, making for a truly welcoming experience.
The walls are covered with many historical portraits, paintings and maps
The beers are kept in great condition, and beer drinkers say it was a pleasure to sample a few of the options on tap. There’s something for every taste and the quality is above average pub fare. [Since I don't drink beer, good wine and friendly staff are more important to me]. A must-visit for anyone looking for an essentially British pub experience with a touch of romance.
It is situated directly opposite Sands Films and Picture Research Library, adjacent to The Brunel Museum.