please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
I know there is a depression on but I went into this Pub extremely happy saw the owner in action and left depressed. A dump do not use.
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After reading the previous comment about this pub and coming to London for a family event I was unsure about it. The location was great for us and having spoken to the Landlord the menu and beers sounded good. So I took a chance and booked a table for a party of eight (3 generations of the family) in the restaurant. Everyone really enjoyed themselves, there was something for everyone on the menu and we all found the quality and quantity of the meals excellent. The staff (including the Landlord) could not have been more friendly and helpful. Prices might be a little high, but the location overlooking the river and the history of the pub made it ideal for us.
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"Shocking" is all I can say about this pub and landlord. I visited with my wife and a small group of friends for a lunchtime drink and a bite one recent Saturday after participating in a charity event. My wife and I used to live locally many years ago and, as we were in the area, thought it may be nice to pop in.
The bar staff were pleasant enough, though English was obviously not their first, of even fourth or fifth language, but the beer was palatable, though nothing outstanding. And so we took our drinks and ventured out onto the jetty to enjoy the Thames view. On returning inside once the rain started we were met with the site of a grizzled-faced man standing at the end of the bar, clutching a small white dog and staring at us with what I can only describe as utter contempt. What brought this reaction on from this man, who it soon became apparent was the landlord, was, and remains beyond both my wife and I, and our friends understanding. However, not content with glaring at us with a face that could flatten even the liveliest of lagers, he proceeded to beckon to a very large, Neanderthal-type fellow who, after 'Old Grizzly' had muttered a few words into employee's cauliflowered ears, proceeded to stand, arms folded by the door and join his boss is staring menacingly at us from across the pub.
My wife and I remember this pub when it was a friendly local pub, attracting an eclectic mix of local residents and workers, and very much in the spirit of this historic and traditional corner of London. However, The Mayflower of today resembles more an overpriced and unattractive pastiche of its former self, with the old beer signs and tankards having been replaced with hideous cut glass and porcelain statues of dolls, children on swings, teddy bears and swans, (of the kind that your mad great aunt collects from the back of Sunday magazines and arranges on the mantlepiece of her bungalow next to a plate picturing Princess Di).
The food in The Mayflower is ridiculously overpriced and, though we were intending to eat, were put off from doing so not just by the landlord from hell and his apparent wish to start a fight of some kind, but by the rather wanton and unhappy faces of the dinners as they pushed their rather miserable-looking portions of food around their plate's while muttering disappointedly to one another in their native tongues (the dinners all being tourists).
It would seem that what was once such a gem of a local pub has been replaced by pale a imitation of what a traditional London pub should be. The character has been replaced with kitsch, and the friendly atmosphere with a rather malevolent one. Perhaps if we are lucky this rather unpleasant and perhaps unbalanced individual will also be replaced and the pub can once again be enjoyed without the fear of confrontation or cut glass.
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Being a publican myself I always enjoy visiting the Mayflower for a very well prepared meal. The food is pricey but then again one pays for excellent presentation of the meal. I love the atmosphere and although I have never caught a glimpse of the present owners, the barstaff are quite friendly. Great pub for a lunch!
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Was expecting a far more corporate air and was pleasantly surprised by its lack thereof.
There still seems a good amount of character to the place and the river views are good, but not the best you can find.
Reasonable beer, but nothing special. Would have eaten but put off by the incredibly high prices.
Not worth making a special trip for in my opinion.
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Characterful and well-known traditional riverside pub, very popular with tourists. Doesn't have any music, fruit machines etc, which seems to keep most of the riff-raff away.
Its a Greene King pub, so the beer aficianados will be disappointed, but my pint of IPA was pleasant enough.
There's a verandah at the back for outside drinking overlooking the Thames on those rare sunny days that we occasionally get
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Can't understand why anyone would not like this pub. Overpriced food might be fair comment although in fairness I've been tempted a few times as the food always looks amazing. But I have to say that for service this place is great. We go here infrequently but we're always met with a smile from our very first time right up until last week.
The pub itself is small and quirky (which personally I like). There is an open fire at the back and a beer garden outside. It's close to the temporarily closed Rotherhithe station and is either the starting point or final call on the Rotherhithe Rd pub crawl which we participate in whenever out-of-town friends visit for some drinks. Overall this is a nice quiet place for a few drinks which has plenty of character.
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Publicans may come and go (but the Mayflower rules forever!)
It's undeniably true that the current landlords can't be compared with local treasure Phil(though I swear that we locals have already had a humanising effect on them). But that doesn't alter the fact that this is a lovely old pub, in a wonderful riverside location, with well-kept Greene King (inc. Abbot) & Speckled Hen. And it does still attract a fair cross-section of people who live and work in the area. Give it a try, and judge for yourself!
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Thought we would give The Mayflower another chance. What a mistake. The barmaid could not understand us and had to get help (all I asked for was a pint of IPA and a Bud!!) It was Saturday afternoon and just a few tourists about, probably the only people to go as when you've visited once and experienced the overpriced food and drink and miserable lanlord you dont go again.
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lovely pub - as lovely as it was four decades ago. Clientele different, of course, but beer and food are excellent. The staff here endeavour to serve their customers. Will accept advice if unsure about a drink: e.g. my regular black and tan order. Does crowd out in the evening with the dinkies.
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THIS PUB CLOSES ALL OVER CHRISTMAS THROUGH TO THE NEW YEAR (EVERY YEAR). APPARENTLY THE LANDLORD DOES NOT LIKE THIS TIME OF THE YEAR. EBENEEZERIS ALIVE AND WELL AND RUNS THIS PUB.
anonymous - 31 Dec 2007 13:15 |
If you like snotty service and overpriced food, then this is the place for you. Otherwise, save your money and go somewhere else. There are so many other great pubs to frequent in London, I cannot think of any good reason why you would want to give your money to these people.
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Rude, staff donot understand you, dirty, Landlord reminds needs apersonality transplant, bouncer threatning, keep away spend your money else where.
anonymous - 2 Nov 2007 20:30 |
This was in the summer of 2006. Absolutley no atmosphere for a pub. Extremely small Pub but have a bouncer standing by the door who watches everyone all the time, makes you feel uneasy. When I was there a drinker who I estimate was roughly 40+ and very middle class was with his partner who was laughing loudly. The landlord asked them to leave as she was making too much noise. They started to protest and was asked to leave by the bouncer. The local Priest said quite loudly that this was the worse landlord since he came to the area. I gather he has since passed away and was also asked to leave. The Curtains are very dirty and you can visibly see dust on the rope and small speakers in the pub. I tried the Pub again on 02/11/07 and nothing has changed. It still has no atmosphere for a pub and I left after one drink. On the positive side the food looks good although very expensive for a pub in a not very savoury area. The spirits were not in optics and reminded me of a Restaurant. My view is that this is a Restaurant with a Bar not a Pub with a restaurant. If I was rating it as a Restaurant it would be very good if they did away with the booncer. Anyone contemplating visiting would do better visiting the Town of Ramsgate in Wapping or the Pubs in the Borough which all have atmosphere in abundence if they wanted a real Pub.
anonymous - 2 Nov 2007 20:20 |
Badly managed, over priced and although aesthetically pleasing, about as far removed from a "local" as it's possible to get.
A great restaurant with locally sourced fresh food at unbelievably good value prices can be found 2 minutes walk away in Tunnel Road where you will be welcomed as opposed to treated with at best tolerance and at worst hostility in the Mayflower. And no, I don't own the restaurant, I've sampled both and there's really no comparison.
anonymous - 5 Oct 2007 17:06 |
Visited here in the summer as part of a Wapping/Rotherhithe pub crawl my friend had devised.I can't comment on the food but we had a pleasant pint on the deck overlooking the river,and it's very close to the Brunel museum,if that intrigues you
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The pub itself is in a lovely location overlooking the Thames and the menu looks fantastic. Most of the food looked good but I had a jug of prawms ('baby crevettes') which were distinctly OFF. Even the wedge of lemon looked rank.
I was so glad that I hadn't ordered the seafood platter.
The service wasn't brilliant either and I got the feeling that the staff didn't enjoy working there.
Definitely a no-no if you like good fresh seafood...this has put me off prawns for life.
anonymous - 17 Sep 2007 10:07 |
Bit of a tourist trap - punters who should know better. Ho-hum service, not very focussed on customer satisfaction. Never felt inclined to eat here - never really wanted to stay. Functional, but disappointing pub.
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Did not see the landlord or have a non-English speaking server, so I found the service very good and the outdoor deck a pleasant place to sit. Ale was in decent shape. Maybe the key to enjoyment (and to control costs) is to show up just for the drinks.
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A rude and arrogant landlord who has obviously made his money and lost interest in what could be a great place was my first encounter of the Mayflower. I should have walked out there and then.
The service was poor with the staff unable to understand English and the food was worse being poorly cooked although very expensive.
Stay away
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It looks all right and the position cannot be questioned but the prices can. If Execution Dock was still in operation the person running this pub would be strung up for piracy. Tourists only I think because you would only want to be robbed once.
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Tried the Mayflower’s restaurant out last night (a Friday). Rang to book. Needn’t have bothered – turned out they could only find three tables’ worth of people stupid enough to eat there.
Sweet but hopeless Eastern European staff managed by the fifty-something licensee, who took our order. My girlfriend asked how they served the tuna steak and was told ‘Pink, very pink.’ He seemed to have great confidence in his fish, so I chose halibut. The starter, deep-fried Camembert to share. One bottle of £15 white.
Starter came – two small deep-frozen, deep-fried medallions of Camembert in breadcrumbs with an enormous, admittedly fresh, salad of iceberg leaves. Disappointing.
Mains arrived. Dreadful. Tough grey tuna and dry, flavourless halibut served on a plate that was frying-pan hot. I kept quiet about how bad my halibut was thinking my girlfriend was enjoying her tuna. She gave up halfway through. Inedible.
I wanted to complain; she ‘didn’t want to cause a fuss’. Asked for the bill. Waitress immediately said ‘£53’. Quite a shock. Asked to see the bill. Waitress went to counter and came back with a scrap of paper on which was written: ‘£53’. Nothing else. Asked to see a breakdown of the bill. She came back with the pages from the licensee’s pad on which the order had been taken. I then said I wasn’t happy with the food. She grinned helplessly. Asked to see the manager. My girlfriend, not the complaining type, was embarrassed and went downstairs.
Landlord turned up and immediately went on the offensive, saying I knew nothing about food and I must have liked it, as I hadn’t complained when it arrived. Shocked at his attitude but did my best to stay calm as he became more and more abusive and accused me of trying to con a free meal. Culminated in his shouting that I should leave and I was ‘banned for life’. I threw a twenty on the table, he stormed off and I went downstairs.
By the time I got downstairs the landlord was outside smoking a cigarette and telling anyone who would listen that I was low-life scum who was out to scam a free meal (my girlfriend was listening to all this as she waited for me). As I left he relaunched his attack, standing inches from me with his face twisted with rage. He became physically threatening and I had to remind him that I was on crutches (broken foot) and in no position to defend myself.
For the record, I work in food-and-travel publishing and my girlfriend is a doctor. We are not in the habit of scamming pubs for free food.
anonymous - 12 May 2007 22:26 |
I have been going to the Mayflower pub for a few years. I think it is a fantastic pub even without the obvious historical connections. The food is plenty and the beer excellent. There have been some comments from people saying that the licensee is not the life and soul of the party , that may well be the case but he runs an excellent boozer. In the past prior to current management some of the "locals" appeared to run the pub and it became quite run down and uncomfortable to visit. Yes the current landlord is a bit bolshy but that is good because he doesnt take any crap from any chav that wants to put his stamp on the place. Keep up the good work.
p.s. Bring on the 1st of July because it does get smoky in there sometimes
anonymous - 25 Mar 2007 19:19 |
Just perfect. A Thames-side location (with a terrace literally hanging over the river), a lovely old - very historical - timbered building, and an amazing food menu (including a Kobe beef burger for a very reasonable £13 and an antelope burger; live lobsters and crabs also cooked on-site). Can't remember the range of drinks, though.
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Not a local, but have been here 3 or 4 times this year. Never been very busy - but visits all at lowish peak times. Found bar staff friendly enough, but no idea what a Pimms was notwithstanding that it was on special promotion at the time (July). After asking for a Pimms the barmaid asked "do you want anything with it?" I knew that there might be a problem. At that moment he Manager emerged and took control of the situation and produced what my wife said was the best Pimms she had had in a pub (and reasonable at £12 a jug). So, something good to say about the landlord - whatever anyone else says about him, his Pimms is brilliant. I liked the whole feeling of the pub - but there again I probably have missed is best years.
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Highly priced historical local 'reformed' to cater for their 'new' punters who'll plot up and pay forty rubs for a meal and a score for wine. That said excellent draft ales and cosy little layout. Only pub in Britain with licence to sell American postage stamps. Fact! View better at 'Angel' but beer and atmosphere unrivalled at Mayflower.
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Could be a grat pub ( in fact it used to be.) Drinks very expensive food also overpriced, even though you do get large portions. The main problem is the lanlord, miserable, rude and shouldnt be in the pub game. When I was there last every person qustioned the price of drinks with very rude responses from the lanlord!! Dont give him your business, go elsewhere. Jump on a tube to Wapping try the Town of Ramsgate.
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Great food served in the cosy restaurant upstairs. I've eaten here twice and its always been top notch with friendly & efficient service.
Always busy in the bar downstairs and my only negative comment would be about how smokey it can get.
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Three afternoon visits have confirmed excellent seafood, well kept Abbott Ale, great atmosphere, and friendly service from the bar staff. Only blemish is the cheerless, impatient manager (although he may be the reason for the quality). 9/10.
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As one of the most historic and famous pubs in London, any serious pub fanatic should include a visit here at some time. Reputedly the site where the Mayflower set sail for America in 1620, the pub has changed both names and appearances several times over the years, most recently in the 50’s when it was substantially rebuilt after the Luftwaffe had a hand in making some rearrangements the previous decade. Situated right on the banks of the river in a quiet back street opposite the Brunel Engine Museum, the hanging baskets and warm glow from the windows are very enticing. The inside is quite small with the usual array of panelling, beams and a brick fireplace that you would expect of an old pub. Every available space is used as best as possible but table sharing is a probability when busy and with some tables squeezed into impossible angles it’s a good way to get talking to people. There is quite an extensive if somewhat upmarket menu (see the boards dotted around the pub on the walls) but as I have not eaten here, I cannot comment on whether the prices are justified, however the pub web site claims that seafood and particularly shellfish is a speciality so the previous comments about Fish & Chips being a rip off at £15.80 does not necessarily present the full picture. The food certainly smelt delicious as we walked in. There were a couple of beers on hand pump among the usual selection of lagers, ciders and bottles. The staff were helpful enough (we quizzed them on an unrecognised beer visible in the fridge). The small pier at the back offers some good views of the river and is ideal to idle time watching the boats go by. There appeared to be a good mix of people when we were there. Didn’t see any TV or games machines so the emphasis is on conversation. All in all, one of my favourite London pubs. Don't be put off by other comments and ratings. Go and see for yourself!
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Prices seemed high for area as they are high for area. Mayflower now aimed squarely at tourists and riverside apartment dwellers, locals not being deemed fit to share (admittedly brilliant) riverside views. Much better atmosphere (conversation, friendly guvner etc) in the Ship or the Blacksmiths.
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Historic little pub right on the river. Good (not great) beer, standard Greene King. Did not try the food, price seemed very high for the area. Loved the back of the pub. Nice to sit or stand on the jetty and watch the river roll by.
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I've eaten here twice and while the food is a bit expensive for a pub, it is definitely a notch up from usual pub grub. Unlike the nearby Angel, the beers are drinkable here. I've not been in summer, so I've yet to see how popular the terrace is, although it doesn't seem as inviting as the outside spaces wasted on Sam Smiths pubs like The Angel and the Captain Kidd. The front room can get extremely smoky on quiz nights, although this was in winter. Maybe they open the windows when it gets warmer.
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Obviously Foreverred (29.03.05) must be living in a completely Rotherhithe Village from the one I've been living over the last 8 years. He/she clearly had never been to what was once a thriving pub with a great mix of local folk and city types like myself. He/she, should get the facts right, as an ex-daily regular there, I've never felt threatened my anyone. And that was the beauty of the place, the variety of characters. Sadly, not any more! Alex Dias
anonymous - 26 Jun 2005 19:13 |
Nice pub. Feels very historic and smells nice. Beer's OK too. The little garden / jetty is a bit strange though, especially when the tide's coming in. Sometimes it laps up onto the decking and doesn't smell too good either. The food looks delicious from the descriptions on the menu, until you see the price. I can safely say I will never, ever eat there. £15.85 (not a typo - £15.85) for fish and chips!!!!?!?!?! Fuck off.
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I am unable to comment on this pub as, turning up on a nice sunny spring afternoon at 3.15 pm on a Friday, the pub was closing for the afternoon. Admittedly the barman was apologetic, but this was despite there being a notice saying "open all day". I'm staggered - one of the most famous riverside pubs in London closing during the afternoon on a Friday ! Words fail me
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What some users dont seem to understand is that the Landlord has done very well to make this a non locals pub. As 99% of the locals are chav. The restuarant is actually very good with a nice ambience. Beer prices are high, but if you want a cheaper pint and the feeling that any moment you are going to get your throat cut then the Ship is just around the corner.
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This used to be a truely great pub, then in late 2003 it got a change of landlord. Now utter rubbish, terrible beer at astronomic prices. Didn't try the food, was too disheartened after one pint I left. A crying shame.
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Unfortunately I have to agree with many of the comments here. This should be one of London's best pubs; I used to visit when I lived miles away and it's one of the reasons I came to know Rotherhithe and now live here. It is steeped in history, has a prized interior, and has a jetty out over the River Thames.
But rarely do we go to the Mayflower, as the prices are sky-high, the ales are very poorly kept, and the food is not real pub food.
Please, change the management, serve a decent pint, serve pub food (not overpriced restauranty-food), and bring the prices down. I know that on the face of it that will reduce income but the pub has potential to pull in a much bigger crowd if only the pub offered people what they want, so I don't think it would actually harm profitability at all.
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Dreadful pub. Owned by a miserable landlord who is an example of a growing breed of people who own pubs for nothing other than money. I'm confident that the other comments on this site are accurate, as I can imagine it was once a pub full of characters, laughter and community. Now there is no character. Money has sold out this soul.
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My brother and I popped into this pub 5 years ago when we were looking to buy a flat and had some time spare before viewing one about 100 yards away. Let's just say we decided to put an offer in there and then.
After weekly if not daily visits for 3 and a half years, there was a change of management in late Spring 2003.
You only have to read the comments below to see the result. I can't imagine a less appropriate profession for this landlord than running a pub. It's a shame he didn't decide on an Angus Steakhouse in the West End or somewhere equally characterless.
The day it has new management will be a joyous one for its ex-locals indeed. We live in hope.
Alice - 29 Sep 2004 17:27 |
The pub has gone downhill since the the new landlord has taken over, a man in urgent need of smile and a personality transplant. A sad decline of great local now without locals.
rh - 28 Aug 2004 20:45 |
I used to travel across London to this pub on a regular basis as it was one of the true "village" style pubs in the city. It had a genuinely welcoming feel with a crowd of jovial regulars at the bar. These days it feels like a rather cold tourist trap. Disney's vision of a British pub. Avoid.
Chris - 14 Jun 2004 15:42 |
This 'quaint' London pub was probably the jewel in Rotherhithe's crown some time ago, but I suspect corporate greed has somewhat tarnished its charm. In an area not known for its huge tourist attractions I was upset that the floor mats indicated I was in 'Rotherhithe, London, England'. Now, I'm not a big fan of tourists, but I'm guessing they could work that out for themselves. The barstaff had all the charm of a lone faecal crumb; the beer massively overpriced and the food looked uninspired, yet expensive. It is the trend of the 21st century to put a pound sign next anything remotely cultural/historical and it seems The Mayflower's owners have cottoned on to this. A great shame really.
Wayne Jordan - 8 Jun 2004 09:57 |
ps I forgot to mention, on my visit I had the pleasure of paying £17 for a main course!! Though gargantuan it just wasn't that special -much better to pay less and have better food at one of the gastropubs in Camden....
LFS - 26 May 2004 17:30 |
I am an avid pub quizzer and with a large group of friends regularly used to come to this pub on a Tuesday night to take part in John's quizzes and sup a nice few pints of bitter. It had a wonderful, busy and relaxed atmosphere and I have many fond memories of nights out and even new year's eves spent within. Until a few weeks back I'd not set foot in the pub for over a year... what did I find? A lovely building that is now more of a restaurant aimed at tourists than a thriving drinking house. I'm truly saddened and have defected to the Wibbley Wobbley on Greenland Dock.
LFS - 26 May 2004 17:10 |
I love this pub! The bar staff are friendly and efficient. It has a good mix of locals and tourists and everyone is made to feel very welcome. The food at first glance seems expensive, but is excellent and served in huge portions. Try the restaurant upstairs on a Sunday lunchtime - a real treat and a proper sunday roast! Every Tuesday they host a lighthearted quiz which everyone can join in with - although if you want a seat you'll need to get there before 8pm!
Brian Hunt - 31 Mar 2004 14:38 |
As a local, I have to agree with Tom. With it's decoration based around the famous Mayflower ship and history, combined with photos from the area and folk, it will appeal to not only the traditionalist but also to everyone in general. In a very succinct way, Sally Zane (29/01/04) was 100% with her description. I'm not sure how far Peter (30/12/03)walked down Rotherhithe St, but I would strongly recommend "The Blacksmith Arms" next time he's down in Rotherhithe.
Alex Dias - 6 Feb 2004 15:44 |
Pub is pretty ancient but not hugely welcoming.
Sally Zane - 29 Jan 2004 18:37 |
Can't really comment on what Tom has said, but I personally find the pub to be a decent place to go for a drink and possibly a meal. Its not as old as you would think either having been rebuilt in the 1950s after it was bombed in WW2. Of all of the pubs that I have ventured into on the Rotherhithe peninsular it is by far the nicest.
Peter - 30 Dec 2003 16:25 |
I have lived in the Rotherhithe area for years now, and am sad to say the Mayflower pub is a shadow of its former self. The pub itself is a lovely riverside establshment, however the prevailing atmosphere is staid and one that implies the owners would rather there were no customers in there at all.They appear to have embraced the transcient punter as opposed to continuing the pub as the centre of the local community life as it once was; a shame.
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The best pub on the South East River stretch. Old, original with great staff and some local crowd. Good beer and great atmosphere. Well worth a visit!
Anja - 19 Aug 2003 17:29 |
