The Mayflower, Rotherhithe  

This is probably the most famous pub on the River and rightly so. The Mayflower is named after the ship that set sail from a nearby quay in 1620, bearing the Pilgrim Fathers to America. At the time there already was a pub on this site - the Shippe - which was rebuilt in the 18th century and renamed the Spread Eagle and Crown. The pub's current name is much more recent (1957) when it was renamed in honour of its historic associations after the pub was refurbished. Captain Christopher Jones, captain of the Mayflower, is buried in an unmarked grave in the church across the road - he died a shortly after his return from America, a little over a year after the Mayflower first sailed. And there's more - the Fighting Temeraire was broken up at the nearby Beatson's ship breaking yard and some of its timbers now constitute the communion table and chairs in the church. History aside, this pub would be on any pub aficionado's itinerary - it's a wonderful old place, exactly the image you conjure up when someone talks about a traditional English pub. With its oak beams, wooden panelling, real fires, a jetty outside to enjoy views of the river all accompanied by Greene King ales and decent pub grub, the Mayflower fits the picture perfectly. Of course, it is so well known that it's inevitably popular in high summer, but at quieter times, it's a tranquil place to enjoy a pint or two and soak in the historic atmosphere of the area.

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