The Mayflower Pub — Restaurant in London

I preface this review by saying I've been going to the Mayflower Pub for years. Whenever I'm in London, I drag my friends there for Sunday Roast. We love it. This review relates to my recent visit, as I was in town for a quick business trip. I decided to trek from Kensington to the Mayflower to get my usual Sunday Roast.

I arrived at 12-noon and waited in line. As soon as they opened, I grabbed a seat outside along the patio railing, overlooking the Thames. I was alone, and I didn't seem to catch the server's attention. So I raised my hand when he stopped by a table nearby. He did not acknowledge me, and so I waved my hand to ensure he saw me. And that's when the attitude started, and things went downhill. He shouted at me, "I'm talking with somebody right now, I'll get to you." It was an interesting way to acknowledge me, to say the least. Luckily he then came over to take my order, but his attitude was stronger than ever. In retrospect, I should have asked for another server. He took my drink order (Pimm's Cup) and told me I'd have to wait until 12:15p for the kitchen to open before he could put in my food order (Sunday Roast Beef). Another server brought me my Pimm's Cup promptly, and I enjoyed my drink as I watched the activity on the Thames.

I politely waited as more people arrived on the patio, and they received their food. A couple even joined me along the railing and eventually placed their order with the same server. Somehow, their food came out rather quickly, including a Sunday Roast Beef. (I added a pic of my neighbor's meal) By 12:45, I decided to call it quits; I was done waiting.

I walked up to another server at the computer and asked to pay my bill. To my surprise, he tried to charge me for a Sunday Roast Beef that never came. He tracked down my original server to ask, and he put on airs that he was shocked that my food never came, and it must be the kitchen's fault; they were backed up. All of this despite the fact he walked by me several times in the 30 minutes I waited since the kitchen opened, and he never said a word to me about my food.

I explained to the other server that I've always enjoyed The Mayflower and try to visit whenever I'm in London. I hope that this experience was an outlier, but it still was an absolute disaster.

I can promise you, though, I will be more selective of my server on...

Nestled on the banks of the Thames, The Mayflower Pub in Rotherhithe is a true London treasure, offering a perfect 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. It's the perfect spot to unwind with a pint and watch the world go by, especially as the sun sets and the city lights begin to twinkle. The views alone are worth the trip. While the scenery is breathtaking, the staff truly makes The Mayflower shine. From the moment I walked in, I was met with genuine warmth and efficiency. The team is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive without being intrusive. They were more than happy to offer recommendations and share a bit of the pub's fascinating history, making for a truly personal and welcoming experience. It's a testament to the management that they've cultivated such a wonderful and dedicated crew. For those who appreciate a good brew, The Mayflower doesn't disappoint. The selection of ales, while not overwhelming, is thoughtfully curated and includes a great mix of local and well-known breweries. The beers are kept in excellent condition, and it was a pleasure to sample a few of the options on tap. There’s something for every palate, and the quality is a cut above the average pub fare. In a city full of pubs, The Mayflower stands out for its unique charm, incredible views, and, most importantly, its fantastic staff. It's a must-visit for anyone looking for a quintessentially British pub experience with a touch of magic. I'm already looking forward to...

Not even close to being the oldest pub on the Thames and the lies on the pub's website are shocking. No, you can't see the mooring point for the Mayflower as nobody knows exactly where it was moored. It was just 'somewhere' in Rotherhithe. No, it's not the oldest pub on the Thames - what with not being built till the 1800s. Don't know why they insist on spouting this nonsense. Sure, there may have been another pub on the site - so? First, it was a different pub (The Spread Eagle). Second, note that St Paul's Cathedral doesn't claim to be 1500 years old, what with being built to replace the previous cathedral - which replaced the previous church, which replaced the church before that... It correctly claims it was built in the 1600s ON THE SITE of previous iterations. If St. Paul's doesn't claim to be 1500 years old, it's nonsensical that a pub built after WWII can claim to be built in the 1600s.

There's not even any evidence the Mayflower (ahem, Spread Eagle) existed before the 1780s. And as the pub was utterly destroyed by the Blitz, one can hardly claim that this pub has any history whatsoever.

Don't be fooled by replica interiors (dating from the 1960s) and PR lies. Don't get me wrong - it's a nice view and is lovely to have a pint overlooking the river. But others are genuinely 'old' pubs - none of this crass lying PR rubbish. It's like Disney pretending their castles are real!

For those American tourists, or any tourists really, interested in visiting the actual oldest pub, that's Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese - a pub building in continuous service as a pub since the 1500s. The oldest pub on the Thames is likely The Anchor, built in 1676 (predating the one built on the site in 1616). The oldest in East London on the Thames is the...