London certainly isn’t thin on the ground when it comes to outrageously old boozers. With historic hotspots hidden in every nook and cranny of the capital; if you’re looking for a tavern with some tales to tell – London is an undeniably great place to be. And whilst there’s no definitive answer to the question of which of the city’s pubs is the oldest, a fair few of them put forward a fairly convincing case.
Claiming to be the oldest pub on the River Thames, for example, is The Mayflower (although I reckon The Prospect of Whitby would beg to differ). This waterside watering hole boasts a rather lengthy backstory, having witnessed its namesake head off on its valiant voyage across the Atlantic back in 1620. It’s cosy, candlelit, and crammed with history – a trio of traits that make for a pretty perfect pub, don’t you think?
The Mayflower pub
A pub has been perched on the site of The Mayflower since around 1550. Having previously been called The Shippe, and later The Spread Eagle, it wasn’t until 1957 that the establishment was given its current name. The riverside boozer overlooks the very spot in which the iconic Mayflower ship was moored before setting sail towards the New World. It’s likely that The Mayflower pub was where the Pilgrim Fathers enjoyed their final drink before hopping on board. At low tide, visitors can see the exact mooring point of the vessel. But at all times, punters are treated to some stunning sweeping views up the Thames.
Nowadays, the picturesque pub can be found amongst the cute, cobbled roads of Rotherhithe; seamlessly blending history and hospitality. The cosy, candlelit space serves as a time capsule of sorts, transporting punters back in time with its low ceilings and dark timber. The Mayflower remains the only pub in the country that’s licensed to sell both UK and US postage stamps. This unique quirk dates back to the 19th century, when seafarers used to order a pint and post their letters – and a small postal hatch can still be found in the bar area.
📍 You’ll find The Mayflower pub at 17 Rotherhithe Street, SE16 4NF.
🚇 The nearest station is Rotherhithe.