Mayflower, Rotherhithe

Originally the ‘Shippe Inn’ and dating back to 1780, it was rebuilt as the Spread Eagle and Crown in the 19th century. War damage to the roof and top floor led to a major refurbishment in 1957 which created a 16th century style interior and this riverside pub was renamed the Mayflower after the ship which left from the nearby landing steps for America carrying the Pilgrim Fathers. Much of the 1957 work remains in the main bar and front snug; there is also a dining room upstairs.

The snug at the front has a bare wood floor, old high backed settle-style fixed seating line the walls and it retains (disused) its exterior door on the front right hand side. The bar counter is of lapped wood panels painted black and assumed to be the 1957 one.

The main bar is on two levels and also with a bare wood floor and seating bays that date to 1957. The bar counter is of the same style as that in the snug and is curved on the left hand side; however, the bar back and bar top look modern. There is a large brick fireplace which looks like it too could date from 1957. At the rear a wooden deck has been built on stilts which offers splendid views of the River Thames.

On the first floor is a dining room on two levels with bare wood floors and windows overlooking the R. Thames. There are a couple of high backed settles, piece of carved panelling at the top of the stairs but no other old fittings.

The Mayflower claims to be the only place licensed to sell American stamps in the UK – look for the tiny grate, a postal hatch, on the left of the bar near the ladies toilet door.