Pub Heritage Mayflower
Greater London South East - Rotherhithe
Two star - A pub interior of outstanding national historic interest
Listed Status: Not listed
117 Rotherhithe StreetRotherhithe
SE16 4NF
Tel: (020) 7237 4088
Website https://www.mayflowerpub.co.uk/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themayflowerpub
Real Ale: Yes
Lunchtime Meals: Yes
Evening Meals: Yes
Public Transport: Near Bus Stop
Bus: Yes
View on: Whatpub
This popular and iconic riverside pub retains numerous fittings from a 1957 refurbishment.
Originally the ‘Shippe Inn’ dating back to 1780, and rebuilt as the Spread Eagle and Crown in the 19th century, war damage led to a major refurbishment in 1957 which created a 16th century style interior, whereupon it was renamed the Mayflower after the ship which in 1620 carried the Pilgrim Fathers from the nearby landing steps to America.
The snug at the front has a bare wood floor, old high backed settle-style fixed seating line the walls and it retains its disused exterior door on the front right hand side. The bar counter is of lapped black-painted wood panels, no doubt from the 1957 refit. The main bar has a raised area at the back and also has a bare wood floor, as well as seating bays that date from 1957. The bar counter is of the same 1950 style as that in the snug; however, the bar back and bar top look modern. There is a large brick fireplace which also looks to be 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 with windows overlooking the River Thames, where there are a couple of high backed settles, some carved panelling at the top of the stairs but no other old fittings.
The Mayflower claims to be the only place licensed to sell USA stamps in the UK – look for the tiny grate, a postal hatch, on the left of the bar near the ladies toilet door, but is clearly no longer used for that purpose.
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.
