Here at Time Out, we love an historic London pub. Whichever borough you’re based in, it’s well worth setting sail to experience those low beams, crackling fires and local legends in every corner of the city. Which brings us to The Mayflower, reportedly the spot from which English settlers – dubbed the Pilgrims – departed for the promise of America in 1620 (Captain Christopher Jones part-owned the pub, apparently). There’s said to have been a boozer on the site since 1550 and this one, overlooking the Thames, oozes ye olde world charm, with tankards hanging from those aforementioned beams and suitably nautical paintings on the walls. Upstairs you’ll find a cosy restaurant that serves pub classics (including the slightly on-the-nose ‘old English sausages’) and the likes of bang bang chicken salad, with some good vegan options too. The riverside views are readymade for contemplating rich histories and bold new horizons.
Time Out tip
There’s a Mayflower ‘descendants’ book – if you can prove you’re related to those onboard the ship in 1620, stick your name down and secure your legendary status.
Order this
The cask ales change every couple of days, so make like the Pilgrims and take a punt on the unknown.
RECOMMENDED: The 50 best pubs in London.