The Mayflower, Rotherhithe

117 Rotherhithe Street, London, SE16 4NF

When a friend of mine heard that I'd started this blog she immediately recommended The Mayflower, which is - as I discovered on my first visit today - an incredibly pretty pub which clings to the bank of the River Thames in Rotherhithe. It's apparently the oldest pub on the river.

You can imagine coming here in the middle of winter to huddle around the fireplace whilst chomping on a big meaty pie (they normally have a couple of pies on the menu each day, and they look delicious).

That said, this pub is also fantastic for warm days - like today - when you can drink and eat on the pub's private wooden jetty out the back, and there are also seats out the front where you can watch the cyclists and runners whizz by. Upstairs there's a more formal dining area with a separate bar, which you can hire for functions.

Cosy rating: 9/10 - Even the glorious sunshine outside couldn't disguise the fact that this is one seriously cosy pub, with leaded windows, wooden benches and a big old fireplace.
Secret rating: 6/10 - despite its tucked away location it's a popular place. But you can book tables for food, many of which have stunning views of the river.
Best bits: The perfect pub whatever the weather. They also serve some of the best freshly-squeezed orange juice I've ever tasted.
Worst bits: The food prices are a little on the high side, but it's truly a cracking pub and I'm already planning my next visit.