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.

Chimes restaurant, Pimlico

26 Churton Street, Pimlico, SW1V 2LP

Ding dong! Chimes is a no frills British eatery, specialising in all things pie and cider-related. It's located in the bustling heart of Pimlico which in itself is well worth visiting for lots of nice pubs (special shout-out to the fa-beer-lous Cask), a food market during the day and some cute independent shops (including some rather awesome charity ones).

On the Chimes menu you'll find lots of British classics, so this is a good option for any international visitors. We went here with some cider-loving friends who were staying in London and had a great night guzzling the fizzy stuff and chomping on meat and potato-based dishes.

Not hungry? Then grab a seat in the bar area and sample a yummy cider or a glass of wine. Or both, whatever floats your boat!

Cosy rating: 6/10 - a very simple and wooden affair. It's crying out for a few candles, though.
Secret rating: 8/10 - very quiet on a Saturday night, perhaps worryingly so.
Best bits: TasteCard holders will be pleased to know that you get 50% off here, as long as you pre-book over the phone.
Worst bits: Emphasis on 'no frills'. The pies are delicious, but I wish they were shortcrust pastry pies, rather than having a 'lid' of puff pastry on top of a ceramic dish. But that's just my preference.

Photo courtesy of divedart.