Rotherhithe and Greenwich
Maritime Greenwich is famous for its magnificent architecture, sea-faring history and royal connections.
Nearest tube: Cutty Sark (LDR)
Complete the tour with lunch and/or a relaxing pint in one of these welcoming riverside pubs.
Cutty Sark
Address: 6 Ballast Quay
Greenwich, SE10 9PD
T: 020 8858 3146
A real pub with real ale for real people. The menu majors on ham'n'eggs, bangers'n'mash, fish'n'chips and so on. The tables are etched with years of graffiti, and the staff know their beers. Cider-drinkers will appreciate the cloudy draught Addlestones. There are excellent views from the first-floor bowed window and the outside tables, though not of the famous ship itself - the pub, older by 170 years, is a good 15-minute walk further on.
Mayflower Inn
Address: 17 Rotherhithe Street
Greenwich, SE16 4NF
T: 020 7237 4088
A gem of a riverside pub. Originally called the Shippe and then the Spread Eagle, it was restored in 1937 and renamed after the famous ship that set sail from here in 1620, en route for America. Today it's a Greene King establishment with their usual range of real ales, pub grub, and seafood specialities. It's a little touristy (literary quotes everywhere, blackened timbers and a warm fire) but never twee. Friendly staff, river views and an outdoor terrace.
Spice Island
Address: 163 Rotherhithe Street
Greenwich, SE16 5QY
T: 020 7394 7108
Cavernous enormopub in a dull stretch of riverside where the only other building of any note is the Youth Hostel. Characterless in winter, it comes to life in the summer when hordes of walkers and locals set up camp on the picnic tables and enjoy excellent views of the river. Perhaps not the most interesting of Thames pubs, but a pleasant place for an afternoon pint.
The Yacht
Address: 5 Crane Street
Greenwich, SE10 9NP
T: 020 8858 0175
Just 100 yards from the Trafalgar Tavern but a world away in atmosphere, the Yacht is an uncomplicated modern riverside pub. Five real ales are joined by the usual burger/nachos style of pub grub - the owners claim their "Giant Fish & Chips" is "the best on the Thames", though we were more tempted by the homemade pies. Good value for the area. Head for the chairs at the riverside windows for excellent views along to the Dome.
Trafalgar Tavern
Address: Park Row
Greenwich, SE10 9NW
T: 020 8858 2437
One of the best-known pubs in London, with a commanding Georgian frontage and Union Jacks flying proudly. More somewhere to take your parents (or offspring) than a place you'd want as your local, it attracts thousands of tourists, coach parties and wedding receptions. The star attraction on the menu is the Greenwich whitebait, historically a favourite with such notables as Dickens and Gladstone, and available as a bar snack for a very reasonable £6. The decor is all wood panelling and carpets, and the river views are fine.
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