From a 15th century inn to a 16th century coaching inn – these are some of the oldest pubs still open for business in south east London.
South east London is home to some of London’s oldest pubs that you can still grab a pint of something as you would have done over a hundred years ago.
From Bexley to Rotherhithe we’ve put together a roundup of some of the oldest pubs still touting for business in south east London for your next evening out.
Here are some of the oldest pubs you can find in south east London:
The Plume of Feathers, Greenwich
The Plume of Feathers, Greenwich (Image: Google)
First built in 1691, The Plume of Feathers is well known for being the oldest pub in Greenwich.
The pub was once a popular spot for people traveling with coaches and carts that would stop off on the way to Kent.
Although this pub is located in London, upon stepping into it you could easily mistake it for a pub in the countryside.
The pub still has many of its original touches including the claygate fireplace and historical paintings hanging on the walls.
If you’re in the mood for a meal, the Plume of Feathers also has great classic options like fish and chips, sausage and mash, and sticky toffee pudding.
The Mayflower Pub, Rotherhithe
The Mayflower Pub, Rotherhithe (Image: Google)
The Mayflower claims to be the “oldest pub” on the Thames.
This is a popular drinking spot in London and gets fully booked very quickly.
The pub dates as far back as 1550 when it was formerly called the Shippe.
It was rebuilt in 1790 before it was eventually named the Mayflower in 1957.
Today it still has many of its original features including the interior structure and the original lead windows.
The pub was built near to the original mooring point of the Mayflower ship that set sail for America in 1620.
The pub is also a popular spot for Instagrammers and travel photographers with its rustic touches, church pew seating and historical paintings.
Alongside their weekly menu they also serve roast dinner on a Sunday starting at £16.50.
The Kings Head, Bexley
The Kings Head, Bexley (Image: Google)
Dating back to the 15th century, the Kings Head is a quintessential example of a cosy British country pub.
It’s located in Bexley Village serving drinks and authentic Thai dishes along with Monday night jazz performances,
Friday night discos and live music on Sunday Originally an inn, the pub still serves that purpose and offers accommodation for anyone wanting to book a night’s stay there too.
The Blythe Hill Tavern, Lewisham
The Blythe Hill Tavern, Lewisham (Image: Google)
If you’re a fan of ciders and real ales, this drinking spot in Blythe Hill might be the perfect spot for you.
This Victorian grade II listed building is a popular spot in Forest Hill and won the Camra South East London Pub of the Year in 2012.
It also offers a child-friendly garden as well as sports screens to watch sporting events and games.
From September until April the pub hosts quiz nights on Monday evenings and traditional Irish music on Thursday evenings all year round.
The Crown, Blackheath
The Crown, Blackheath (Image: The Crown, Blackheath)
Formerly a coaching inn dating back to the 16th century according to its website.
The Crown is now a popular drinking spot in Blackheath with over 600 reviews on Google with a 4.2 average rating.
Today the pub is owned by Britain’s oldest brewer Shepherd Neame.
Visitors can get a free meal on their birthday when they sign up to the birthday mailing list on their website.
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Royal George, Deptford
Royal George, Deptford (Image: Google)
The Royal George in Deptford has the feel of a traditional English pub complete with dartboard and an open fire.
Records date the pub back as early as 1826 and according to one reviewer on Google the pub still has that “cosy, old fashioned setting.”
Eight reviewers also awarded it high marks for affordability and price with one reviewer commenting that they bought two pints of larger for £6.40.
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