Alright mate, you’ve hopped off at Greenland (Surrey Quays) pier – fancy! Just around the corner from Greenland Dock, you’re in Rotherhithe, where a few cracking pubs await. First up, The Ship & Whale is a friendly 19th-century local serving classic British morsels and craft ales. In short, from old‑school locals to floating bars and view‑tastic lounges, your pint‑lution starts right here. Cheers to that!
The Moby Dick
Address: 6 Russell Place, Greenland Dock, SE16 7PL
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? A modern two‑storey waterside pub nestled on the edge of Greenland Dock in Rotherhithe, part of the historic Docklands redevelopment of Southwark. It’s within easy reach of Surrey Quays Overground and the C10 bus.
- What’s the Vibe? Bright, relaxed and comfortably stylish. Large glass windows fill the space with natural light and frame lovely dockside views. The atmosphere is friendly, family‑ and dog‑friendly, with a contemporary yet welcoming feel.
What’s On Offer
- Real Ale & Ales Selection: Serves a selection of real ales, including regular favourites like Fuller’s ESB and London Pride, plus two rotating guest ales.
- Hearty Home‑Cooked Food: A menu of classic British pub dishes: fish & chips, lasagne, burgers, and a well‑praised Sunday roast (including nut roast options) in generous portions, all at reasonable prices.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00–23:00 (food served until 21:30)
- Friday & Saturday: 11:00–24:00 (food until 21:30)
- Sunday: 12:00–22:30 (food until 21:30)
The Surrey Docks
Address: 185 Lower Road, Rotherhithe, SE16 2LW
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled in the heart of Rotherhithe on Lower Road, this Wetherspoon pub sits across from Surrey Quays Overground station and within a stone’s throw of the historic docks that once bore the Surrey Docks name.
- What’s the Vibe? A large, no-frills pub with a lively, local feel. It offers a mixture of traditional Docklands heritage and classic Wetherspoon atmosphere – a bit rough around the edges, but friendly and bustling.
What’s On Offer
- Beer Garden & Real Ales: It boasts a sizeable outdoor terrace at the front, plus eight hand-pulled taps including staples like Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best Bitter and rotating guest ales — a nod to its Cask Marque and CAMRA-accredited credentials.
- Live Entertainment & Screen Sports: In addition to live bands and music, this venue features large TVs showing live sports, making it a versatile spot for entertainment.
- Classic Pub Grub & Breakfast Deals: Serving the standard Wetherspoon fare: hot meals, carvery, snacks, plus bargain breakfast deals under £3. For burgers lovers, new gourmet options are frequently on rotation.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday–Thursday: 08:00–00:00
- Friday–Saturday: 08:00–01:00
- Sunday: 08:00–00:00
The Pacific Tavern
Address: 100 Redriff Road, London, SE16 7LH
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Tucked away in Canada Water, on the corner of Redriff Road and Quebec Way, the pub sits a short walk from Canada Water Underground (Jubilee line) and Surrey Quays Station.
- What’s the Vibe? A cosy, stylish neighbourhood tavern inspired by Pacific Rim cultures. With rustic wooden interiors, fireplaces, and a covered terrace leading to an outdoor kitchen and beer garden, the ambience is warm, relaxed and inviting year-round.
What’s On Offer
- Flame‑cooked Pacific BBQ: The heart of their menu is flame‑grilled fish, meats and vegetables: whole BBQ seabream, grilled chicken in miso‑mole rojo, charcoal‑smoked hispi cabbage, beef bavette, plus small plates like burrata with beetroot and padron peppers.
- Year‑round terrace & regular events: They offer an outdoor kitchen and beer garden open in all seasons, with frequent live music (jazz, global grooves, DJ sets), arts nights, sporting screenings, , creative workshops, and a Matariki celebration.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday: 12:00–22:00
- Tuesday: 15:00–23:00
- Wednesday: 15:00–22:00
- Thursday: 15:00–23:00
- Friday: 12:00–00:00
- Saturday: 12:00–00:00
- Sunday: 12:00–21:00
The Ship & Whale
Address: 2 Gulliver Street, Rotherhithe, SE16 7LT
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled just off Greenland Dock in Rotherhithe, this historic pub is a leisurely 10‑minute stroll from both Canada Water and Surrey Quays stations.
- What’s the Vibe? A warm, maritime‑themed gastropub with classic wooden benches, leather sofas, vintage decor and a calm, local feel. It’s relaxed and rarely packed, creating a cosy retreat even during busier evenings.
What’s On Offer
- Homemade meals & weekday meal deals: Expect hearty dishes like beer‑battered fish and chips, Cumberland sausages, Moroccan lamb tagine and gourmet burgers. Weekly specials include two‑for‑£12.95 deals: burgers (Mon), pie & mash (Tue), and BBQ ribs (Wed).
- Separate vegan menu: A thoughtfully curated vegan selection features chickpea tagine, vegan roasts, mash and crumble, praised for “incredible” mash and delicate flavours.
- Beer garden: Outside, there’s a peaceful beer garden with wooden tables and parasols.
- Board Games: Inside, you’ll find a well‑loved board‑game corner and the option to play traditional pub games.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Bar hours: Mon–Thu 17:30–23:00 • Fri 17:30–00:00 • Sat 12:00–00:00 • Sun 12:00–22:30
- Kitchen hours: Meals served Mon–Fri 18:00–22:00; Sat & Sun breakfast 10:30–12:30, lunch 13:00–22:00 (Sun until 21:00)
Ready to Visit?
Just steps from Greenland (Surrey Quays) Pier, Rotherhithe blends waterside charm with a diverse pub scene full of character. From the nautical cosiness of The Ship & Whale to the stylish BBQ-led Pacific Tavern and the friendly dockside views at The Moby Dick, there’s a pint for every mood. Whether you’re craving craft ale, Sunday roasts or a lively crowd, this corner of SE16 has something to raise your glass to.
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