Welcome to Simplicity, Rotherhithe - British food at its best.

Local area

Rotherhithe village is a hidden corner of the capital, but one that shouldn't be missed out on your London visit.

History buffs will have plenty to see and do in this ancient maritime neighbourhood; from the Brunel Museum, dedicated to the first Rotherhithe tunnel, to one of London's oldest places of worship, St Mary's Church.

Rotherhithe facts

  • Rotherhithe has been a port since the 12th century or earlier.
  • The name Rotherhithe means "landing-place for cattle" or "sailor haven".
  • Rotherhithe (or Redriff as it was known) was the fictional birthplace of Jonathan Swift's character Lemuel Gulliver in Gulliver's Travels.
  • The Thames tunnel, running from Rotherhithe to Wapping, was the first tunnel known to successfully have been constructed under a navigable river. The Brunel Museum and engine house are open to the public.
  • In July 1620 the Mayflower sailed from Rotherhithe for Southampton, before setting sail to New England with the Pilgrim Fathers (the Mayflower Pub now marks the spot).
  • A church has existed on the site of St Mary's, Rotherhithe, since at least 1282.