The Black Dog Pub Company was founded by Paul Graham in 2013. The independent group owns and runs four venues in London: The Mayflower Pub in Rotherhithe, The Prince of Wales Pub in Kennington, the George & Dragon, Thames Ditton and The Three Stags Pub in Kennington.
With so many pubs across the capital at threat from property developers, Paul and his team are committed to protecting the heritage of some of London’s oldest independent pubs. Since 2001, London has lost an average of 81 pubs a year, and with that the social and cultural value they bring. By preserving the characteristics and rich history of these old pubs, the Black Dog Pub Company is ensuring some of London’s most unique pubs can continue to be enjoyed by their local communities and visitors from around the world.
The company name is inspired by Ringo, Paul’s gorgeous black haired Airedoodle. When he’s not posing for social media photos for fans you can find Ringo hanging out with our locals or making mischief in the local park with his friends and Mayflower regulars “The Salty Seadogs”.
The Mayflower, Rotherhithe
Having taken over The Mayflower in 2010, Paul and his team have turned the much loved local into one of London’s best pubs. A traditional English pub surrounded by cobbled streets, The Mayflower is a hidden gem in the heart of Rotherhithe. The outside decked jetty and cosy candlelit restaurant have stunning river views and you can spot the original 1620 mooring point of the Pilgrim Father’s Mayflower ship, warm yourself by the open fire and imagine who may have been sitting in your seat 400 years ago! The Mayflower kitchen offers consistently delicious food and people return again and again.
Visit The Mayflower website here.
The Prince of Wales,
Kennington
The Black Dog Pub Company took over The Prince of Wales in 2019, giving this long-established local pub a beautiful interior renovation and with a new chef at the helm we’ve overhauled the food, beer and wine served. With a small seating area outside, you can relax with a first-class pint or a glass of wine.
Visit The Prince of Wales website here.
George&Dragon,
Thames Ditton
A much loved local in the heart of Thames Ditton and tucked away off the high street, the George & Dragon is a wonderful traditional English pub with a large, open garden space, perfect for summer evenings.
The venue has just undergone a beautiful interior renovation which is both welcoming, comfortable and cosy with some wonderful eclectic artwork. Three open fires make it a cosy place to enjoy the company of fabulous food and drink. The menu has been revamped and offers delicious, classic home cooked British dishes using local and fresh ingredients and is complemented by a great range of well-kept traditional ales, craft beers, local gins and fine wines.
There is a large outside space which is beautifully lit and has heated lamps for those cooler evenings. Live sport is shown on various screens both inside and out.
Visit the George & Dragon website here.
The Three Stags Pub, Kennington
The Black Dog Pub Company took over The Three Stags in 2023. Built in 1891 the pub sits opposite the Imperial War Museum in Kennington and is an excellent example of an old London pub with many original features. It boasts a Chaplin’s Corner where the famous Charlie Chaplins father used to drink and where Charlie saw his dad for the very last time. Enclosed with dark wood and frosted windows it makes for a great space for a private drink and dine.
The Three Stags serves a fabulous All Day Menu, Craft Beers & Sundays Roasts plus there’s also a private room on the first floor available for dining and events.
With over 30 years experience in the hospitality industry in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, Paul is passionate about finding unique pubs and restaurants in London and working with his team to bring out the individuality of each space.
Whether that’s enjoying a pint at The Prince of Wales while watching a petanque match unfold in the beautiful Georgian square, or a roast dinner by candlelight at The Mayflower on a Sunday, our team are committed to making sure your experience of our pubs is like none other in London.
We’re really proud that most of our team, from Pub Managers and bar staff to Head Chefs and sous chefs, have been with us since we launched in 2010.
We know the difference this sense of family makes to our staff, our regulars and to our guests and we encourage any new faces in our venues to ask us about the history of our pubs from our knowledgeable team.