History

The Pilot is the epitome of modern hospitality. But the pub actually dates back more than 200 years, built in the early 1800s to serve the local coal workers.

A painted stone tablet on the wall of the pub reads “CEYLON PLACE New East Greenwich 1801” – dating The Pilot as probably the oldest surviving building on the Greenwich Peninsula.

Next to the pub is a row of eight cottages that were constructed for workers at the adjacent tidal mill and chemical works. They are “a rare survival of late Georgian artisan housing” and are grade II listed for their protection.

The cottages are noted for another reason too - they were used as the backdrop to Blur’s ‘Park Life’ music video! The pub itself also features in the video, grabbing a little slice of 90’s BritPop glory!