The Lord Nelson, SE1

Dating from the early 19th century but rebuilt later, this pub still displays a Taylor Walker cannon motif within its arched sign. Unchanged since March, it’s a bit scruffy externally and as mentioned, is in a rather down-at-heel area, namely the Old Kent Road. However, it’s on CAMRA’s list of pubs with historic interiors, this being of Exceptional National Historic Importance; again, as mentioned, that’s over-egging the custard somewhat; either way, it’s also grade II-listed. The interior is well described below and on CAMRA’s site, but it’s still a bit grey, the heritage elements looking good but all to an awful Heart FM (or similar) soundtrack. Furniture is fairly traditional, the floor carpeted, some nautical elements complement a giant potted palm, with young people playing pool in the rear room and perhaps dependent on the sweetie dispensing machine; a solitary older local posed no threat, most customers being outside and seemingly domesticated. There’s no cask here, an indifferent barmaid with severely unwashed hair serving me a half of Kronenbourg (£2.20) from the majestic P-shaped bar. This pub is worth a look for the heritage value over a swift half of lager, but that’s where the merit ends, unless you consider the use of bank cards to now be a benefit.

One of the few 'proper boozers' left on the Old Kent Road, but this one retains several points of interest that earn its place on Camra's national inventory of historic pub interiors. There remain two picture mirrors and a substantial gantry over what must have been the original servery, but this was extended at some stage to leave one of the oddest-shaped counters in the country. A pool table can also be found through an arch in the back room. No real ale, unfortunately, so John Smith's (£3.70) it was, with a packet of Taylor crisps to soften the blow.

Standard corner pub with the bar facing as you walk in. Only keg offerings. Nothing special at all.