The Lord Nelson, SE1

A rather down-at-heel corner pub that at first I wasn't sure that it was open. But in fact it was quite busy, with 15 to 20 people drinking at 5pm on a Tuesday, some playing pool or machines, and all of them talking. No real ale to be had here, just national keg brands, so I had a half of Guinness (£5.60/pint). This is a three star heritage interior, the main feature being the peninsular bar counter, but there are also a fine old mirror and a picture of Horatio Nelson. Most of the woodwork on the bar canopy has been painted battleship grey, for which I believe the punishment is to be keel hauled and hanged from the yard arm. I'd be happy to carry out the sentence myself - what is the matter with these people? Apart from that it's a delightful locals pub.

The Lord Nelson on Instagram - www.instagram.com

The Lord Nelson on Instagram - www.instagram.com

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.