The Lord Nelson, SE1

They had no real on, nor were there any handpumps indicating the possibility of finding it on at some other time. There were just the usual lagers, plus keg John Smith’s. I didn’t see any menus or any sign of food being available. They’ve managed to retain the majority of their superb original Victorian features, including back painted mirrors, etched and cut glass, superb mahogany bar back, and cast iron pillars. Unfortunately all the best features seem to be obscured by clutter – flags of St George, boxes of crisps, handwritten notices to the effect that cash only is accepted, etc. There was also other clutter about the place such as large speaker stands, and a large cardboard box that a flatscreen TV had come in. Magic FM was blaring out, and there were games machines and one-armed bandits all over the place. In fact I’m struggling to find anything good to say about the place. It gets one star for the ancient, if uncared for, Victoriana; 1 star for being there; and a third for someone bothering to open the doors. However, as one of the few remaining pubs on the Old Kent Road I suppose I am glad that it’s still there, but I really wish someone would expend some TLC on the place.