The Nelson’s image

The Nelson’s

Bar Pub Gay bar

Compact locals' pub with wood panelling and hanging baskets, hosting regular community events. People often mention night, staff, friendly, great, Sunday, roast, good, recommend, karaoke, amazing,


Address

32 Horatio St, Bethnal Green, London E2 7SB, United Kingdom

Website

www.thenelsonspub.com

Contact

+44 7427 012091

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (420 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 5 to 11 PM
  • Thursday: 5 to 11 PM
  • Friday: 1 PM to 12 AM
  • Saturday: 1 PM to 12 AM
  • Sunday: 12 to 9 PM
  • Monday: (Early May Bank Holiday), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 5 to 10 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: night (23) staff (21) friendly (16) great (14) Sunday (12) roast (12) good (10) recommend (9) karaoke (9) amazing (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Ségo G. 2 years ago on Google
    Will confirm Dimitris’ review. The owner was way too drunk and became quite agressive toward the end of the night. If you want to drink behind the bar that’s fine but please control yourself ! (And don’t pretend you weren’t drunk cause that would be even more worrying…) And please don’t call costumers ‘this little bitch’, thanks.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Claude W. 6 years ago on Google • 721 reviews
    Sorry, but no. I used to love this place, but it doesn't compare in the slightest to what I used to like about Nelson's Head. This place is dead, it has no spirit. I appreciate that they're trying to make it nice, and I believe the decor is still nice. But the random new age weird music they were playing freaked me out and it just didn't have the same feeling. I haven't tried the menu, so in all fairness, my review is based on the mood of the place, the vibe.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Sean K. 1 year ago on Google
    Took an uber from the center to this pub for the touted “local” taste. Google hours were apparently wrong because at 18.20 on a Tuesday the curtains were drawn and the door was locked. No signs posted of special events… walked down the block to the Mikkeller Craft Brewery which was awesome.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James W. 3 months ago on Google • 448 reviews New
    Great pub with a surprisingly good Sunday roast - banging gravy, and quite possibly banging artwork too, though I'll leave the latter for you to judge.

  • 5/5 Jimmy H. 1 year ago on Google
    Staff and vibe is lovely, make sure you book on a Sunday as it's busy with the flower market :-)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kristian W. 2 years ago on Google
    We had an amazing night celebrating a friend’s birthday! Singing, dancing, mingling with old friends and locals, and making new ones. That’s the spirit here. The staff is just amazing. Always feels like home! Thanks for another great evening at a local that always welcomes everyone ❤️❤️❤️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bobby I. 1 year ago on Google
    Held a surprise party here for my partner in the basement area. Ben & the team was amazing and made sorting everything seamless and stress free. The pub itself is so fun as you will see by the decorations etc. Would 110% recommend to stop in if your passing as it’s beautifully tucked behind Columbia Road. Always so accommodating when me and my Volleyball team turn up on a Tuesday Night also. LOVE THIS PLACE!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nick T. 1 year ago on Google
    Came for a quiet afternoon drink with friends. Stayed for a wild night of karaoke hosted by Saffron. Can't remember the last time I had so much fun on a night out.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Markus L. 1 month ago on Google • 141 reviews New
    Excellent Sunday roast! Just had Cauliflower, Lamb roast with delicious trimmings (best roast potatoes ever). Their homemade mint sauce goes really well with the roast. Really a lovely place with great ambience and impeccable service, the guys were so warm and welcoming. Our new favourite local pub!

  • 5/5 Antonia 6 months ago on Google • 93 reviews
    Only popped in for a couple of Coca Cola's. The taverner was so welcoming and accommodating, apologising for no seats inside and offered us the bar or outside. Genuine warmth and hospitality. This is a 'yes' pub; aka nothing too much trouble. Will be back for Sunday lunch. Keep up the positivie vibes!

  • 5/5 Karim 11 months ago on Google • 32 reviews
    The Sunday roast is incredible. Nice to have a queer bar that has great food

  • 1/5 Jim E. 4 months ago on Google • 30 reviews
    As many others have remarked rude aggressive arrogant staff giving it the biggen to girls half their size. Not a safe place for women. Easily the least inclusive ‘gay’ bar I’ve ever experienced

  • 5/5 Wils 5 months ago on Google • 24 reviews
    Can’t help but love this place. The staff, the people in it, the decor and memorable wall decorations down to the drink selection. Great atmosphere whatever day/night. Always welcoming and a great laugh. Food is decent too 🫶🏾

  • 5/5 Ellie 4 months ago on Google • 23 reviews
    One of the best vegetarian roasts in london and great value. Everyone that works there is super friendly, welcoming and service on a Sunday is surprisingly efficient given how busy it always is. Definitely book in advance if you want a spot.

  • 5/5 Stuart S. 7 months ago on Google • 9 reviews
    A great place. Staff are super friendly and accommodating. Good Sunday roasts and the best place for karaoke on a Saturday night.

  • 5/5 Kitty Z. 3 months ago on Google • 9 reviews New
    Super friendly staff...lovely vibe, exceptional menu and good prices. Highly recommended. I went for Sunday lunch yesterday and staff were amazing despite their ovens not working well that day they did their best and kept us informed on delays. I will be back.

  • 5/5 Sabrina R. 7 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    Such a wonderful pub with a unique atmosphere. Used the basement for an event, it was perfect and the staff were incredibly helpful throughout - not to mention responsive. Also grabbed a roast which was delicious and so well priced

  • 5/5 Freddie R. 1 year ago on Google
    This is the best damn pub in London! You won’t find a more open, more diverse and more loving crowd than the legendary Nelson… the owner is a complete legend and as well as being a top guy he’s an absolute pro landlord! We’ve had Christmas parties here, photoshoots and good old fashioned booze ups at this mighty fine establishment & it never disappoints… highly recommend an evening on the karaoke or a gorgeous Sunday roast cooked by Ben! Big love Nelson fam x

  • 1/5 Aristea R. 10 months ago on Google
    By far the worst pub I've ever been to, in terms of food. The service was not just bad: the people were extremely rude, making fun of us for no reason. They kept giving us conflicting information, made fun of us when we asked very kindly for clarifications about the menu, and generally treated us very badly. The roast was below average, extremely bland, as if no seasoning was put on it. I doubt you can find worse pub food than this one.

  • 5/5 Leanne G. 1 year ago on Google
    Even though I knew it was closed due to being a regular, and you advertised the closed days over this Christmas and new year period being posted on Instagram, plus the staff needing a well deserved break at the beginning of the year, I was FURIOUS that it was closed when I passed it on the way to another local bar this evening. Furious because it’s SO GOOD and I miss it. Staff are great and chatty (if it’s a slow night), food is banging on Sunday, dogs are so very welcome, it’s close to other places to eat and drink too. The karaoke night is just brilliant, plus it’s LGBTQIA friendly/encouraged. Don’t turn up on a day it’s closed and blame your rubbish night *not in the pub* and give it ONE STAR. E2 local queer with dog

  • 5/5 Daisy L. 1 year ago on Google
    I reserved some tables for 30 of us for my birthday on a Saturday night, and my friends and I had the best night! Karaoke was amazing, staff were so friendly and kind (throughout the booking process and during the night) and the pub itself was so cosy and fun. Definitely will be making this pub a regular, my favourite pub i’ve been to in a very very long time. Will recommend it to everyone I know. Thank you the Nelson’s!! <3

  • 5/5 Emily C. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this pub, love the staff. Moved away from London but every time I’m back I stop in and it’s always such a good time.

  • 5/5 Alessandro S. 2 years ago on Google
    My fav pub in Columbia flower market. The owners are a crazy fun bunch. Great drag queen karaoke night and I live the fact that they kept it independent. Highly recommended

  • 5/5 Amie D. 1 year ago on Google
    I highly recommend a visit to this pub, such a cosey, friendly and fun place for people/dogs of all ages. The food is amazing, excellent quality. All the staff are very polite and welcoming. Also the decor is so interesting. You won’t be disappointed! Can’t wait to come back x

  • 5/5 Hamish R. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing customer service. Was here for the food and stayed for the drag karaoke and it was such a great night. So much fun. Very much lgbt friendly so felt very comfortable. Would definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone.

  • 5/5 Caitlin P. 2 years ago on Google
    Hosted a joint birthday party in the basement and the staff were absolutely lovely and the space was fantastic. Everyone was so friendly and the drinks are great. Cannot wait to find another excuse to spend more time there.

  • 5/5 sam h. 2 years ago on Google
    Bohemian pub that combines quirky art with a comfortable and traditional vibe. Super friendly staff, decent selection of pints, and hand sanitizer for when it's gone last call.

  • 5/5 Clare S. 2 years ago on Google
    We came here for a Sunday roast and while it was about am hour for the food, the staff were incredibly friendly (but not over bearing), the regulars checked in on us, and the meal was worth the wait. The pub is also dog friendly which provides additional entertainment.

  • 5/5 Becky G. 2 years ago on Google
    Had birthday drinks here last night at Sat kareoke hosted by the fab Thalia O'Stara. This pub is one of the best pubs I've ever been too. Ben, the owner couldn't be more lovely, along with Jodie and all the staff. They go out of their way to make sure everyone has the best time possible and boy they can bloody sing too! All my friends and I had an absolutely banging night. Can't wait to go back for more! Just brilliant fun.

  • 5/5 Dominic P. 2 years ago on Google
    Can’t recommend this pub enough. Sunday lunch is always delicious, always a great atmosphere and if that’s not enough then there’s an excellent selection beers and cocktails…oh and can’t forget the staff who are always great fun. If you haven’t been then you definitely should.

  • 5/5 Hayley S. 1 year ago on Google
    The Nelson’s is an amazing pub. The staff and landlord just make it so welcoming. Friendly and really good laugh. Have never felt so welcome in a pub before the Nelson. It’s so lovely. The booze selection is great. Good Gin selection and good beer options! We had a fabulous night of Karaoke on Saturday night with our friends and it made my partner’s night (Jimmy’s birthday) Everyone said that how much they loved the pub and that they will come back. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you. I love this pub. If you’re around the area of Hackney or Bethnal Green, go to Nelson’s. You will not be disappointed!

  • 5/5 SCOTT B. 1 year ago on Google
    John knows how to greet and meet people a raw talent it seems these day plus his bloody Mary’s hit the spot ❤️❤️❤️

  • 5/5 Georgia D. 1 year ago on Google
    We love this pub! We booked a small party in their basement/function room and it was perfect. Good music setup, good drinks, and the staff were so, so helpful. Everyone had such a good night. Will definitely be going back to try out the karaoke. Big thanks to Ben and the team!

  • 5/5 Laura R. 1 year ago on Google
    My absolute favourite roast in London! Cannot recommend enough; great atmosphere and staff. LGBTQ+ friendly and very convenient location in East London

  • 5/5 Hollie S. 1 year ago on Google
    The best pub ever for a good night out - they’re so lgbt+ friendly, prices of drinks are fair and the karaoke is so FUN no pressure to be Celine Dione you’ll have a laugh either way - I’ll be back to try the roasts ! Xoxo

  • 5/5 Hugo M. 1 year ago on Google
    Karaoke saturday night is absolutely ace! And the staff sings as well with us all. It’s a great and fun atmosphere all around!!

  • 5/5 Joe W. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent pub - accommodated our large group and dog with good grace. Lovely roast and friendly staff. Welcoming to everyone - couldn't recommend more highly!

  • 5/5 Martha R. 6 months ago on Google • 1 review
    I celebrated my 30th birthday here, hiring out the basement and had the most special evening. The staff are all so friendly and were so accommodating to my group, and the highlight was the Saturday evening drag karaoke. Being sung happy birthday by the queen made my night, and Ben (owner) is so friendly and accommodating and helpful! I couldn’t recommend this pub more for a fun evening or celebrations. The roasts are also banging!! A hidden gem off from Colombia Road


Call +44 7427 012091 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout

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