The Nelson’s Pub is an independent East London boozer at 32 Horatio Street, on the corner of Shipton Street near Hackney Road. The site has served its community as a pub since 1825, and its current character remains warm, informal and proudly local. Music, karaoke, drag events and cocktail evenings give the room a lively identity, while the food offers a substantial reason to visit beyond the bar.
The weekday menu centres on sourdough pizza with a tomato and oregano base. Margherita keeps the topping simple, while mixed vegetable combines sweetcorn, onion, pepper and mushroom. Pepperoni and a barbecue pizza with sausage and bacon provide richer choices, and more unusual versions use aubergine with crisp onion or kimchi with a swirl of hot sriracha. Several pizzas can also be prepared with vegan mozzarella.
Chicken wings come with barbecue, teriyaki, red hot or sriracha mayonnaise sauces. Smaller dishes include halloumi fries with maple syrup and sesame, fried corn ribs with butter, garlic and chilli, onion rings, roast potatoes and pigs in blankets with honey mustard. These plates are easy to share over drinks and give vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diners clearly marked options.
Sunday brings a dedicated roast menu with beef topside, brined pork belly, buttered chicken or a cauliflower cheese Wellington. Each is served with rosemary roast potatoes, maple and thyme carrots, peas, red cabbage, Yorkshire pudding and gravy, with a separate vegan Wellington available. Starters, extra trimmings and desserts such as warm chocolate brownie or a vegan chocolate tart turn the roast into a complete weekend meal.
Address: 32 Horatio Street, London E2 7SB, United Kingdom