The Nelson Arms — Restaurant in London

🚇Colliers Wood 🍺 £6.10 Cruzcampo

The Nelson Arms is nestled on Merton High Street, sandwiched between Colliers Wood and South Wimbledon in southwest London. The nearest Tube is Colliers Wood on the Northern Line.

The original pub on this site dates back to 1829. The current building was rebuilt circa 1910 and features stunning Charrington’s tiles and tiled murals depicting Nelson and HMS Victory.

The pub stands on the site of the former entrance lodge and carriage gates to Merton Place, the only home Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson ever owned.

This is a one-bar pub with a split-level layout, set out in an “L” shape. The decor is mostly traditional, with a few contemporary touches. The servery is centrally located and features a thick, solid wood counter. To the left of the servery is a pool table set on a glazed tiled floor. In front of the servery is a seating area and a stage that doubles as a darts oche. At the far end of the bar is a carpeted area with comfy seating and some “Warhol-style” portraits of Nelson. At the rear of the pub is a decent-sized, partially covered beer garden.

The beer lineup featured a selection of well-known keg favourites. I opted for a Cruzcampo—my pint was agreeable, and the price point was around average. The food option is pizza, with ten varieties to choose from, ranging in price between £10 and £14.

We arrived around 1 p.m. on a scorching Saturday lunchtime in June. The pub was quiet, with just one local punter in attendance. The atmosphere was chilled and relaxed, with an easy-going soundtrack and the cricket on mute on the TVs dotted around the bar. The service was good—the chap who served us was welcoming and courteous.

This pub shows live sports and hosts regular Karaoke nights.

It’s always a thrill to find a pub as striking as this on my travels around London. The tiled exterior is among the most impressive I’ve seen, and the historic location adds to its charm. We enjoyed our visit—reasonably priced pints, comfy surroundings, and plenty to take in. Worth a visit for the tileage alone.

Follow @nelsonarmssw19 for updates.

📅 28th June 2025

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In reply to the review from Lindsay D, I feel like you didn’t give the pub or locals a chance because if you look at the reviews from everyone else then you would see that there is not any bad reviews and from a customer that has been drinking in here for a long time, the staff and customers are nothing but welcoming and friendly. Best pub in South Wimbledon for sport and atmosphere.

Maybe give it another try and not stay for 10 minutes with half a shandy and you might see that anyone and everyone is welcome in the Nelson. As a local guide I think it’s a bit unfair and misleading that you would write a review on a midweek night in a sports based pub when there was no sport on or any event inside the pub.

As a local guide I think you should come back and see what the pub is all about. Choice is...

This is a nice friendly pub. The locals love there football. All good humoured banter between rival supporters. Trouble will not be tolerated. About four TVs inside and one in the garden. Food is served. Nice wine and lager selection. Special offer on some cider and lager. Dart board installed on a small stage so people do not get in your way when throwing the arrows....