Nelsons Retreat has it all when it comes to location but if you're not an Arsenal fan you probably won't enjoy the array of red and white shirts that pepper the pub.

The Venue
Located on Old Street, Nelsons Retreat is a minute’s walk from the tube station of a hundred exits. Inside, the worn carpet has a level of age that hoovering can’t take care of and a depth of about three metres that means even when you’re in, you feel like half of you is hanging outside. It makes up for this with the length of its bar that runs from one end to the other with pumps stationed at handy intervals. The walls are covered with framed Arsenal shirts and the football obsession is furthered with flat screen TVs that screen live football.

The Atmosphere
Nelsons Retreat is lively at weekends when the Old Street stag parties get a wind of a football match in a pub that’s so into its football that it hangs shirts on the walls. The testosterone-fuelled volume is suped up by the pool table that nests down on the left hand side of the pub, acting as a beacon to big groups. It’s a good choice for watching a game, but only if you’re a gooner. Knock three stars off if you’re a Spurs fan.

The Food
The menu at Nelsons Retreat is divided between Thai and English cuisine according to the descriptive menu, but on closer inspection Thai is the dominant force. There is a big selection of dishes with a quick lunch menu serving set meals of green and red curry for £5.95. The rest of the list reads like a takeaway and the choice is vast. In terms of English cuisine, the prices are high - above £10 a dish - and includes surf and turf, lamb chops, and steak and vegetables.

The Drink
There is a choice between twenty bottles of wine that are each available for £11, which is a bargain whoever you are. There are also deals on spirits where you’re invited to double up for a fraction of the original price. On draught the pub serves Becks Vier, Kronenbourg, Carling and Stella. There is also Timothy Taylors Landlord and London Pride.

The Last Word
Nelsons Retreat has a lot going for it if you happen to be of a certain demographic.

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