New Year new look for The Lord Nelson Isle of Dogs

The festive season may be over, but Isle of Dogs residents still have reason to celebrate.  Building work starts on 8th January on a major £220,000 upgrade of The Lord Nelson on Manchester Road, Millwall by Heineken owned Star Pubs & Bars to transform it into the best community sports and entertainment pub in the area.  The Lord Nelson closes at the end of service on 7^th January and will reopen at the end of February with a new operator, new drinks and entertainment.

Funds are being spent on a top to toe redecoration of the interior of The Lord Nelson to create an open space with sports area including revamped pool table, darts board and TV showing Sky Sports and TNT Sports.  New stripped wood flooring, new lighting and feature wallpaper and an eclectic mix of fixed and free-standing furniture will give the pub a brighter, smarter more contemporary look and feel, whilst still retaining its traditional character.

The pub’s exterior is to be given a complete makeover, repainted in a smart olive green with gold signage highlighting the pub’s secret garden, and lantern style lighting.  The garden will provide seating for 24, with new planting and festoon lighting to add to the ambience.

The drinks offer at The Lord Nelson will include cocktails, shots, bombs and pitchers of spirit-based drinks as well as premium beers, spirits and wine and zero alcohol and soft drinks options.

It’s new licensee, Cara Venn’s first pub of her own.  Originally from Bow, she has been the General Manager of a number of pubs including most recently the Three Compasses in Hornsey.

In addition to a sports focus, Cara’s plans for the pub include regular bingo, and weekly quizzes and live music.  She’s keen to establish pub darts and snooker teams and is looking for people to join them.

Cara says: “I was ready to run my own pub so it’s a dream come true.  I was brought up in Bow and live nearby the pub so know what locals want and the area needs.  I shall be moving to the pub and am fortunate that I already know many people in the neighbourhood.  I’m excited by the pub’s new décor and offer and plan to create a hub of the community a really vibrant local.  I can’t wait to open the doors and welcome my new neighbours. Happy New Year!” 

Star Pubs & Bars Business Development Manager, Michael Lee says: “The Lord Nelson is in a prominent position on a busy junction.  It’s well-worn and tired looking at the moment but with this major investment it will be somewhere that locals can be proud of.

“The immediate area has good pubs but there’s a gap for a community local that focuses on sports and entertainment.  It will be a real asset to the community especially with the recent housing developments as it’s a place where new and existing residents can come together. With Cara at the helm, a new look and feel, new drinks and upgraded sports offer, I’m sure it will deliver what is needed locally.  I wish Cara many happy years ahead.”