The Full Nelson, a slim new bar on Deptford Broadway, is squeezed so tightly between the neighbouring buildings you could easily miss it. But duck inside and you’ll find yourself in a snug space that’s low, narrow and feels like it might once have been someone’s living room. There are a couple of trendy tropes in the decor – stripped bricks, a few swinging lightbulbs – but otherwise the vibe is individual, with heavy music pumping out of the speakers and chummy rock ’n’ roll barmen who look like they might once have toured with AC/DC.
There are four taps hosting beers from the likes of Beavertown and BrewDog, and a decent range of cans priced at £3, but it’s the food menu that really catches the eye – it’s full of vegetarian and vegan junk food. A tray of beer-battered cauliflower was topped with a wonderful sweet chilli and barbeque glaze, while a Sith burger came with dollops of Deptford Death Sauce and a handful of jalapeños that made my nose run. Both were very messy and totally satisfying – just what you want when you’re knocking back a fizzy pale ale.
One drawback is that it’s only open four days a week and closes at 11pm. Coupled with the fact that the small room quickly fills up with punters vying for their own bit of elbow room, it’s difficult to settle down for more than an hour or two. Still, Deptford’s buzzing right now, so no big deal – besides, you’ll have an excuse to come back.