The NelsonArms

The Nelson Arms reopened as a free house in May 2018 under Matthew Rudd and Emma Cole, after the previous pub on the site, tied to Shepherd Neame, had closed in February 2017. The Barden Residents Association registered the building as an Asset of Community Value while the pub stood empty, a move that gave the community time to find new operators before any sale to developers could go through. Today the pub pours cask ales and craft beers from a rotating list, alongside a wide range of gins, and serves pub food through the week. Beyond the bar, the pub has space for pool, darts, table hockey, shuffleboard and bar billiards, games associated with a traditional local rather than a food-led gastropub.