It's the pub near the water which boasts garden beach huts, themed food nights for countries around the world and fresh fish straight from the sea. 

The Nelson Tavern enjoys a prime location just around the corner from the beach at Mudeford, by the Christchurch Harbour Hotel and attracts locals as well as thousands of visitors to the area. 

Some of the most popular punters are the fishermen who bring the catch of the day ready to be cooked up by the team of chefs, led by Joe Carlo and Frazer Isgar.

Daily Echo: Inside The Nelson Tavern

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Joe, an award-winning chef and licensee of more than seven years, told the Daily Echo: "I've been a chef for around 30 years and have been around the block, everywhere from Michelin star restaurants to the Toby Carvery! 

"Our menu here is local, seasonal and fresh and we have specials every day. Our roasts have won awards and we're always 100 per cent fully booked on a Sunday. 

"The fishermen bring in some great stuff and we try to make it a bit different from what you would expect in a pub.

"At the moment, it's all about the local turkey of course."

Daily Echo: Fish and chips are on the menu at The Nelson

It's been a lifelong love affair with the pub for Joe,  who has been in the area all his life and recalls being brought to The Nelson by his father as a young child around 40 years ago.

The pub, which currently has a delightful aroma of mulled wine, also boasts an impressive array of local ales and an excellent wine list. 

Food theme nights, everything from Thai to French, are a regular occurrence, and customers can enjoy live sport on the screens. 

Daily Echo:

Pool, darts and football teams are also linked to the pub, which boasts a 70 seater function room and a massive beer garden, which is covered and heated for use throughout the winter. 

Next year, staff will turn their attentions to a new fundraising campaign. Regular charity supporters, they will be donating £1 from every meal sold from the new menu from January onwards to the Veterans' Foundation. 

Daily Echo: The Nelson Tavern