The Holly Bush
from 7 reviews
Liked by (4) See all»
The Holly Bush
Features: Food, Cuisine: Traditional English, Private Parties: Up to 50 guestsNearest Transport: Finchley Road / London Underground
The Holly Bush is located in Hampstead which has developed and grown to become one of the most fashionable areas in London. This building was originally a stable block and became a tavern in the early 1800s. It has managed to retain its old fashioned qualities, worn oak flooring, wood panelling and original gas lamps hanging from the ceiling. The poetry society meet here once a week. Private parties of up to 50 guests can be catered for upon request.
One of the hidden treasures of Hampstead, the building housing the Holly Bush was built in 1643 and when you visit it you’ll feel you’ve taken a step back to a bygone era.
In winter you can snuggle up to the real fire burning in the quaintly named Coffee Bar while in summer there are seats on the street at the front of the pub where you can enjoy our few days of warmth.
You can get that rare thing in London - a really decent pint - as well. The resident beers are Benskins and Tetleys and there are always a clutch of guest ales to warm the cockles of a CAMRA fanatics heart. Food is also available for the hungry.
For the cultured, there are regular Tuesday poetry evenings in the back bar. Dr Johnson and Boswell both drank here so the literary connections are strong.
In Victorian times the pub had seven bars but those are now reduced to four one of which was formerly the landlord’s living quarters. Bare oak floor boards, ancient wooden furniture and wood and plaster walls give the place its unique atmosphere. This is accentuated by a clientele and staff with a pleasingly welcoming and knowledgeable attitude.
The Holly Bush
22 Holly Mount
London
NW3 6SG
Tel: 020 7435 2892
Reviews or Comments (7) See all»
Being slightly off-the-beaten-track this place only ever gets packed at weekends, so you can enjoy a quiet beer most of the time. Something quite rare in the centre of town. A good selection of real ales, huge wine list (a blackboard with around 80 varieties on it) and classic pub grub. All good - and a nice change for this area.
This is both Grade II listed and on the London Regional Inventory (LRI), and deservedly so. With an exterior finished in painted stucco, parts of the building date back to c.1797. Despite the inevitable alterations over time, and even in recent years, the Victorian bar-back and counter survive as do some elements of screen-work and etched glass.
The predominately dark colours used for interior decoration and low lighting level help evoke an 'Olde World' atmosphere, as do the various separate drinking areas which still remain, some rather newer than others given the progressive expansion to the rear. Of particular note is the so-called 'coffee room' on the left with its fixed bench seating. The exterior livery still bears allegiance to Benskins' Brewery but the actual beers available were Adnams Bitter and Broadside, Fuller's London Pride and Harvey's Sussex Bitter.
Just prior to our departure, the staff presented our table with some free nibbles. Whether this is normal practice or an attempt to make us linger was unclear, and in the event unsuccessful, as we had to move on to the Flask.
http://www.camranorthlondon.org.uk/londonpubsgroup/crawls.html
