Pub in London NW3

Holly Bush

22 Holly Mount, London, NW3 6SG
Closest station: Hampstead, about 4 min walk

4.4out of 5 on Google, from 2,007 ratings

Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.

Holly Bush, London NW3

About Holly Bush

Traditional 18th-century wood-panelled pub serving cask ales, with fireplace and outdoor space.

Sept 2024 - payment by card only, cash not accepted.

20/04/23 - The left hand bar tables were all laid up with white table clothes and for meals. It seems it is now essentailly a dining area. The menu has also been moved up a notch or two, with the cheapest main around £16.00, and wines from around £26/£27.

A marvellous multi-roomed pub at the top of some steep steps leading from Heath St., there is a less steep incline if you approach from the tube via Holly Mount. A sensitive refurbishment some years ago opened up the rooms at the back and there is an upstairs dining room. However, for many, the jewels of this pub are the rooms containing the main bar and that off to the left as you enter, with its traditional open fire.

There is a particularly excellent sign from former owners, the Benskins brewery. Full of atmosphere and character, we can only be thankful the rooms were not swept away by several tasteless schemes mooted in the past. On seeing them you will appreciate the Grade II listing and its place on CAMRA's London Regional Inventory of historic pub interiors.

The pub was acquired by London brewers Fuller's in early 2010 but, so far, the only change has been to the beer range. Food served in the bar rooms, the back room is laid out for diners only; the upstairs dining room only opens Fri to Sun. But there is also a seating area beyond the bar in another small room. Small seating area at front mostly for the benefit of smokers, no drinks outside after 20.00. Listed as an ACV Nov 2015 following an application by the Hampstead Neighbourhood Forum.

Offers a 20% discount on cask for card-carrying CAMRA members.

Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.

Features

  • Dog Friendly: Bar area only
  • Outdoor Seating: Benches at front
  • Real Fire
  • Family Friendly
  • Games: Board Games
  • Serves Food
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Dinner
  • Restaurant: Upstairs originally the studio of 18th century portrait artist, George Romney.
  • Real Ale
  • Real Heritage Pub
  • WiFi
  • Reservable
  • Good for Groups
  • Smoking
  • Accepts Credit Cards
  • Accepts Debit Cards
  • Accepts NFC

Opening times

Monday
12:00 – 11:00 PM
Tuesday
12:00 – 11:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 – 11:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 – 11:00 PM
Friday
12:00 – 11:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 – 11:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 – 10:30 PM

As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.

Good to know

Operator
Fuller's
Price
2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)

Photos

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Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.

Google rating and reviews

4.4out of 5 on Google, from 2,007 ratings

  • 5 out of 5J. Lepiandaon Google, September 2024

    I went here for lunch. The Holly Bush Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with its inviting atmosphere and exceptional food. The restaurant nestled in a charming setting, the restaurant boasts a varied menu that highlights seasonal ingredients, resulting in flavorful and beautifully presented dishes. The service is friendly and attentive, enhancing the overall experience. While dining, I had the pleasure of meeting two siblings, a brother and sister, who were incredibly kind. We ended up taking the tube together, and they were excited to share recommendations for places to…

  • 5 out of 5Joe Sidonioon Google, September 2024

    A short walk up Holly Hill (from Hampstead High Street) takes you to the Holly Bush which must be one of the most photographed pubs in London. Apart from the fact that it's very pretty, and photogenic, the atmosphere is one of calm. The day I visited, there were maybe three or four regulars in and a couple of tourists. It's a beautiful pub and the service was quick and courteous - it's a great place to spend on a sunny day. The pub also does food but I didn't eat there. Clean toilets too!

  • 5 out of 5marty xrayon Google, October 2024

    Lovely place in Hampstead. Better than average pub grub. Not sure what the chap was talking about when he said it was crowded...he must not have been talking about the dining room.

  • 5 out of 5Salar Vafaianon Google, August 2024

    Unbelievable food. Beautiful old school pub, good but a little slow service. Very friendly staff. Will definitely return. The Stonebass ceviche was incredible as was the Halibut and the beetroot tartare. The burger was also very good. Well done!

  • 3 out of 5W Son Google, September 2024

    Nice pub hidden away in the backstreets of Hampstead. Arrived on a Saturday night in an attempt to have dinner here. We had little expectations of a table being available and when we asked (2 males), we were told they were fully booked for a table of 4 people unless we had a reservation. The rest of our party arrived 2 minutes later, they decided to go ask again themselves (2 females) and a table was available for the 4 of us immediately. Unsure what to make of that but we got a table nonetheless. Food is pricey (probably standard for Hampstead) and while the dishes were nice, portion sizes…

Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.

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