The Holly Bush, Hampstead, NW3

One of my favourites in London. This visit was the first time I have eaten here. £25 for a steak. To be fair, it was delicious. £12.50 for the cheesboard - but alas, my expense policy was blown on the steak. ESB served in the proper chalice. Love the feel of this pub. Photos at my blog - http://bit.ly/2cRaZHD

A pleasant and attractive looking pub located slightly off the beaten track but only a short stroll from Hampstead’s High Street, it’s worth taking the trouble to track down as it’s one of the more traditional pubs in the area and seems to cater for drinkers just as much as diners based on a recent Saturday evening visit, although it was getting a little late when we visited so may perhaps be different earlier in the evening. It’s a multi-roomed layout, probably four in total although we only investigated the front two. The right hand bar at the front is where the bar counter is. There was much wood panelling on the walls and a small snug off of here with just a couple of seats. The left hand bar is given over to seating with red button back banquettes around much of the perimeter and small tables and chairs elsewhere. The colour scheme was a mixture of brown and pale yellow and there were dark wooden boards on the floor and etched glass windows to the front. An old fire-place was off to one side with a couple of shelves of old books up above. The menu looked to be a step or two up from your usual “pub grub” with most of the dishes being priced at £15 or more, and even fish & chips coming in at £14.50. Other options included beef pie, roast partridge, grouse leg, cod with squid & tapenade or a sea trout salad. We didn’t eat ourselves, so can’t say whether these prices are justified. Beers on this occasion were Oliver’s Island, Lancaster Red, ESB, London Pride and Butcombe. The solitary cider was a rather pleasant Mortimer’s Orchard, which makes a pleasant change from the usual dross around these parts.

Official site of Holly Bush - hollybushhampstead.co.uk

Official site of Holly Bush - hollybushhampstead.co.uk