It took me seven years to return to The Holly Bush in Hampstead. But as the saying goes, “seven years of reflection.” And after reading this post, you’ll understand why.
Anyway, my latest visit to one of Hampstead’s most iconic pubs was nothing short of delightful. From the warm atmosphere to the delicious food and impeccable service, every detail made it a truly memorable experience.
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON invites you to discover the charm of The Holly Bush in Hampstead!
The Holly Bush in Hampstead
The Holly Bush is a Grade II listed pub, nestled in the heart of Hampstead on Holly Mount. It’s up on a hill and you can get there by two different paths.
The building was originally constructed as a house in the 1790s, later serving as Assembly Rooms in the 19th century, before being transformed into a pub in 1928. It’s incredible to dine in a building so rich with history, one that has lived so many different lives over the years!
I first visited the Holly Bush years ago after a walk in Hampstead Heath with my husband and kids. The place was packed (it was Sunday lunch), so we got seated upstairs in a quiet room. Unfortunately, the staff first forgot about us, then most of the meals we wanted were out of stock, and the ones we got weren’t great. Finally, they offered us a barely edible dessert as an apology, and we left pretty skeptical about all the hype this pub gets on social media!
Seven years later, it is a completely different experience! I visited on a Tuesday for a lunch with a friend, and we had the most delightful time. The atmosphere felt welcoming, and the food was absolutely delicious!
The Holly Pub: North London’s gastropub
I saw on their website that The Holly Bush has earned The AA Rosette for culinary excellence, which is always a good sign that the food is going to be amazing, isn’t it?
A few minutes after we ordered, the waitress surprised us with some potato bread and this amazing garlic butter that instantly put us in a great mood. We were pretty hungry by then, so it was a total treat to get such a thoughtful starter out of the blue!
We kept the foodie adventure going with our mains – starting with the gnocchi (left picture and below). It was a little on the salty side, but the mix of soft (gnocchi) and crispy (broccoli) textures totally worked, and the combo of pesto and goat’s curd was next-level delicious!
Don’t be fooled by the seemingly simple aubergine schnitzel (below) – it’s packed with rich, sophisticated flavours! The aubergine beneath that crispy, golden coating is cooked to perfection, and the chicory sauce? Absolutely divine!
Since we shared our mains, eager to explore as many flavours as possible, we soon realised there was no room left for dessert (yep, it happened).
As we waited for the bill, the waitress surprised us with a warm smile and a plate of delicious pâtes de fruits – something I know well from France but hadn’t expected in England. Yet again, a delightful and indulgent way to wrap up our meal!
Had an amazing time at the Holly Bush! I can now confidently say it’s a great spot for lunch – just try to go on a weekday to dodge the crowds.
Plus, there’s plenty to do nearby! You can stroll through the charming streets of Hampstead Village or take a relaxing walk on Hampstead Heath, which is just a few minutes from the pub. Perfect combo!
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Hope you enjoyed reading this post! If you’re planning to book a table at the Holly Bush soon, I’d love to hear all about your experience – feel free to share it on the DOYOUSPEAKLONDON blog!
To go further:
The Holly Bush: 22 Holly Mount, NW3 6SG.
Nearest tube station: Hampstead.
Website for online booking.
Check out my other pub recommendations in and around London here.
Agréable récit d’un bon moment passé à table et judicieuse suggestion d’une promenade apéritive ou digestive !
@Myriam This is the perfect combo indeed: a great lunch and a relaxing walk! Thanks for your feedback!
Great idea, looking forward to my next trip to Hampstead to test it!
@Philip Hope you will like it! Please share your experience on this blog once you’ve been there!