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Real People. Real Reviews.®
Hampstead (Northern)
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I spent 8 days in London and the Holly Bush was wonderful enough that I spent 2 nights enjoying pints and dinners in this little gastropub in Hampstead.
The first night I was alone (my first night in London, ever) and was enchanted by the walk up the windy hill to the Holly Bush - 1 block from the Tube but it felt like a world away from London. I spend a while out on the patio with some Canadians, New Zealanders, and a Londoner talking about the finer points of the ales we were drinking. Later I went inside and had a GREAT lamb with peas as I watched the World Cup with a bunch of enthusiastic (but civil) locals. It was so beautifully rare, and the peas so tiny and sweet...I still think about that meal.
Once my wife arrived in London, I took her there and we enjoyed a fantastic meal with some pints. I had the fish pie and she had the ale and beef pie. The latter is not to be missed. The gravy cooked the fresh veggies underneath in the most perfect way. It is hard to describe how delicious this food is.
All in all, the Holly Bush is the place I'll carry with me from that wonderful trip to London. It is nearly perfect, and I hope it will be just the same when I visit again.
I must have been really lazy. I had been living in London for more than three years and i still hadn't visited the place known to be the best gastropub in the city. Plans had been made and plans had been cancelled ... several times ... until i could take it no longer and decided to visit all by myself a couple of weekends back.
It wasn't easy getting to the Holly Bush. Its quite some way back from the main road. One has to walk up Holly hill from Hampstead station and then get onto Holly Mount in order to reach the destination :)
The food was good ... the drink was good. I enjoyed my visit and it is a solid four stars. But i really wasn't moved to the point of raving about it as many others have. I will probably go back and would have surely visited several times had i lived nearby ... but it will not be a priority visit for me during a future trip to London ... which is my criteria for a 5 star.
I started with a deep fried scotch egg accompanied by onion jam. The egg was not overly impressive but the sweetish jam was awesome. For the main course i had beef pie. I had to wait a for a pretty long time for this dish to arrive but the wait was worth it. It was served with a lot of vegetables (including whole beans ... something i don't remember seeing often) and was very big in size. I ate on and on and on and it just wouldn't finish. This was the best pie i had eaten in some time.
I was sitting in the front room downstairs but i understand that there are further rooms at the back and upstairs. The decorations (primarily the old pictures on the walls) gave me a feeling of being transported to a pub in the 19th century. I can imagine that it would be pretty relaxing sipping a beer while sitting on one of the few chairs outdoors.
For a drink i had one of the ales that the bartender suggested. It wasn't bad ... but i don't really like the dark beers ... i should have mentioned it to him.
I ended up paying less than £20 for a two course lunch along with a drink ... which was very cheap given the popularity this place commands. A reasonably positive experience on the whole.
After two relatively disappointing days in central London, I told my hosts that on my third, I'd much rather have a relaxed day in their neighborhood. They suggested The Holly Bush, a short walk from their home, and in my mind at least, a quintessential British pub. I loved everything about our visit, and It will surely be a highlight of my European tour.
Walking up a hill along a curved, narrow street set the tone for entering the quaint, laid back pub. I instantly felt like i was miles and decades away from the rest of my London experience. The staff was friendly as our party walked in and found a table. At first i thought the server was a little standoffish, but...and I'll be honest here...i have a terrible habit or mistaking British accents for condensation (I'm trying to work on this, i swear!). She was actually incredibly friendly and accommodating, and was even making googly faces as my baby nephew.
The food was excellent! I had the quail pie, as well as a bite of the boyfriend's baked goat cheese. I was expecting the quail pie to be warm, so the fact that it wasn't was a bit of a surprise. Still good, though. The baked goat cheese was AMAZING. For an entree I had the lamb, and it was quite juicy and flavorful.
I really enjoyed the vibe of this pub. My only regret is that instead of sampling more of their local ales, i stuck with Pimms and lemonade (though actually Sprite to us Americans, I've learned) I think sitting on the front patio area and drinking the afternoon away would be one of the best things to do in London. I can't wait to be back in the winter and come back here again. I was thoroughly impressed.
This place is awesome. Amazing service, solid beer and hands down one of the best rib eye steaks I've ever had.
This is my local pub, so I'm a bit biased. But honestly, I love this place and it is one of my favourite places in London. A lot of the once pubs in Hampstead are turning into more upscale, gastropubs now and have restaurants too. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of these gastropubs, the Wells, the Horseshoe, the Old White Bear, I absolutely love them all. But the Holly Bush stays true to the traditional English pub. And it does it well.
The decor of the Holly Bush is one of my favourite parts about the pub. It is a true "old man pub," with it's mismatched furniture, old photos on the walls, and dark hard wood flooring, and I love it. It is cozy and perfect to enjoy a quiet one and enjoy a bite as well. There is also a small seating area outside that is lovely enjoying a pint in the summer.
As a wino, i must say that I think the wine at this pub is actually quite good, with a fairly good selection. It changes quite often as well, which is good for us regulars. Most true English pubs only have two or three options, but the Holly Bush has more to offer. Also, the wine glasses are glorious, large and perfect for a huge glass of red to warm you up from the crummy London weather.
The Holly Bush stays true to English pub culture and is always be a Hampstead favourite.
Listed in: Hampstead
The Holly Bush is one of my favourite pubs in London. Tucked away on Holly Mount it's a very quaint place. Old oak flooring, etched windows and wood paneled walls give it a quintessentially English feel. It's a real olde worlde drinking hole dating back to the nineteeth-century with lots of original features, but thankfully without any of the tackiness that recreated interiors end up with. You wont find brass horse shoes and tankards lining the frieze here.
With it's positioning it has the potential to be a Barbour clad, old boys pub, but thankfully you're always bound to find a mix of interesting characters drinking with you. From thespian types sat on a lone table running through their lines to Heath walkers who pop in post-walk. On a lunch time it's usually full of people with a HB behind their ear and a stack of papers piled up on the table. All come here purely for an honest love of a good pub.
I've eaten here many times and sometimes it can be a bit hit and miss which is a shame as I really can't fault the drinking aspect. Their pies are delicious though, especially the 'Organic Beef and Harveys Ale with Chedder Mash' that really hits the spot after a chilly autumn walk.
It's the sort of place that would be good to be in as snow collects outside on the window paynes whilst you sit by the open fire and drink a glass of mulled wine. It's quite simply, toasty.
The 'what would your last meal on earth be' game is always a fun one to play, no matter who you're talking to. Sometimes you'll find instant affinities with people you thought you didn't have anything in common with and other times you'll be shocked and disgusted by someone you thought you knew very well. I've genuinely known people to say that they would, as their last meal on earth ever, have a Domino's pizza - you have to question someone who's wildest dreams only stretch to the shops on their local high street.
Personally, my answer is always roast. OK, this might sound a bit safe, a bit mainstream, but if you think about it, it's actually just a reflection of my greedy belly. If I don't specify a particular roast, I can include everything from classic beef and gravy or pork with crackling to spiced roast duck and lamb with anchovies. Hell, I could even go for the curb ball nut roast option. The world is my oyster now had me the gravy.
Having heard Laura N harp on about the Holly Bush on at least 3 occasions, I knew it must be something special - she is after all a Yelpasaurous. True to her words, this place didn't disappoint. Beautifully located, the Holly Bush has a slight Lords of the Rings ale house appearance. It's sunken windows and dark interior scream cosy hide away. In fact, Frodo and the gang could have saved themselves a lot of hassle if they had just popped along here.
To eat, I had the roast beef and my boyfriend the pork. Not to make ordering too competitive, but I definitely won. Properly aged and full of flavour, the roast beef was of the quality you can only yearn to recreate at home. That's not to say that the pork wasn't delicious but my bonus Yorkshire pudding definitely swung the balance.
Although there have been a couple of negative words about the service here, I would completely disagree. Our waiter was lovely, very charming and even though he made a couple of mistakes (mixing up the order with those next to us) he was far to nice about it for me to quibble.
And so the point to my ramblings - if like me, you are a true roast fan, scoot your toosh to The Holly Bush - it won't disappoint.
One of, if not the best British pub I've ever visited. Quaint and old without feeling rundown and dusty. Good food, nice selection of beers. Quite the journey from the center of London, but well worth the trek.
Only wish I lived in London so that I could frequent the Holly Bush.
This place has had some stunning reviews and this one will in part only confirm what has gone before.
The Holly Bush looks like a traditional pub with lots of little hidden areas to sit in and socialise. There is a constant buzz of happy drinkers, and this combination of atmosphere and classic wood surroundings gives The Holly Bush a wonderful stay all day feel.
What makes The Holly Bush really special is the food. The menu offers impressive English gastro delights such as calves liver and bacon and meatloaf. The food is excellent in its appearance and taste and although expensive for what is in essence a pub, once you've tasted the food you know it is money well spent.
Do not expect great service, it is functional and efficient but not impressive. The enjoyment comes in the surroundings and an almost certain promise of having a fabulous meal.
Listed in: Free Wi Fi hotspots, NW3, Great Pub Lunches, Incredible Food Experiences
Soooo good. When I was in London I wanted to find a great gastropub, and I found it. The gravy is great. The mashed potatoes have mustard seed in them. The best things I've had were the ham hock and the wild boar sausage. You should really check this place out.
This place has character. Tucked away up from the main street. The journey up to the Hollybush is quite exciting for people who never been there before. Great pies and amazing roast. One of my favourite places to eat in London. I enjoy eating upstairs (reservations recommened) because it is more comfortable. This is a place I normally take people from out of town for some good British food.
So you know how there are some places that you go to at least once a week? I just can't stop coming here! I've had the pleasure of having the full Holly Bush experience: happy hour drinks, excellent dinners in the upstairs dining room, traditional Sunday roast, casual pub grub by the fireplace...and I still can't get enough!
I'm mildly claustrophic, too, and this place is ALWAYS crowded. It's just so great that I think I've been cured of this phobia - with the exception of the Tube during rush hour. The staff is very friendly, too.
I would give them 6 stars but they don't serve the mulled cider year round, thus giving me a reason to look forward to winter. Which is weird because I'm from California.
Listed in: Watering holes for the…
The Holly Bush is situated within an area of London that looks more like a village than a bustling metropolitan. Having patiently waited for the kitchen to reopen, we strolled the area, really getting a feel for the environment. I think that if the Holly Bush were in Zone 1, their clientele wouldn't put up with the wait involved in receiving a seemingly exclusive VIP menu.
When I finally had it in my hand I wasn't blown away, somehow I had expected crazy flavour combinations and words I'd never seen before. The menu was very gastro pub inspired but included goodies like shallot gravy and purple broccoli. I opted for the soup of the day and the meatloaf, both choices I would usually avoid.
Having searched out a nook-like room with a skylight, the rain that fell over us was perfectly atmospheric. While the service was bare necessities it remained functional and pleasant. The food, on the other hand, was absolutely lovely. My meatloaf was very meaty, mash was very smooth and the purple broccoli was pristinely steamed. Leon's liver was also gorgeous and was truly the only liver I've ever enjoyed.
The Holly Bush was no disappointment, very popular with the locals and has an old fashioned charm. 1 star removal for the lack of happy happy joy joy behind the bar.
Listed in: Pub Playground
NOTE FOR AMERICANS:
It was an absolutely awesome experience. Having been in central London for the last two days it was really cool to see more of a neighborhood area with tons of locals, I think me and my friend were the only Americans in the place. The surrounding area is quite quaint.
I don't know about other pubs here but this one seemed totally old school. Just a heads up, there's no system for getting seats, there's no waiting list, and no central place to line up for a table. Lots of the tables have reserved signs on them, but I have no idea how hard it is to get a reservation. So just be a little aggressive and grab a non-reserved table as soon as you see someone putting on their coat and getting ready to leave.
The Chicken and Leek pie was awesome, and veggies were perfectly seasoned. The only thing I would have changed was the fact that my roast beef wasn't pink like I'm used to, maybe its just how they serve it there, but it was still really good. If I went back I woud definitely get the Chicken and Leek pie.
This was hands down the most English experience I've had here so far.
Sunday Roast * Sunday Roast * Sunday Roast * Sunday Roast * Sunday Roast.
Why the repetitive chants of Sunday Roast bliss? Two reasons. For starters, you simply NEED to know about this place! And two, I really want this to come up on the search engines as the best place in London to go or Sunday Roast, because it is fantastic.
We stumbled on to it via Yelp last night when a craving for Lamb (I swear this whole trip has been a nonstop lamb craving for me because London Lamb is so damn tasty!!) I searched Lamb and got a few listings. I searched Sunday Roast and found a few more, but then Ebony and Ivory came together and the Holly Bush was born. So many 5 star reviews? Could this be true? We would have to find out.
We hopped the tube and about 20 minutes or so later we found ourselves at the Hamstead aka Land of Delicious Pleasures stop. We hiked up the hill and looked for the rumored stairs and there they were, yay, we were on the right track. As we curved through the narrow alleys and climbed the steps we were like two little kids in a candy store. Giddy, excited and so ready for the Sunday roastage. (Yes, I'm aware that isn't a real word... go with it.)
There it was The Holly Bush, a welcoming sight in the grumblin' tummy night. We walked in and the place was filled with happy, drinking people. We grabbed a seat downstairs, but my friend took a quick lap to see what other options were available and sure enough there was an upstairs dining hall. And a gorgeous upstairs dining hall at that. Super high ceilings with yummy mint wallpaper and white trim. Mismatched tables and chairs that created a warm and friendly environment. And lighting that would make anyone look good. So key!
There were a few parties or varying sizes from 2 to 10 people enjoying the offerings of the Roast and once I saw Lamb Shank on the menu. Oh yes, let's get this party started! We ordered the brie as a starter and I have to say, it was my least favorite dish I've had in London. It just tasted a bit like paste and the toasted soldiers were a bit raw. We went with a nice Southern Rhone blend wine that totally hit the spot and of course there was that lamb shank.
It was so moist and delicious that it couldn't wait to fall off the bone and make a mad dash for my mouth. Delicate, full of flavor and really, wow, just amazing. It came with these cheese mashed potatoes and the combination of the elements were like poetry in my mouth. And how often can you say that as a single girl. Wait, what?
All in all, the Holly Bush is THE place to go for Sunday Roast. The only thing I don't like about it, is the fact that I am leaving London in a few days to head back to the States and I won't get to again next Sunday. Wah :(
Listed in: London Restaurants, Top London Restaurants, London Lunch Spots, London Pubs, London Sunday Roast
Food quality is much worse these days. Overflowing with Americans now thanks to yelp :(
This is *the* place to go for Sunday roast in Hampstead. Get there at noon sharp though to get a… Read more »
I was so excited to go here thinking that if so many people gave this place five stars it was going to be a six star place. It was packed the night I went, and the front portions were all occupied by older crowds (when I say old I am talking the 40+ age group). It was a bit depressing. We were finally able to negotiate a table in the back where it was a bit younger but really loud and stuffed with groups.
The service was poor--practically having to trip our waitress to get her attention and getting the order wrong.
The food was good--I had the duck terrine which was somewhat memorable and a seasonal salad that was trying too hard. I tasted my friend's game casserole and bit into the chewiest piece of venison that has ever touched my venison-loving teeth.
I think it is definitely on the upper-end of pubs--good gastropub, lively atmosphere, old-school charm, but not a 5 star place in my book. I'd much rather be at the Duke of Cambridge....
This is a top-notch pub. It's like a country pub, but wedged in a back lane on a hill in Hampstead, just steps from the Northern Line station there.
It has several rooms of different shapes and sizes, and a lot of original wooden tables and benches. You get a good mix of ales and lagers. The food is very good here, and there's a dining room upstairs in the evenings if you want to focus on their culinary expertise. Sunday roasts are popular here, as is the whole weekend. People often spill out onto the pavements at these times.
Easily the best traditional pub in Hampstead, and one of the nicest in North London.
The Hollybush is one of those pubs with history that gets passed down the generations, and has remained a Hampstead treasure.
After a walk on the heath on a Sunday it can get quite busy in here - it has such a homely feel to it with its low ceilings and dark wood panelling and a fireplace. It offers a great Sunday roasts and ales which is very popular with the punters. I myself am a big fan of their pot pies.
They have a certain formula in here that has worked for decades and they shouldn't change it one bit. As London Nightlife said, it's "everything a pub should be".
Ok this is kind of weird but the reason I came here with friends was because someone told us that BRAD PITT had been here. I know that's lame. But boy was I glad I came! The Holly Bush is a Perfect Pub. It's exaclty what I expected from a pub when I came to London. Food is good, but let's focus on the drinks and atmosphere. Pretty crowded, I'd request a table as soon as you get here, it's nice to sit and people watch. Crowd is definitely a mixed group of genders and ages. Everyone is laid back and seems to be there to spend time with friends, and it's nice to see everyone talking and laughing with each other. Great selection of beers and ales...but whatever your pleasure, come here, order a pint, and take a load off. You won't regret it.
A little hard to find, but that's how all great pubs should be.
Great winter venue, terrible in summer. Good beers, food is fine, but used to be better.
I had the pleasure of spending some time at this fantastic pub during a layover in London on our way to Santorini (Great spot for a honeymoon).
One of my best friends from College and his wife were living in Hampstead at the time, and they decided to send us off with a couple of Stella's.
This is how ALL neighborhood pubs should be. Tough to find, off the beaten path, and full of happy, friendly regulars. We lucked out and scored an outdoor table (with no smokers present nonetheless), and proceeded to drink a few Stella's too many. This was also my introduction to the wonderful girl. In fact, this experience may quite be the reason for my obsession for Stella. Every one brings me back to this wonderful place!
Anyway, after camping out for a couple of hours, I realized that we only had 2 hours to get back to John & Gina's flat, catch a cab, drive out to Heathrow, and make our flight. Lets just say we were sprinting down the terminal, screaming at the gate keeper to hold the plane!
If you EVER find yourself in London, hop the tube (if necessary) and track down this pub. Its well worth it!
Great place to meet friends and grab a pint. Food is good and the beer selection is as well. If you want a warm pub with a good amount of room inside during the colder months, stop here after work for a pint.
My hands-down favorite place in London for Sunday roast. Perfectly cooked roast, tasty Yorkshire pudding, fresh and crisply cooked veg, well-kept beer on the side. The ONLY downside is that their excellence is not a secret so you have to stalk and pounce on a table--seats are hard to come by. But if you are motivated and have a fighting spirit you will prevail, and be rewarded with an excellent lunch!
Roast Organic Beef...Oh my, it was mouthwatering
I actually went there twince during the week I was in London.
Close to the tube....
Nice place to visit
I love how the entrance to this pub is through a quaint little lane way halfway up Hampstead High Street.
The Hollybush is certainly a pub with a lot of character, it has a really welcoming and bustling atmosphere but it is one of the busiest pubs I have ever been in. The interior is dark with wooden tables and even when rushed off their feet, the staff were very pleasant and friendly. They have a fine selection of real ales and wine list.
They do Sunday roast here which I have yet to try, if you want to come here with a group though I would recommend you book in advance.
The definition of a gastropub can get quite tricky. Is it pub's food that you can charge a bit more? Well, that's what I've imagined after having dinner at the holly bush.
Listed in: London
Noises from the upper dining room: a free association.
"Oh the view! Oh the chandeliers! Oh the antique chairs! Oh the beautiful tables..I've found my new haunt."
"it's the...eye of the tiger it's the thrill of the fight..."
"Aww, look at them -- how great would it be to get all your friends together on Sunday for a traditional roast.... awww...friends..."
"Yes that wine will do just fine, thank you."
"Cheers!"
"bleeeh...is this bread...raw? Why does the roasted brie look like Elmer's?"
""Mmmmm....mmmmm, note to self: skip appetizers. Wait for the roast."
"Is that Tina Turner? No...I mean this song..."
"Oh my dear lord, you must try a bite of the chicken...no no, get some gravy on there..."
"wow. just wow."
"Now that's what you call falling off the bone..."
"Oh I'm never gonna dance again...guilty feet have got no rhythm..."
"Best saxophone solo EVER."
"Speaking of never dancing again, have I ever told you about the time..."
"Hhahahahaahhaahahaaahh. HAhhhahahah!"
"Hmmm, those are the lights, aren't they?"
"...pound that love, you never waste wine."
Morals of the story:
-This is the best Sunday roast I have experienced in London by a long shot.
-Although the music selection is a random splattering of 80s classics, it is certainly not overly obtrusive.
-The dining room gets very warm and loud, but it only adds to the charming ambiance.
-80s music still rules.
-Skip appetizers. The Roast stands alone.
-Be sure to bring a close friend, this is an establishment where secrets of the past are unlocked at a whim.
-Never waste wine
Listed in: Great for Groups, London's Best Date Spots, Best London Meals, British Best Bets, Favourite London Pubs
Best pub in London. I live here on Sunday afternoons (and a lot of evenings during the week...let's be honest). Sunday roast here is amazing, especially when you snag a table by the fire in winter. The food is great during the week, too, and the atmosphere with the maze of old wood-paneled rooms is so very Hampstead.
Listed in: My Neighborhood, Lovely Hampstead Pubs, The Places I Go Out, My London Faves
I have been a loyal customer at the Holly Bush for years but after todays Sunday lunch, I think I will finally stop ordering food and concentrate on just drinking there. Ordered the roast turkey at 13.50 and received two dismal, meager slices of turkey with a tiny round of stuffing on top and a few uninteresting veggies. I feel like the kitchen has really slipped in the last year. Also the woman who served the food has a surly attitude and illegally kicks people out of suddenly 'reserved' tables. It's very seedy behavior.
My grandparents used to come here when they were first married and living in London and I really think that this brilliant pub hasn't changed much at all since then. Tucked away up round the back of chi-chi Hampstead, The Hollybush seems to belong more in Hampstead's artistic past than it's super sleek present. Tiny and cosy and very wood-panelled in the downstairs bar, the upstairs dining room is lighter and airier and serves really delicious, well-made pub grub like pies and a good Sunday roast. Roaring log fires complete the effect, really the cosiest place to come after a winter trudge across Hampstead Heath.
Best proper authentic pub I've found in London (if not very central). It's small, but the Harvey's on tap is the best. Dining room upstairs is much more formal with less of a comfortable vibe (quiet, high-ceiling room with others dining around you). I recommend eating downstairs for proper pub fare.
One of my favourite pubs in London. Located in old converted stables, it has a country feel that goes with its Hampstead location, tucked between homes that verge on castles, and mews straight out of a novel. There are various candlelit nooks and crannies that you can huddle into with friends, and out back there's a larger room with a sturdy wooden table at its centre, perfect for groups. It's dark and atmospheric, the kind of place where you wish someone would sit and tell you a Wuthering Heights type tale. As a student I used to love spending hours here reading and, if around Christmas, sipping mulled wine. I often return for nostalgic reasons and also for the food - the vegetarian sausages are some of the best I've ever had and the mash perfect - it's perfect hearty cuisine to match the fine settings. There is also a more formal dining area upstairs, and some seats outside. This is an ideal place to come to warm up after a jaunt on the nearby heath. It's like a slice of the country up on London's hill - delightful.
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