please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
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
|
The Holly Bush used to be a local pub.
I had my stag night in the front bar twenty years ago, when the customers
were members of Hampstead Rugby Club, various doctors and nurses from
the Royal Free , and several members of equity .
Two years ago in the summer I thought as I was in the area I would pop in for a pint (memory lane etc)
Outside the pub was a security guard who informed me that no customers were allowed stand outside after 8pm !!!
The customers all now seem to be tourists , so that's another good pub down the pan.
|
A nice looking pub, a welcome haven which we discovered one very hot afternoon a fortnight ago while exploring Hampstead. However with the real ale at over £4 a pint, the pub is clearly aiming at rich people!!!!
|
This once wonderful pub has just reopened after a major refurbishment.
Oh dear. This pub should be renamed the World of Leather Arms on account of its fake high back studded burgundy leatherette armchairs. Decorated throughout with magnolia paint, the whole job looks like a brand new Victorian-themed hotel bar; almost all the original character has been lost.
There's now no compelling reason to come here any more - very sad.
|
Although it's been a year since I last visited this pub, I just don't believe the poster of 19 April (richw012) saying "rude staff, rude customers". Nonsense, I have always found staff reasonably polite and I don't hang around in any pub full of rude customers.
Expensive? That may be true, though a pint of beer is expensive almost anywhere these days. But this is a terrific pub.
|
One of the best pubs in London in my humble opinion. Cool location - it feels like a country village pub. Try to grab an outside seat during the summer months and watch folk stroll by. Good selection of beers and wonderful old style decor. My friend had his 50th birthday in the upstairs room and we were well looked after.
|
Expensive, rude staff, rude customers.
One to generally avoid.
|
Nice looking pub inside and out. Plenty of corners to hide away in.
It's a pity that on my visit i was asked if i wanted a table for 2 as i ordered drinks. They seemed to be pushing the food angle at you.
I had the Butcombe Bitter which was only just average. I have had better. Still a nice pub to visit though.
|
It is mysterious indeed, that it doesn't matter how long it's been since you last came here, it still feels like home when you come back.
Whatever it is that does this, more pubs should have it.
|
Went yesterday with two old friends and we agreed that this is "possibly the best pub in the world". Of course that is very subjective but we felt that by a narrow margin this pub is better than another nice pub across the heath in Highgate.
Good service, good food and a wide choice of ales including 2 guest beers. The old nooks and crannies are marvellously preserved.
|
You'll need a pint after the stiff walk uphill. Nice landlord offered me a variety of recepicles for my esb.... Unfortunately, none were the ceremonial chalice. Last hampstead pub i tried in vein to find showing football. There was a fella in the king william watching it on his laptop, but he wouldn't budge up.
|
Outstanding. Incredibly atmospheric, rambling pub that is far larger inside than it appears from the approach. Usual Fullers beers, good to see they've kept some old Benskins memorabilia. Feels absolutely timeless.
|
This is quite possibly the best pub in the world. Gorgeously preserved, intimate atmosphere, friendly and relaxed service and the second best pint of Seafarer ever to be tasted.
If you only go to one pub in Hampstead, this has to be the one.
|
Hampstead's best pub, a rambling place with all the nooks and crannies you could wish for. Slightly touristed although the locae up a steep hill is picture postcard perfect and the environs pleasant indeed. Harveys has been on tap here ever since I can remember - which is never bad.
|
Food pub. But it's history and ambience make it worth a visit. Don't miss the pie and good beers.
Muzzy - 18 May 2012 16:17 |
Still reasonable enough as a pub inthe evenings. The Harveys was good (though at 'Standard Hampstead' prices of �4 a pint it should be)
anonymous - 10 May 2012 18:20 |
Went here for dinner on Saturday night. The food was good (once it eventually arrived), but the service was very, no ridiculously, slow. The staff were friendly enough, but there was no apparent system for taking orders from the various tables and efficiently serving food. We wanted a dessert but after waiting for 15 minutes for our order to be taken, we gave up and asked for the bill. However, the person we asked never came back and the next waitress to approach asked us if we were ready to order! It's a shame because this was one of my favourite pubs in London. It has a lovely old English feel to it and Sussex Harvey's, which is one of my favourite ales. But the service has steadily slipped and Saturday was just more evidence of this. Not a place to vistit if you're in any sort of a rush for food.
|
We visited this pub today after not having been here for maybe three years, when we lived locally. It still seems to attract the mix of local eccentrics (a bit) and UK/foreign (mainly US) toruists. A pint of London Pride was c. �3.60. The big shame is the time it took for the food to arrive (ages, and ages after another table that ordered 15 mins after us) and that it seems some of the staff don't speak particularly good English, which meant basic 'asks' of the bar-staff were staggeringly difficult (and reserving a table over the phone was also difficult due to the bloke's inability to transcribe my very basic English surname properly). Whoever runs the place should ensure better knowledge of English from the staff.
|
Seeing the old Benskins sign brings back memories; always a great pub; was in here earlier this week for the first time in yonks and it's as good as ever...
|
Everyone should visit the Holly Bush at least once. It trades a little bit on its 'olde worlde' charm, but that charm is real enough. The beer and the food have always been pretty good in my experience.
|
Yes Von Schlieffen. That does not stop me from enjoying Harvey's at the excellent Royal Oak in SE1 !
|
We visited The Holly Bush on a Sunday lunchtime and it was pack, as expected, however the bar staff were incredibly helpful. We were found a lovely table and had great service. The food was also wonderful and very good value. Our waiter was apologetic about the quality of the decaf cappuccino and so didn't even add it to the bill. We cannot wait to have lunch at the Holly Bush again!
|
A lot better than the other Hampstead offerings. A few ales on, of which the Butcombe Bitter went down well ( though my acquaintances stuck with the Fuller's brews). I did try the Seafarers later which was also a nice pint. Can be manic and awkward to find a perch at times but worth a trek up the steps to.
anonymous - 6 Mar 2011 22:08 |
The photo is out of date (very old Benskins sign!). Can you please upload a photo with the new Fullers signage?
|
Once a glorious pub serving good beer and reasonable food. Now really a restaurant and not a very good one either. Our food was over priced and not very nice and they got the order wrong. And the beer quality wasn't great - Harveys distinctly average and the Pride OK. Still it was packed, so it must be doing something right. But I won't be back in a hurry.
|
Sorry, can't agree with you alebarry. They serve excellent ales in here - the usual Fullers ales and Butcombe!
|
Great old pub, but they have not been able to serve a decent pint for ages. Saturday night I took the precaution of ordering a half. Insipid, on its way out, mediocre. Retreated down the road to the Horseshoe for a decent pint (even if it lacks atmosphere).
|
Was there on Saturday. Have frequented before and love the olde atmosphere and untouched dark wood (what is it with stripping the character of these places out and replacing them with cheap pine??) panelling.
It took a while for the very timid bartender to serve us, all the while a rather arrogant maitre d' swanned around him. I ordered a pint of Discovery which was ordinary, and sat down to await our food.
A rather timid but pleasant waitress served our meals and I put salt and pepper on the pie, but then the maitre d' appeared and told the waitress it was the wrong table and took our food away. She and we told them it was the right order and he eventually relented. It would seem this arrogant individual was the reason everyone was so lacking in confidence at their posts.
Despite all this the steak and ale pie which was fantastic - one of the best pub meals I've ever had. What a shame that so many of these pubs have to suffer such an arrogant landlord.
|
Nipped in for a pint on Sunday lunchtime when passing through the area. Seemed to be a great pub with a good atmosphere...good pint of Pride and top food.
|
Brilliant - love this pub! Great atmosphere here, with lots of seating and cosy rooms with candles (the real fire in September was a touch too hot though!). Beers were really well kept and included Seafarers, Harveys Susssex and Butcome. Bar staff are excellent and ensure that everyone is served quickly in this busy pub. This has to be the best pub in Hampstead.
|
A very nice pub. Lots wood beams. Like many in the area it's very historic and a listed building. Apparently this one used to be a stables.
We got a friendly welcome from the staff.
I have to say the ale was on the cold side but not undrinkable. Being Hampstead it was not cheap either!
All in all a place I would definately return to.
|
Superb pub, but I have to say that the standard of Harvey's Sussex being served has declined badly of late. My last two Sussex's have been desperately poor, stale and flat. Whatever they've changed in the way they store the Harvey's should be changed back, in my opinion. It may have been over-cold on occassion but it was still the best pint of Sussex in London.
|
This has to be one of the best pubs in Hampstead - located in a quiet area that retains the genuine atmosphere of one of London's lost villages.
|
A pleasant pub with a sociable crowd on my visit. It was a delight to see Harvey's Sussex Best on the bar. HOWEVER, there was a 'cellar cool' sign on the pump and - when served - the ale was far too cold - ridiculously cold. A great shame. My rating? The pub/service = 6 - what they did to the Harvey's = 0.
|
What do you mean the ale choice has suffered? This has never been a free house, so if they are supplying a number of Fullers ales plus Harveys and Butcombe, I would say you are getting more choice than in the average tied pub.
|
now Fullers - so the ale choice has suffered - pleasing to find Harveys and Butcombe available but honestly, though quite drinkable def not up to the standards of the past and certainly nor worth a whopping �3.45 a pint. Additional "fine dining" option so it seems Fullers just in it to squeeze as much as possible from well heeled diners. Overall disappointing and not worth going of your way for.
|
A real warren of a place, with many different atmospheric rooms. I sat to the rear, and with no windows or ventilation, it was stifling on a hot summers day. However, I could imagine that during the winter, this could be a cosy place to spend a few hours. The back room had bare floorboards, wood panelled walls and pictures of old London on the walls. Reals ales on my visit were Butcombe Bitter, Harveys Best, Fullers London Pride & Discovery and Gales Seafarers Ale. Aspalls cider was also served. One downside was the service, which was a little bit cold. I hate it when a bar person thrusts out their hand expecting money, when they haven't even told you the price.
|
Can confirm it is Fullers owned now:
From the 4th Feb RSN
................Since the half year we have acquired two pubs - The Railway, Kew for the Tenanted Inns division and The Holly Bush, Hampstead for Managed Pubs and Hotels............................
|
Be careful as one female member of staff seems to think it is alright when asked for house wine at �3.50 to sell you a costlier one starting at �4.20. It happened to my group 3 times in a week ! With no apology...
|
Apparently the Hollybush has been sold to fullers. Be interesting to see if they muscle in their usual range of beer and suck the life out of the place.
The better keep the harveys on.. and the pie recipe.
|
On a snowy day it was a lovely lunchtime location. Harvey's at �3.20 but a nicely kept pint. I like the atmosphere, it's still got a scumbled intimacy . Enjoyed it. Not a poncified as I'd expected.
|
On a snowy day it was a lovely lunchtime location. Harvey's at �3.20 but a nicely kept pint. I like the atmosphere, it's still got a scumbled intimacy . Enjoyed it. Not a poncified as I'd expected.
|
Well, about a year or so ago the food here was absolutely shocking, and had been for some time. I had one of the worst meals of my life there- and that's saying something!
Then a new manager took over and the food really improved. They've got a good chef now but I beleive he's been holiday- they had a junior chef working last week who made an almighty pigs ear of all the orders. It took a really long time for our food to come and when it did it was cold and not up to usual standard. Just goes to show it is all about staff in this game. Normally food and service brilliant, but when your key man is away it all goes pearshaped.
Having said that I don't hold it against them- this is a cracking pub, good guest ales and whilst it's been greatly improved in recent times, they haven't gone mad. Agree with previous poster, no juke boxes and music spoiling the atmosphere, like stepping back in time.
|
This is quite an atmospheric pub that doesn�t look as if it has changed much over the years. Ales on were Purity Mad Goose; Adnam�s Broadside; Old Hooky; and Harvey�s Best. The Mad Goose was pretty good, and at a typical Hampstead price of �3.20 a pint. I settled in the Coffee Room, containing normal tables, settles and chairs. The front bar, as you enter, contains only a couple of tables. Its Allied Breweries heritage is proclaimed by the �Benskin�s� pub sign. There�s lots of dark varnished wood, and the walls have that yellow/brown patina that comes with age and smoke. It doesn�t look as if it has been painted for many years � if it has, they�ve done a remarkable job of making it look old.
I don�t know if the hot food was any good (the oven was on the blink when I was in) but the ham and mustard sarny I had wasn�t up to much. It did have a bit of rather nice salad garnish, but the bread wasn�t fresh, and I couldn�t taste the mustard. At �4.40 a throw they could have done better. But I won�t condemn a pub on the basis of one sandwich! As a pub I really liked it � comfortable, attractive, full of character and with decent ale. There was no music playing � a plus in my book � in fact I didn�t see any of the machines that seem to blight pubs these days. I found it a quiet, welcoming, pub, and definitely deserving a return visit.
|
Very busy at Sunday lunchtime - get there before opening and join the queue, or book a table in advance! The food is indeed excellent, and although the specials board says 'from 6pm' it's worth asking the bar staff if they are on earlier - the dessert we enquired about was. Service was quick and the portions generous and absolutely delicious. My pint of Hooky was brimming full and very tasty too.
|
A veritable maze of small rooms, nooks and crannies. The LHS room on entering is marked "Coffee Room" on the etched windows. The interior is dimly lit, wooden floors and panelling, some painted exposed brickwork, old photos of the locality etc. The old Benskins signs and adverts survive and add character and historical interest, but I also like the Thomas Crapper ad next to the toilets which is rather quirky yet apt. One nice touch I noticed is the sign advising of the last tube train times from the nearby station, what a good idea.
Food looks good and sandwiches are made with home baked bread.
Four handpumps, one unclipped today. Adnams Bitter, Hook Norton Hooky Gold and Harveys Sussex Bitter making a rare appearance this far north.
|
Visited on Friday night. Brakspear Bitter, Sussex Best, Broadside, old Hooky and the guest was Pride which was a bit disappointing. Pub is a lot bigger than it first appears with various side rooms. Typical ponced up expensive gastro menu. Nice pub that still has the Benskins signs outside.
|
Visited llast Sunday. Haven't been in for a few years and was glad to see not much has changed. Fine selection of ales, I had Sussex Best and Right Flanker both of which were in good condition. The bar man was very friendly too and pours a good pint, no need to ask for a top up here. Well worth a visit if you're in Hampstead.
|
Excellent news that Jesus has been fired, not a day to soon in my opinion. I had been a local for several years, often coming in 4+ times per week, and at least once per month. That was until one day I took some family for a special meal in the dining room upstairs, and we waited over an hour until finally some burnt and badly made pies turned up, which were well below the usual excellent standard of cooking by Mikey the head chef (who was not working that day).
All seemed fine though, and we did not have to pay for the meals (not that we would have done).
However, when I returned a few weeks later and tried to buy a pint I was refused by the manager (jesus) and barred, told that there were other places I could drink and that I was not welcome if I was going to complain when occasionally something went wrong.
Anyway, I will try it again in the next few days now that a new manager has been found, and report back on here.
|
Good pub- lively but not too lively, old but not too old. Beers expensive but where isn't????? Don't know about this staff thing, I had nothing but a fine time and lovely beer- thanks!!
|
I don't know how often 'bombaysapphire' actually goes into this pub but it can't be much since she would know that far from being 'south american' my old pal Jesus is in fact from Mexico and proud to be a Central American. Since the staff, by and large ,have not changed the new manager has only contributed to the warm welcome I have received over many years.
The new menu is a vast improvement on the last one, which was highly regarded but needed an overhaul, the food was 'broke' and definately needed fixing. I think we have all moved on from bangers, mash and onion gravy after 8 years !
If anyone had gone into the pub 10 years ago it would indeed have full of locals and the pub now is a victim of it's own popularity but the locals are still there, the catch is that you have to be one to recognise us ! Chin Chin ( PS �3.75 is a bit stiff for Lowenbrau but one could never accuse Punch for being good to their customers !)
|
My name is actually Robert, not Dave, I was brought back to the Holly Bush in January this year to put things in order, read many of the postings below and you will see why. My return was welcomed by many of the regular customers who remembered me by name. I have no desire to 'make my mark' on the pub, the philosophy of the Holly Bush has always been to run an honest pub that serves well-kept beer and good food. Please bear with us during the time it takes to re-establish the high standards that we were known for.
The Holly Bush remains to be the most charming pub in London.
Thank you for your charming comment, I will work on my charisma and style.
|
Dont know the new guy but Jesus was a good bloke. However I dont know how often you go in Lisa but all |I ever see in this pub are tourists not locals
|
Has anyone seen Dave Gorman?
Apparently the powers-that-be have seen fit to change the management at the Holly and they appear to have replaced the excellent South American manager, Jesus, with a tanktop wearing, Dave Gorman lookalike.
Unfortunately this doesn�t seem to be the greatest idea in the world and brings to mind the phrase "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" What was one of the loveliest local pubs with one of the friendliest hosts has lost its appeal. It may be early days but the first signs aren't good. No charisma, no style and nothing but contempt for the regular clientele.
The Holly has been around for 200 years. It was there long before the latest manager and will be there long after; something that should maybe have been borne in mind by the bearded one when he started �making his mark� on the place and promoted a non-English speaking glass-washer-upper to serve behind the bar�
Well, here�s to the next 200 years. Hopefully the pub will still be there anyway�
Jesus, we all miss you!
|
Our favourite pub in Hampstead. Good Harveys beer and historic front bar and lots of rooms, lively atmosphere and clientele
|
This is one of my favourite pubs in London, a real find, real ales, lovely staff and fabulous pies. You won't find tourists here, its cosy, quaint with lots of hidden corners in the downstairs bit. Has never disapointed. My only disapointment is that I have moved to far away to enjoy it more often.
|
We had Xmas lunch at The Holly Bush and for those people who are jealous that they are not treated like royalty is because they are not!
Incredible portions, reasonable priced and they work on days when nobody else would like to do it.
Everything when smooth and I am unhappy for people who had a bad experience and think it is the end of the world and they deserve free meals and visits to their homes!
I saw the place packed on several occasions I went during this month to follow up my booking. They provably serve hundreds of people a day but unfortunately, only the bad experiences had the will to try to destroy a place. What about the other hundreds that go back home happy but choose not to write? I am glad I didn�t listen to the other people who moan about the place in the previous reviews and kept my booking.
Great beer, good traditional English Food and amazing atmosphere! Thanks for making this Xmas something to remember!
|
I'm with foghorn - this is definitely a pub. Spend your money on beer, NOT food. really cosy, and I love the downstairs bit. But don't be fooled by the nice dining room and the reassuringly expensive pies - the food is very poor. 10/10 for pub and drinking, 1/10 for food.
|
I was here earlier this month for a weekday evening meal with some friends. We had the pies which were really good - the beef pie ranks among the best I have eaten in a pub. However they seemed rushed off their feet and there was a wait of around an hour for the food to arrive. Some good beers on, too.
It is a shame that the reviewer before me had such a disappointing experience at the Holly Bush despite having booked a month ago. Whilst my experiences were generally good a week ago, staff attitudes left a little to be desired particularly at closing time when at 2320 we were pressured into drinking three-quarters of a pint in two minutes while their friends and relatives continued to be served.
I will go again; the gripes were trifling in comparison to those experienced by Barkingboy, and hopefully the right result will come of his correspondence with the pub.
6/10.
|
I would not recommend this pub for a lunch. I contacted them in mid November to say that I wanted to bring two elderly friends for their Christmas lunch there. We arrived on time and were given a slot of 1hr 45. The beer was good but the starters were disappointing. the 'sexy Scotch egg' was a dry affair on a few leaves of rocket salad. Then we had to wait 45 minutes for the main courses to arrive. The meat was warm but all the vegetables were stone cold. We were so annoyed, particularly since they were putting time pressure on us that we ased for our bill. We explained the problem but no apologies were given. We then had to pay �25 for three starters, and four beers! No discount was offered. I then e mailed them when we got home to set out my disappointment. They did not even have the courtesy to send a reply. This is a nice setting but dreadful food and a non-caring staff and a slow kitchen. TO BE AVOIDED!
|
This site is called "beerintheevening" not "roastbeefandyorkshirepuddinginthemorning". This being the case, I can strongly reccomend a visit to this pub for its wondefully kept Harvey's. Well worth the trip for a dedicated beer drinker.Just bring sandwiches!
|
heard great things, and had been in for a quick drink a few weeks prior, so booked in advance for a sunday lunch. turned up early, had a few drinks in the great downstairs area - fantastic pub.
went up to get our booked table, had to wait a few minutes for it to be ready. fine. sat down, ordered, got given lovely bread/butter and a jug of water without asking - great. ordered our food when we finally got the attention of a member of staff, after around 15 minutes. waited for food. and waited. after finally getting the attention of a member of staff again we asked if there was a problem with the food, as we'd been waiting for a while... the answer? "It's Sunday." Yes, we know it's Sunday, thanks for that.
food finally arrived a full 1hr20mns after we sat down. Yorkshires were all cold, as if removed from packet/freezer and mildly heated. no gravy, despite being advertised. meat was alright. carrots undercooked. potatoes seemed like microwaved shop-bought variety. the cost? FIFTEEN POUNDS FIFTY.
Incredibly over-priced food, appalling service. due to the negligent, slow and snippy service we received, we left a �5 tip, rather than the 'optional' �11.00 service charge designated on the bill. as we left the upstairs dining room we were chased down the stairs by a member of staff who claimed we'd neglected to pay the full price, and who were openly rude when we politely explained our reasons for not paying the full 'optional' amount.
there are few places i'd actively discourage people from visiting for food, but this is one of them. for the money i don't think i've had a less pleasant dining experience.
|
AS QUOTED ON: tipped.co.uk: If it's cosy and quaint you want, how about the Holly Bush pub in Hampstead. It's very, very old and a traditional pub downstairs, with a very lovely dining room upstairs (wooden floors, big windows, fireplaces at both ends). I use it every year for a pre-Christmas get-together with friends. They've just sent me their Christmas menu which has a mix of traditional (eg roast turkey mains) and not-so-traditional (eg shredded pork belly starter). The desserts look yummy too (eg chocolate and champagne mousse with amoretti biscuits). It's a pub rather than a restaurant so set your foody expectations accordingly - this is no michelin star try-hard - but it's pretty good. Even better, when you can't face any more food, you can wander to the Heath to walk it off....
john3 - 19 Nov 2008 13:19 |
What a delightful pub! Went to the Holly Bush on friday night, and everything about it was just charming. I'd definitely recomend the chicken pie!
|
What a terrible place this is . Four of us went for dinner on Saturday and all ordered steak. We were served inedible pieces of cold meat accompanied by what they described as fondant potato, this was also cold . We complained and were then seen by the manager who was not at all interested, though did agree to deduct the steak s from the bill. I do object to pubs that charge 18 quid for a steak and can't cook it properly.I certainly won't be returning.
|
After having a party for 12 of us, I don't understand why some people are moaning, the atmosphere is excellent, service with a smile and even though the place was packed, nobody waited to be served, all the staff was helpful and the food was perfect! But I do agree there are some customers who should go somewhere else as I saw how rude they could be. Keep the hard work!
|
I'm stupid I ment 11/11/2008 how coud I forget that date? doh!!!!!!!
|
After reading the last few comments about The Holly Bush I was in two minds about keeping the booking for my birthday party (11/10/2008). All I can say is i'm glad i didn't cancel. there was 20 of us in the room which they call the skylight room, this was perfect because it felt very private as there was no other pepole in the room with us. I found the staff to be friendly and the food was good pub grub, try the lamb shank!!. I will be back thank you holly bush. x
|
There's not a lot to say about this place. Despite appearances, the pub is ruined by dreadful, condescending service from poorly trained staff who clearly wish they were working somewhere else.
It didn't help that when we visited, there was terrible overcrowding, dirty tables, and a smell of stale beer.
A real disappointment. Avoid at all costs.
|
Too popular for its own good, arrogant staff don't care about customers at all. Apalling attitude from restaurant manager who tried to lie her way out of her own mistakes. Don't go here if you want a pleasant evening, do go if you want an argument
|
The cosy atmosphere when we walked in was soon destroyed by the snooty attitude of the staff in the restaurant upstairs who seemed to think it was our fault that they had double booked our table! Time should be spent by the management training the staff in public relations as they obviously could not care less and just wanted rid of us. We were more than happy to oblige and had a lovely meal in the nearby French restaurant with charming staff.
|
Major disappointment. Unapologetically disorganised and snide service in both the upstairs dining room and behind the bar. Booked a table for six for a family meal but didn't get further than the dining room threshold - snooty waitress Sophie gave bungled excuses as to why our table was unavailable (no booking on list, table already taken by a family of the same name, table not yet ready) which did little to hide the fact she was keen to get rid of us and save herself the bother of another cover when a party of 22 was on its way. We were offered a table downstairs but chose to go elsewhere.
|
We had our wedding dinner here (37 people) and we can't recommend the Holly Bush highly enough. Beautifully decorated, amazing food and fantastic wine list - the guests had a choice of three delicious menus. The service was seamless, the staff were professional and accommodated our guests' every idiosyncrasy. Thank you for an unforgettable evening!
|
I just don't get it. This pub was listed No.26 in the Independent best Sunday Roasts and 7/10 on beer in the evening! Ok 'off the cuff' recommendations but really what's the point.I am a great advocat of the glorious British Sunday lunch, it should be the equivalent of French Coq au Vin, Italian Risotto, I could go on..... Why why is it so hard just to roast a good cut of meat and serve it with all the trimmings on a Sunday?
I am not a fascist about food but I do believe that you should at least get what you order from the menu.
Trust me before you pay the �15.50 or so at the bar with service charge added of 12.5%, although you haven't even had it, yet just look around at others plates and repeat after me: "No thanks just another couple of beers for me, i'm off to the creperie."
or better still order it, cry a little, take a picture, post it and then enough said. Oh how I wish I had my mobile that day a photo posted will do.
|
This is my local pub. It gets too busy. I don't think you should come here. It's rubbish. Go to the Duke of Hamilton instead. Or the Freemasons Arms. They're really great.
|
A great place! Friendly staff and great service. I had my Bday party with over 30 friends and we all had a great evening (and service was still speedy if you think they were still dealing with many more customers)... Pity about the residential area as they don't have late license. Definitely recommended, everything a real pub should be.
|
Lovely pub in a good location - always too crowded, but for a good reason. Not somewhere to go with a dozen people and expect to sit down together, but to meet someone before moving on for dinner, for example, perfect.
|
certainly a victim of its own success, my last visit let down by having to pay extra for at seat service only to have my ear drums battered by screaming kids as this place basically turns into a free creche for the whole of hampstead on a sunday lunchtime, you think one of these rooms could be made child free, still great beer and food. Maybe best enjoyed at off peak times.
|
can't really say a bad word about this pub... it's our local.
sure it gets busy with a pub crawl here and there, but it's still cozy, the staff are nice as are the clientele.
they have several ales on tap as well as lagers.
If only they would quit measuring the wine before they pour it into a glass and quit allowing reserving tables downstairs. it is a pub and for those who want a table they should reserve upstairs.
|
Superb pub in a picture-perfect Hampstead street. I think it's more pub than gastropub, but if the food is good as well (haven't tried it yet) that makes this place even better than I already think it is.
|
I know this gets labelled a gastro-pub but to me it's still more pub than gastro- there's just good grub if you want it.
charming location and really nice atmosphere but probably a victim of it's own popularity...a bit overrun when we were there last. still reckon it's the best pub in hampstead though!
ritaz - 19 Jan 2008 23:48 |
Fine pub with an old traditional interior, retaining some old original partitions and glasswork. It's still badged as a Benskins pub and there's a splendid oval shaped Benskins mirror on display along with several Ind Coope mirrors, who took over Benskins in days now long gone.
The pub is mainly catering for the local gastropub trade, but is a classical example of how a gastropub can be created without destruction of an original pub interior or loss of character.
Beer prices are, perhaps inevitably, on the high side, � 3 for Harveys Sussex Best - but this pub is a must visit pub in my book.
Conveniently situated, up a short flight of steps off Heath Street virtually opposite was once was The Horse and Groom ( Youngs )
|
I really like this pub and feel like the "grubbiness" is part of the charm of the place. Have been going here a few years and the staff have always been pleasant and good humored if somewhat pressured by it being very busy which it seems to becoming more over the years. I try to avoid weekends because of this.
If only they had fewer people it would be much nicer for those of us who have always enjoyed visiting.
|
This is the busiest pub in North London during the winter! I've been drinking here for more than 6 years and they turned it from a run-down empty pub to the envy of many "wanna-be" gastro pubs which open and close down within one year in Hampstead.
At The Holly Bush, you never wait longer than 2 minutes for a drink, the atmosphere is great, the food keeps improving, it is always fully booked over the weekends and you never see any of the staff standing still (even the manager)!
Of course they can get it wrong from time to time, they only serve more than 500 people a day!
anonymous - 13 Nov 2007 12:15 |
Great pub for drinking, and on a previous visit I had a superb hot sausage roll. But the missus took me for dinner in the upstairs restaurant and it was a big disappointment: basic stuff, like no cheese in the 'cheese mash', and a lack of a promised sauce were compounded by an inattentive and grumpy waitress who wasn't around to politely ask for some improvement. AND they added the service charge automatically.
I know that BITE isn't really a food review site and as a pub I love the Holly Bush, but it's a bit tarnished now.
|
been once,
nice wooden floors, nice interior but never drink most expensive pint of lager in my life--and not the best one!!
anonymous - 17 Oct 2007 22:45 |
Three of use ate upstairs on a Sunday evening. It was recommended to us; and it wasn't bad, it just wasn't that good.
The service was slow, the wooden room was very noisy, two of the roasts were finished already so we couldn't order them, the sausages were dry, the lamb was mutton, the portions were of decidedly average size, the apple and pear crumble was served at tongue-blistering temperature, the chocolate tart was actually a rather dry cake, the and the bill for three people (three mains, three deserts, seven drinks) came to �78, making it one of the most expensive meals that we've had in London, but certainly not one of the best. The service charge was not presented as optional in any way by the waiting staff afterwards either.
|
Since I visited last the pub seems to be under new management - but no discernable difference in ambience, except that portions of the food were much large than I remembered, but at no cost to the quality. Beer also good with some of the best Harveys in London, although it is not cheap (�2.90 a pint).
|
Astoundingly good pub, one really could not ask for more (although a couple more adventurous ales would be nice.) The chicken I had one evening here was the most delicious and tender of my life. This is the type of place I would choose over a restaurant when dining with a lady friend. As far as drinking goes, the Adnams Bitter & Broadside, London Pride and Harveys are all excellent, but I have never seen them change. It would be nice to see a new guest every now and then. Lovely old and authentic decor, lots of nooks and crannies. This pub has a firm place in my heart.
|
Fantastic pub! amazing food! tucked away at the back of Hampstead...Always a vist at the weekends...highly recomended
|
excellent as usual - though had the ask for a top up from the barmaid who doesnt seem to know what a full measure is.. experience slightly worsened by loud bunch of yanks broadcasting to the entire pub.. but i'll be back
|
An excellent little pub located around the back streets of Hampstead. Four well kept ales always on offer (they've always been Adnams Bitter, Broadside, London Pride and Harveys Best Bitter on my visits) and very nice food on offer (especially the pies). Overall the place has a nice ambience about it and is well worth repeated visits. Recommended.
|
Splendid little place, tucked away in the back alleys of Hampstead, one where you can almost feel away from the hustle and bustle of London.
Numerous rooms and antechambers which add to a rather Dickensian character. Good range of ales are on offer, the guest at the time was Brakspears which certainly indicates the landlord has good taste. Noted also that cigars are on offer - although, alas, these will go the way of the Empire once the ban kicks in on July 1st.
|
One day I will visit this pub again - my grandfather used to own it, the 2nd generation, until his retirement in the late 60's, and it was the hub of of our family - as old and dusty as it was.
|
I've not tried the food, but even when it was chocker on a Sunday lunchtime I've never felt that being at the bar, or sitting at one of the tables, was in the way.
Like many if not most pubs, it is primarily the noise that the neighbors have a problem with. It is a largely residential area. That goes back many many years - since I was at school in Hampstead in the '60s and '70s.
The beers have been generally OK - nothing great in terms of quality and get a reasonable 3/5 on the CAMRA rating.
|
The Holly Bush is a good pub, but I think some people go over the top in their praise for it. The food is very good but I think there is too much emphasis put on it in this place. Anywhere that a table can be put there is a table and I�ve felt in the way standing at the tiny bar whilst all around are tucking into their dinner.
Also due to busybody neighbours the council will not allow any drinking out the front of the pub due to health and safety� A little like one of the homeowners across the road from the Duke of Hamilton blocking the proposed hour extension at the weekend for the DoH. Hampstead residents sure know how to get their own way!
This is a good pub and it is always busy but I think �greatest pub in the land� is going a little far.
|
This place is the jewel in the crown of Hampstead. I worked here for a short time and if it Wasn't for those lazy boozy lunches at the Bush, I'd have been in trouble. If you frequent this fantastic watering hole in the evening at weekends you are probably going to bump into someone famous. I signed my autograph for many people who thought I was famous.
|
Nice pub in an out of the way part of Hampstead. Not a great selection of ales but well kept. We sat by the fire fueled by bricketts and it was homey. Nice clean restrooms too.
|
Crowded. Beer and wine passable. Steaks very good. Nice interior. Jolly atmosphere.
|
Wonderful pub, usually a good selection of beer available and the food is top notch.
anonymous - 15 Feb 2007 13:16 |
pleasant traditional pub. Quality food. Harveys with some other guest beers. Popular with locals and visitors alike.
9/10
phil
|
If you are into seeing famous people at close quarters, staring at them and generally making them feel uncomfortable, this is a good place to come.
The place was packed to the gills and the beer was so-so (I had Harveys Sussex Bitter) on my last visit, but I've had a good pint here before.
stonch.blogspot.com
anonymous - 17 Jan 2007 18:18 |
Great pub; lovely front rooms, back rooms not quite as characterful. Serves the excellent Harveys Best Bitter amongst others.
|
You know a good pub when you don't taste the beer, the beer tastes you! Oh and even if you don't drink ale it is worth a visit for the architecture, atmosphere and food.
|
A classic. Great ale, atmosphere, and service. Packed full of tourists, but hey, can't have everything.
|
ah, what a gem..lovely organic food in a lovely old village pub. this is London, this is Hampstead, this is heaven.lots of history, character and charm..always my first stop on a trip to London
|
A fantastic evening out last night! I met friends from all over the country at a gathering in this pub. The Adnams was on full form and, hungrily remembering my last meal, I made a beeline for the organic beef pie. All staff at the bar seemed friendly and humorous.
Everyone else enjoyed their food as well, and there was a cosy "London pub" atmosphere created by the subdued lighting.
Any of the previous reviewers who have had a "bad" experience here MUST return and see for themselves.
|
Always enjoy the Holly Bush. I just wish fewer people enjoyed it so that I could get a seat.
|
A nice pub with lots of nooks and crannies. As it is in Hampstead, I sometimes do not feel rich/ posh/ eccentric enough to justify taking up its valuable space, and food is unspectacular, but I never mind when it is chosen as a venue for a get-together. They usually have some tasty adnams on.
anonymous - 18 Aug 2006 00:28 |
I have only good experiences recently regarding beer, food and atmosphere. A friend took me here for a birthday treat in November, and the ale was very well kept (and again earlier this year). As for "eating is cheating" I am afraid I disagree. I enjoy a good pint (may be quite a few good pints), but as a reasonably responsible drinker I try to eat well and healthily to balance the enjoyment of the beer. Any pub which facilitates that is high in my estimation. No disrespect to Stonch as I am often in agreement with him.
The food here is (or at least was in November) cooked enthusiastically and creatively using organic ingredients where possible. Pies were the speciality during my visit, and the beef one was exquisite.
It is a pity the anonymous reviewer of June 15th had an experience here that fell below mine. I have not heard of a management change at this establishment, and thus would recommend another visit in case this was just a "bad day".
This pub is also a "victim" of its own success, and can get extremely overcrowded which is the only downside. It may also be understaffed at times resulting in some service delays. But don't be deterred - visit.
Rated with posting: 8/10.
|
Like the new photo. I love this pub, serves great beer, good atmosphere and have found the staff and clientele nothing but charming.
Can we lay down some ground rules on this site - although food is certainly worth commenting on, if the scran is a bit ropey it nonetheless doesn't detract from the pub as a whole. Just means it ain't somewhere you want to eat again, innit. Eat when you get home. Eatin's cheatin.
anonymous - 15 Jun 2006 14:43 |
Rather disappointed by this pub after all these gushing reviews. Yes it is old and ' quaint ' but with such miserable looking staff it's hard to enjoy the place. The food was ok if you like boiling hot microwaved mash with cold sausage. Real waste of a great heritage pub.
anonymous - 15 Jun 2006 14:24 |
Fantastic pub - one of the best. Often has Harveys. In response to the comments about staff, suggest you try eating upstairs - staff are brilliant up there and has the added bonus of being non-smoking.
|
Out of the way Hampstead pub.A popular place, I could not get a seat despite there being quite a few rooms.Very nice atmosphere with a mainly young crowd.
|
sill probably the best pub in hampstead though i did feel like i was sitting in a creche... maybe better in the evenings
|
My recent visit to the Holly Bush was for the first time in many years. I recall when what was on offer was Double Diamond working unpleasantly.
So at the end of March it was good to discover a busy pub on a cold and wet Sunday afternoon, with at least three excellent beers competing - Hogs Back Crop Circle, Hydes Bitter, and Fullers London Pride. I didnn't try the food, but it looked pretty good, people were tucking in with relish, and prices were reasonable.
|
The pub has fantastic original features. The (inner)doors in to the pub are amazing and so are the benches inside. Again, the staff do not belong there. Once I asked for an vegetarian alternative to Sunday roast, and sausage was suggested. Also, there is no need to charge �3.10 for a pint of slightly watery Guiness.
|
This is a nice little pub. Had a very comfortable night here and the food was marvellous. Sadly, though, I have to agree about previous comments concerning the staff. They were inefficient and inexperienced-looking and they seemed rather uninterested in their customers. Service with a smile may seem like an Americanism, but it makes a huge difference.
The evening ended on a rather sour note when the staff started hassling us at approximately two minutes past eleven to finish our drinks that we had bought five minutes previously. We politely protested but the 'compromise' reached involved us leaving our seats and finishing our drinks whilst standing near the door. I might be oversensitive, but this felt like a discourtesy and is not really good enough in what appears to be a nice, welcoming local pub.
|
Great looking traditional pub, shame about the food and staff. Beer list good though.
anonymous - 16 Apr 2006 22:22 |
THE GREATEST PUB IN THE LAND. This is a wonderful wonderful place. Wooden everything and slightly worse for wear. Is perfect. Hidden away in Hampstead, so you have to know it's there, doesn't get to busy apart from weekend evenings. Excellent food, from pint of prawns to wonderful pies.. great selection of beers, and wines and everything else you could ask for. Have been going for years and hasn't changed a bit. You are just as likely to find yourself sharing a pint with Sean Bean of an afternoon as with one of the regulars. This is what a pub should be. Just wish i could spend everyday here...enjoy!
|
Top pub,sat near the fire and came out smelling like an Arbroath smokie!Went in during the day when there were only a handful of people in.This pubs never changed in the many years I've frequented it.Basic furniture and lots of wood panelling-theres a proper pub atmosphere to the place...One of my favourites.
|
Great little pub, Gets almost full on weeknights and completly packed on friday and saturday night. Friendly staff (which is becoming less and less common around North West London) and great food. The meals are on the pricy side but they are top notch.
|
Loved it even more on my second visit. Front room to the left when you enter is the place to be - like being in a time warp. Back rooms more modern and bland. Perfect pint of Broadside. Sausage rolls on the end of the bar filled a gap when we arrived at 10pm and they'd stopped serving food. Nice bar staff. Very wide mix of people, a few yanks, a few sloanes, a guy with a mail order bride, some old folks, and even hilariously three Blazin Squad lookalikeys sitting on stools at by the bar.
One of the best pubs I've found in London.
anonymous - 23 Feb 2006 23:10 |
Went in for a pint on a Sunday night and found the place near to bursting, but we were able to find a seat in a back corner and settle in. Nice place, very comfortable--I hadn't been there in years, and it's a high compliment to say they haven't done a thing with the place.
Really nice beer, at what passes for cheap prices in Hampstead. A definite place to visit if you're in the area, and it might just be worth going out of your way for.
|
I thought this place was great. Really good selection of beers, historic interior, lovely location. Very quiet mid afternoon on a weekday when I visited - just an old boy dying in the corner and a few other punters.
anonymous - 10 Jan 2006 13:08 |
Now a gastro-pub type of pub in Hampstead. No more gas lighting like there were a few years back. Pub gets packed at night any time of the week and if you eat here you will see why. Harve's beer is in tiptop condition.
The pub deserves ten out of ten for its efforts.
|
Lovely little find. Excellent choice of beers and alcohol in general. Friendly staff, nice seating arrangement (lots of little alcoves), sociable crowd... Can get very busy, but that's a downside to virtually every great pub. Haven't tried the food yet, but I'm told it's very good.
Along with the Flask and Ye Old White Bear just down the road, this is yet another reason to drink in Hampstead.
|
nice little tradiitonal pub pub, well worth seeking out
|
I love this wee pub its out of the way. A proper secret boozer. Great little nooks and crannies. Its an old scholl pub very pleasent.
|
Great shame - pilsner urquell no longer on draught.
|
One of the best pubs in London; the only drawback is that so many people know it!
|
Good points: Board games, nice Sunday lunch, old-fashioned decor, good beer.
Not so good: Standing room only, expensive!, lots of yanks who don't have any manners.
|
Splendid pub - well worth visiting. Note the exceptional Benskins mirror in the front bar. Admire also the old glasswork
Note for prospective customers - avoid Sunday lunchtime, when virtually the whole pub is laid out for diners and there is nowhere to sit. Note also that the local council prohibit drinking outside on the pavement, so there isn't this option for avoiding the crush
|
This is the pub you can sometimes see a bit of through Jamie Oliver's front door in his various documentaries. shame he doesn't cook there!
Beer is usually good, atmosphere is excellent.
|
A nice little country pub in Hampstead, well worth finding. Not easy to navigate inside either, with all it's corners and partitions the pub is like a labyrinth. Excellent beer, and even though the food was far from standard on our last visit, we were offered new meals and free drinks as compensation.
|
Well hidden place, but unexpectedly massive inside - Absolutely packed as well, what looks like a quiet old mans pub from the outside.
A decent pub.
TheGP - 27 Feb 2005 10:55 |
Firstly trying to find the place is a bind...go up the steps next to the crossing on Heath St....Try to get there during the daytime if poss.Various rooms there which exude warmth & character....The beers not bad either.
|
This is a great pub with tons of character, but try to get there early enough to get a seat. We were standing around (in front of the fire, at least) for a good hour or so, before we finally managed to manouevre ourselves onto a table. That was on a Sunday afternoon. I haven't been on weeknights - maybe they're more comfortable?
Overall - a great building, nice beer, good bar-staff (even if we did have to make our transactions over the heads of people eating at the bar! What's up with that?!)...added up to an excellent venue for a good boozy session. No wonder it attracts the crowds.
|
Did I go on a bad night or what?
The loos were partly flooded. There were no paper towels and the hand drier was broken.
Oh and one of our meals was cold. Both of them were overpriced for such small portions - in my opinion.
This was a couple of weeks ago. Always used to be my favourite Hampstead pub but I won't be eating there again.
Tony - 8 Nov 2004 15:39 |
I love this pub. I love it like a very fluffy puppy that's so soft and adorable that I could just stare at it all day. It's warm, it's sweet, it's got good beer, nice staff, good lighting, decent neighbourhood. In short, there is nothing bad about this pub. It's brilliant. Top of the list. King of the Hill. Pick of the Pops, Up there, Up where? Up there, my friend. At the top. Yes. Very Much So.
|
Great pub, great beers and good food. Just what you need after a walk on the heath
Jim - 5 Oct 2004 10:23 |
great pub! So homely in the winter months. Fantastic food and great beers. No comment on the bar staff as I generally never see them through the throng of the crowd at the bar! A real country pub in the heart of Hampstead. Makes me feel homesick for my little village up North!
David - 27 Sep 2004 11:26 |
I was introduced to this pub a few months ago by a blond girl who lives around the corner. I have to say i rather enjoy drinking in this boozer but generally have little memory of leaving the establishment on my visits. It's great to have pub just a stone throw from the busy high street which retains such genuine character and doesn't attract the general clientele that towny pubs can. The clientele are of a mixed bag which is always a good thing. The food is fine as is the beer. In fact I might go there now for a drink. Give this pub a go if you are in the area.
Adam - 30 Jul 2004 16:49 |
this pub is one of a kind. very busy but relaxed. food is phat. beer is good and cold. beautiful pub. dan, go to wetherspoons. no one will bother you there.
alex - 20 Jul 2004 14:05 |
Lovely in summer. Inside, it's hot, dark, smokey and pokey. Fight your way to the bar. London's full of places like this. People really ought to see beyond the hype.
anonymous - 9 Jul 2004 20:27 |
good hampstead boozer - gorgeous building and very decent beer. keats used to drink in it, apparently and was on his way for a pint when he heard the nightingale. the rest is history.
richard - 1 Jun 2004 13:44 |
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
would the manager ask the kitchen staff to keep the kitchen doors closed . this would take no time and effort and would cost �oo.oop,
yet improve the drinking experience for customers no end, a working-kitchen is a very noisy place . this place needs fewer staff, you can never truelly relax, there are constantly staff to-ing and fro-ing, to-ing and fro-ing, constantly . it's not a town centre circuit-pub, why do all of these mumerous staff members need to be constantly looking busy . it's like when i worked at McDonald's years back, you at all times had to been seen to be doing some thing even if there genuinly was no thing to do for a brief time. i'd wipe down a fridge door that i've already wiped 9 times in the past half-hour . if there's no thing to do for a few minutes, then don't do any thing for a few minutes, just stand at the bar and idly waffle with the punters . this pub needs to slow down . the actual physical entity is by far the best pub in nort-west london, it's beautiful and so individual, but the the actul drinking experience is so stressfull, constant noise and unnecessary busyness .
dan - 21 May 2004 12:13 |
Ih had the most excellent meal - ask for the duck and cherry sausage. If I am going to have to wait for a meal I cannot think of anywhere else I would rather wait. Excellent staff, beer and atmospher. Say hello to Mr Mostache as well
hatt - 13 May 2004 23:30 |
Went there yesterday. Had to wait years for the meal and they wouldn't take my Amex card at the end. Food was okay but nothing special. We were disappointed after such great reviews.
Anonymous - 4 May 2004 09:48 |
A gem of a place. Well-hidden but worth the search. Beer, food, atmosphere and service were all fantastic. Thoroughly recommend it.
Emma - 16 Apr 2004 14:16 |
great pub. good food. lovely wine list. find the staff quite amusing - lots of smashed glasses behind the bar. who's got a moustache though?
Clare P - 12 Apr 2004 19:58 |
The best pub in London. Great beer, great ales, great food, but most of all.. the manager has the greatest moustache.
Franky ball - 30 Mar 2004 20:33 |
Great pub. We had a really good time once we found the place and now keep going back. It does get very busy a weekends. I find the bar staff excellent once you get to know them. Moustache guy looks serious but is quite cool.
ron - 10 Mar 2004 14:53 |
probably the best pub in london. food is simple but good. the variety of ales is top even if i mostly just drink the fab-fab-fab harveys. the staff is nice with lots of characters. moustache guy is actually very funny.
liam - 3 Mar 2004 14:26 |
What a pub maybe one of the best places to go out in norf london...good selection of beers gets rather rammed on the weekends but its usually got total honeys in there the bar staff can be prickly but after you get to know them they chill a little apart from the daft moody geezer with a moustache but hey thats life
kevin - 28 Feb 2004 15:25 |
A truely wonderful pub, hidden away up the back streets, lovely food and lovely lovely booze. The best place in London to waste a whole day.
Nik - 3 Feb 2004 10:36 |
The Holly Bush is a beautiful pub. We always going down every week to have the the excellent pies and couple of harveys. I completely disagree with the description of the bar staff, which i think is really friendly, outgoing and polite. It is actually nice see young people really enjoing working and taking care of such an historical public house.
Andrea - 16 Jan 2004 18:38 |
The Holly Bush is a very nice pub with a good variety of beers and excellent food.
John - 6 Nov 2003 09:53 |
THE ACTUAL PUB ITSELF IS GREAT, truly, but the staff don't suit the type of pub, loud, self-obsessed, pretensious trendies, this is not that sort of pub, if they were working in a bar on notting hill gate or hoxton square, they would be just the right sort of bar staff, the bar staff spoil an otherwise total gem, and you can't ignore their loud prescence. less poncy bar staff (they should be contestents on The Salon), and i'd be a regular
d meers - 24 Oct 2003 11:50 |
Plus - do draught Pilsner Urquell. Negative. Too hot, smokey, crowded at the bar, full of mouthy school kids
anonymous - 22 Jul 2003 20:48 |
Great pub. We have our annual TCC do there!
|
