Historic London Pubs - The Holly Bush

Located in a Quiet London Street - Noted for Fine Ales and good food

Jan 18, 2009

The Holly Bush pub in Hampstead, North London, is a short Tube ride from central London. It has been serving beer and ale on the same spot for over two hundred years.

Visiting English pubs and taverns is a popular pastime for visitors to London. the Holly Bush in Hampstead, North London, is a picturesque old pub, tucked away on a quiet, gas-lit back street , just a few minutes walk from Hampstead High Street and the Tube. It hasn’t changed a lot over the years (apart from a recent renovation at the rear which some of the regulars complain about). Many people have a proprietary attitude towards their local pub and protest loudly when changes are made, but they haven’t got much to complain about at the Holly Bush. It has retained its ‘country pub’ ambiance with its worn oak flooring, wood panelling, gas lamps and etched glass windows.

Historic London Pubs: - About the Holly Bush

The Holly Bush, one of a number of traditional inns, began life as the stable block of a17th-century house. At the beginning of the 18th-century the house was sold to an inn-keeper who converted the stables into a tavern and it has been one ever since - its appearance little changed.

The pub is located in the Hampstead area in north London. In the days when London was spreading out into the countryside artists, writers and painters began to move further afield and the country pubs became the place to gather and discuss how to put the world and everything else to rights. Dr. Johnson, Boswell, Charles Lamb and Oliver Goldsmith are just a few of the people who quaffed their ale at the Holly Bush.

In the early days it was the custom for taverns to hang a green bush over the door - usually ivy or holly. There was no need to hang up a painted sign. The bush at the door was a sign of their trade. It also was a sign that a fresh delivery of ale/bitters had been delivered. Many country people in those days were not able to read and the green bush indicated that new supplies had arrived.

Back in 1968 the Holly Bush had a brief moment of movie glory when director Robert Aldrich used it in ‘`The Killing of Sister George’. This is the pub that George visits to drown her sorrows.

Even some traditional old pubs are seduced by the idea that if people go out for a drink they want loud music and game machines and even a television in the corner. This is not the case at the Holly Bush. Peace reigns. The nearest thing to noise is animated conversation and/or the tinkle of cutlery, as the pub has a very good restaurant.

Take an afternoon stroll on nearby Hampstead Heath, ending up at the Holly Bush for a pint or dinner. A great London experience.

The copyright of the article Historic London Pubs - The Holly Bush in Historical Travel is owned by Cathy Smith. Permission to republish Historic London Pubs - The Holly Bush in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.