Holly Bush, London

The Holly Bush is an historic and popular Hampstead pub with many original features.

This appealing and secluded hilltop Victorian pub evolved from the former stables of Romney’s House, which still stands to the north. They were adapted in 1807 to provide catering facilities for the Hampstead Assembly Rooms, based at the house. In the mid-19th century, this became the pub as we know it today. There has been a good deal of alteration over the years with major extensions at the back and repositioning of old features such as etched glass panels, but the character of the front parts is a delight.

A distinctive canopy hood with a wooden pelmet runs along the front of the pub and shelters the main entrance. From the small lobby within, a door marked “Bar” on the right is now defunct; entry is now via the larger central lobby, which was opened up many years ago. Prior to this work, a hatch to the servery was in use, situated in a passageway to the rear. This is still visible but long disused.

The right-hand room was formerly divided by a fairly rudimentary partition but only the fragment attached to the counter is left (the remainder was relocated to a rear dining room in 2014). A  contiguous glazed counter top baffle has been moved to the far end of the counter. On the right is a tiny snug with full height matchboard panelling; it’s unclear from when this dates. The glorious oval glass Benskins Brewery advertisement is a prominent feature. The simply-panelled bar counter and the bar-back with its decorative coving are survivors from Victorian days. The bar-back has embossed glazing and four wooden Corinthian columns with delicately chased patterning. Unusually, the lower shelving still remains.

On the left side of the pub is a wonderfully atmospheric room announced in the window glass as a Coffee Room, which no doubt harks back to the days of the Assembly Rooms. This is entered via two doorways (one a later addition) leading off the central lobby. The room has baffles to the seats and an ornate iron fire surround.