Holly Bush

The Holly Bush is a well known and popular Hampstead pub. 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 but the character of the front parts is a delight. The simply panelled bar counter and the coved bar-back are survivors from Victorian days. The two outside front doors are clear evidence of separate drinking areas inside and until 2014 there was a run of low screenwork and a baffle attached to the counter which had already seen removal of the doors. Now there is only a tiny snug on the right-hand part which has full-height matchboard panelling. However, the low screen, with its tiny doorway for cleaners, has been retained and can be found in the rear dining room. The short glazed screen originally on top of the bar counter towards the centre of the room has been moved to the right hand end. On the left is a room described in the window glass as a coffee room which is entered by two doorways (one modern) leading off the main bar. This was no doubt for more refined customers who did not want to consume alcohol. This room has baffles to the seats which have recently been re-upholstered and an ornate iron fire surround inserted