Holly Bush, Hampstead  

Beauty is a rare and precious thing in this world and it is even rarer and more precious in a public house. The Holly Bush is one of the older pubs in London dating from the time when Hampstead was a country town. Inside this listed building, its stripped wooden interior and slightly ramshackle atmosphere lend it the charming aspect of a Nineteenth Century coaching inn. That said, it can get a little crowded at times (although we have spent many a Saturday afternoon and evening here without suffering unduly) and some of the punters do seem like parodies of Guardian-readers. But there is something deeply fine about this place - maybe the history, maybe the wooden booths and log fire, or maybe the good beers - which engenders wit and conviviality. Since being taken over by Fuller's recently, things have arguably improved. The rather bland renovation in the back room has been vastly improved with better lighting and there are always a fine election of Fuller's beers on, plus some guest ales too. The best pub in Hampstead.

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