The Holly Bush

Gas-Lit Charm in Hampstead's Hidden Corner

The Holly Bush is tucked away on Holly Mount, a quiet backstreet in Hampstead that feels more like a hill village than London. The pub dates to the eighteenth century and retains its original gas lighting, giving it an atmosphere unlike anything else in the capital. It is a dog-friendly pub that draws literary types, locals and dog walkers from the Heath, and its intimate, fire-lit rooms are among the most atmospheric in London. For dog owners, The Holly Bush is the kind of pub you dream of finding after a winter walk.

What Makes The Holly Bush Dog-Friendly?

Dogs are welcome in the bar area, which comprises several interconnecting rooms of considerable character. Water bowls are provided and the staff are accustomed to dogs arriving from the Heath. The wooden floors and intimate spaces suit dogs well, and the fire makes it a particularly inviting destination in cooler months. The dining room may restrict dogs during evening service, but the bar offers a full menu throughout the day.

Food and Drink

The Holly Bush serves a gastropub-quality menu with seasonal dishes and a strong focus on British ingredients. The food is well regarded locally. Real ales are well kept and the bar has a proper, old-fashioned feel. The wine list is considered and there are good options by the glass. Sunday roasts are popular.

The Setting

The building is a Grade II-listed former stable block, and the interior is extraordinary — original gas lamps cast a warm glow over dark wood panels, a fire crackles in winter, and the rooms wind from the front bar through a series of alcoves and snugs. The atmosphere is intimate, warm and utterly distinctive. Outside, Holly Mount is a steep, quiet lane that feels centuries removed from modern London. There is limited outdoor seating.

Nearby Dog Walks

Hampstead Heath is a five-minute walk downhill, with access to the Vale of Health, Parliament Hill and the wider Heath. Hampstead village itself provides pleasant on-lead walking through narrow lanes and Georgian streets. The Heath Extension, north of the Heath, offers quieter options.

Good to Know

There is no car park. Hampstead Tube station is a short walk downhill. The pub is small and can fill quickly, especially on winter evenings and weekends. Arriving at quieter times — weekday lunchtimes or early afternoons — works best with dogs. The gas lighting is genuine and adds an incomparable ambiance.