Along with its connections with the arts, literature and liberalism, Hampstead is well known for its traditional pubs. With a wealth of history, the area boasts some pubs which are decades old and still going strong serving fantastic food and local ales. These are my top picks for traditional Hampstead pubs to help you decide where to visit on your trip to this beautiful part of London.
The Holly Bush
A real gem, The Holly Bush is a Grade II listed public house in Holly Mount, Hampstead, which was bought by Fuller’s Brewery in 2010. Established more than 200 years ago The Holly Bush is engrained in Hampstead history and has retained some of its original features including the fire, ornate etched glass panels and authentic wooden floors.
Proud of its heritage this pub displays local nostalgia on the walls of its comfortable interior where you can enjoy acclaimed ales and a menu of seasonal, hearty comfort food. Try the gnocchi which is served with charred long stem broccoli, pine nut pesto, roasted mushroom, goat’s curd or the English pea ravioli made with Isle of Wight tomato, courgette, pea, parsley & hazelnut salad.
The Spaniard’s Inn
Located on the road between Hampstead and Highgate near Kenwood House the Spaniard’s Inn is said to have been built in 1585 and today is a quaint, oak-panelled, atmospheric pub with a fantastic pub garden. The Spaniard’s Inn has a few claims to fame including Dick Turpin, the highwayman, who is thought to have been a regular customer as well as being mentioned in books by Dickens and Bram Stocker’s Dracula.
Fresh, seasonal British pub food served all day at The Spaniard’s Inn, they aim to combine pub favourites with modern classics from locally sourced ingredients which are cooked to order and served simply. Try the roast Atlantic cod and chorizo served with leeks, double cream & white wine velouté or the Beyond Meat burger with pickled onions, Vegan smoky Gouda-style slice & Scotch Bonnet sauce on a brioche-style bun.
The Old Bull and Bush
This Grade II listed pub started out as a simple farmhouse built in 1645 and started serving alcohol in 1721. It is said that painter William Hogarth drank at the Old Bull and Bush. This pub was made famous by Florie Forde (popular singer and entertainer) with her music hall song, “Down at the Old Bull and Bush”.
The building has seen a number of refurbishments over the years and now is a gastropub with charming and professional service offering British/Mediterranean cuisine alongside a varied selection of beers, wines and spirits. On the menu at the moment is the ‘dirty cheeseburger’ served with crispy bacon, lashings of cheese & burger sauce, with beef dripping dip & skinny fries and an Asian style crispy duck salad – duck on a bed of cucumber & mooli ribbons, shredded carrot & cabbage, sesame, watercress and spring onion, in a plum & hoisin sauce.
