Fodor's Expert Review The Holly Bush

A short walk up the hill from Hampstead Tube station, the friendly Holly Bush dates back to the 18th century and retains something of the country pub it was before London spread this far north, thanks to the stripped wooden floors, walls paneled in dark wood, and big open fires. The combination of great ales and organic, free-range gastropub food makes it perennially packed with locals. Try the wild mushroom risotto with spinach and poached duck egg or the pan-seared venison with a hazelnut crumb roast pumpkin purée and pickled cherries; don't miss the hot cider in the wintertime.