The Holly Bush is one of the older pubs in London, beginning life as the stable block of a nearby house in the 1640s, when Hampstead was a country town.

The pub retains many of its original features, such as etched glass windows, oak flooring, gas lamps and pressed tin ceiling and walls. The two front bars have simple painted settles and wood panelling. One bar has an open fire, and the myriad of rooms at the back is a later addition, converted from the landlord's living quarters.