Hampstead, London. This secluded hilltop pub is tucked away on a side street surrounded by holly bushes (although the name is probably derived from the tradition of hanging a branch or bush above the door of the pub to indicate that a drink could be had there). Located in Hampstead is not the easiest pub to get to but well worth the journey. It is said there has been a pub on this site since 1643, with the current building dating from the 1790s. It was originally a stables for artist George Romney, who was famous for painting 60 portraits of Lady Hamilton, mistress to Admiral Lord Nelson and wife of a nobleman. In 1807 it became a catering wing for The Assembly Rooms, a cultural center for the area. It became a public house in 1928. A distinctive canopy hood with a wood pelmut runs along the front of the pub. Inside is a central lobby with a paneled bar and bar back with covings and Corinthian columns surviving from Victorian days. There are several rooms off the lobby, and to the right is a skylight and a nice snug. Upstairs is the Romney Room. Famous patrons include famous dictionary author Dr. Samuel Johnson, Jude Law, and musician Liam Gallagher who was thrown out one evening for arguing whether or not he paid for his drinks.

It is now a Fuller's pub, and I enjoyed a tasty Red Fox Caramel Autumnal Red Ale. The bartender Dylan was a fountain of information, including some tips for his home town of Broadway in the West Midlands where we are headed next.