The Old Bull & Bush

There's a little nook
down in old Hampstead Town,
You know the place it does one great renown,
Often with my sweetheart on a bright Summers day,
To the little pub my footsteps will stray,
If she hesitates when she looks at the sign,
Promptly I whisper, "Now do not decline."
"Down at the Old Bull and Bush"
- sung by Florrie Forde (1920s).

We popped into this pub last night for a drink with Jan. Originally a farmhouse built in 1645, it was first licensed in 1721 and became a music hall in 1867 (hence the song). I understand that the interior was recently redecorated, much to the vocal complaints of pub fanciers. (The internet is full of less than glowing reviews.)

For our own part, we thought it was pleasant (if a bit Ikea) and it did have a great beer selection (though European, not English). Food was rubbish, but the bargirls were pretty. Not bad – certainly the best pub within Golders Green – but it’s probably worth making the extra effort to nip over to Hampstead.

Come, come, come and make eyes at me
down at the Old Bull and Bush,
Da, da, da, da, da,
Just let me hold your hand dear,
Do, do, do, do, do have a drink or two
down at the Old Bull and Bush