The Holly Bush, darts in Hampstead (Camden), NW3

Photo: The Holly Bush

The Holly Bush: Darts in Hampstead, London

FreeWalk-in1 boardGastropubLeague pub

22 Holly Mount, Hampstead, London · NW3 6SG · Mo-Sa 12:00-23:00; Su 12:00-22:30

The Holly Bush is a Grade II listed Fuller's pub tucked up a steep lane off Hampstead high street, and it has one dart board in the small room round the back of the bar. It is a proper old pub first and a darts spot second, so come for the dark-wood snug, the cask ale and the well-above-average kitchen, and treat the board as a bonus. There is no charge and nothing to book. The one thing worth knowing: there is a table sitting close to the oche, so get there early enough to slide it out of the way and give yourself room to throw. It suits a relaxed pint-and-a-few-legs session rather than a serious practice night, and it is an easy walk from Hampstead station.

The darts setup

There is a single board, set in the small room round the back of the bar rather than out in the main rooms. It is a casual pub setup, no automatic scoring and no marked-out lane, so you keep your own score and chalk up between throws. The catch is space: a table sits close to the throwing line, and busy nights mean you may need to nudge it aside before you start. Arrive early if you want a clear run at the board, because once the pub fills up the back room gets used for drinkers and diners too. Bring your own arrows if you are fussy; this is a grab-a-board pub rather than a kitted-out darts venue.

Good to know

Playing is free and you do not book the board, you just turn up and use it when it is clear. The Holly Bush trades on its food and drink first: Fuller's took it over in 2010 and it now runs as a gastropub with an AA Rosette, so expect refined pub classics rather than basic bar snacks, alongside cask ales and craft beer. The pub opens at noon every day and serves until 23:00 Monday to Saturday and 22:30 on Sunday, with the kitchen running lunch and dinner sittings. It is a good shout for a small group who want a couple of legs around a long, comfortable pub session rather than a dedicated darts outing.

Getting there

The pub sits at 22 Holly Mount, up a narrow lane and a flight of steps off Heath Street in the heart of old Hampstead, NW3 6SG. The nearest station is Hampstead on the Northern line (Edgware branch), a short uphill walk away, and Hampstead Heath Overground is also within reach to the south. It is genuinely tucked away, so follow the lane and the steps up from the main street rather than expecting to spot it from the road. Once you are up there you are right by the Heath, which makes it an easy pairing with a walk before or after a few drinks and a quick game.

Get directions

Common questions

Does The Holly Bush in Hampstead have a dart board?
Yes. There is one dart board in the small room round the back of the bar. It is a casual pub board, not a dedicated darts setup, so you keep your own score and there is no automatic scoring.
Is it free to play darts at The Holly Bush?
Yes, the board is free to use and there is nothing to book. You just turn up and play when it is clear. It is a Fuller's pub, so you are expected to buy a drink while you are there.
Do you need to book to play darts at The Holly Bush?
No booking is needed. The single board is first come, first served. A table sits close to the throwing line, so getting there early enough to move it gives you room to throw.
How many dart boards does The Holly Bush have?
Just one. It is a single board tucked in the small back room behind the bar, which suits a relaxed game rather than a serious darts night.
What are The Holly Bush opening hours?
The pub opens at noon every day, closing at 23:00 Monday to Saturday and 22:30 on Sunday. The kitchen runs separate lunch and dinner sittings within those hours.
What is the nearest station to The Holly Bush?
Hampstead station on the Northern line is the closest, a short uphill walk away. The pub is at 22 Holly Mount, NW3 6SG, up a lane and steps off Heath Street.

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