The Holly Tree

Just what London needs - another pub pretending to be a gastropub with a garden. The Holly Tree in London had me rolling my eyes before I even walked through the door. A miniature train in the garden? Please. I was ready to write this off as another desperate attempt to stand out in a city drowning in mediocre boozers.

But damn it all if this place didn't chip away at my carefully cultivated cynicism.

First, let's address the elephant in the beer garden - yes, there's a toy train, and yes, it's often broken (much to the vocal disappointment of every toddler within a five-mile radius). But here's the thing: The Holly Tree has pulled off something I thought impossible in London - creating a space that somehow works for both families and those of us who'd rather drink our pints without a side of Baby Shark.

The adults-only section isn't just a sad corner with a "no kids" sign - it's actually thoughtfully designed, offering blessed refuge from the chaos that can overtake the garden during peak kiddie hours. It's like finding an oasis of calm in a desert of sticky fingers and juice box negotiations.

Speaking of the garden, it's massive by London standards, which means you might actually score a table on a sunny day without having to commit grievous bodily harm. Revolutionary, I know. The outdoor space transforms seamlessly from family-friendly afternoon spot to evening drinks venue, like some sort of architectural mood ring.

Now, about the food. I walked in expecting the usual phoned-in pub grub, but The Holly Tree's kitchen actually gives a damn. The burgers are proper burgers - not those sad, grey discs that haunt lesser establishments. They've managed to keep prices surprisingly reasonable, which in today's London feels like a minor miracle. Though I'd skip the apple crumble unless you're trying to speedrun diabetes.

The drink selection deserves mention, if only because they've somehow managed to stock decent beers without charging West End prices. Yes, avoid the Guinness (it's not their strong suit), but the ales are well-kept, and they mix a spicy margarita that'll wake up taste buds you forgot you had. Though whoever's making the pineapple daiquiris might need a gentle intervention.

Quiz nights on Wednesdays actually draw a crowd that can spell words longer than "beer," which in pub quiz terms is practically Mensa-level. The staff, while occasionally mixing brilliant with bewildered, generally lean toward the former. They're the kind of people who'll remember your usual order while pretending not to judge you for it.

Let's talk logistics because you'll need them after I reluctantly admit this place is worth visiting. They take cards (welcome to the 21st century), have paid street parking nearby (because London), and you can actually book a table - a concept seemingly alien to many London pubs. They're dog-friendly too, which means you might find yourself sharing space with both toddlers and terriers. Somehow, it works.

The Holly Tree has become something of a neighborhood institution in London, and I hate that I can't be properly snarky about it. Sure, it's not perfect - the menu could use more frequent updates, and sometimes the garden feels like a daycare center with a liquor license. But there's an undeniable charm to the place that works its way under your skin.

Look, I'm as surprised as anyone to be writing this, but The Holly Tree in London deserves your attention. Whether you're a local looking for a reliable watering hole or a visitor seeking something more authentic than the tourist traps, you'll find something to like here. Just don't blame me if you end up becoming a regular - I tried my best to be cynical, but sometimes a pub just refuses to let you hate it properly.