Holywell’s
In an old townhouse that was painted in white, stood a bright yellow door in one street light. 💛
Coffeehouse by day and speakeasy by night, the outside of Holywells (or Mrs. H) sticks out from the battered antique shops and dim storefronts on Hollywood Road. I had already noticed it before they opened, reminding me of the illustrations from Ludwig Bemelmans’ Madeline with their bold, thick brushstrokes and iconic, bright flashes of yellow.
It was only when I was working an event across the street and grabbed a much-needed coffee to go that my friend revealed what was actually behind the closed door. On a regular weekend, you’ll find people spilling out onto the streets as they wait for a coveted table inside.
Not too surprising as the insides speak like a London parlour fit for a cosy night in on a fine autumn evening. It doesn’t even feel like a bar at all but rather walking into someone’s living room where you can let down your hair, lean back onto the plush sofa seats, and spill the tea (literally) with your group of closest friends.
Having been here my fair share of times with my fair share of drinks, I can say that each tipple off the stunning drawn menu tells a story of British nostalgia. From the Daily Greens inspired by Joe & the Juice (the only way I could get my friend to drink a green juice) to the Midsummer Forage, or their other popular concoctions – the Banoffee Pie and Club Orange, wisps of memories and images of younger travels flit across my mind.
Once the last sip is done and the last tale is told, you can rest your mind knowing that you’re in your new home away from home.
We left the house at half past one in one straight line in rain or shine. And that’s all there is – there isn’t anymore.