The story
The Holy Pint was born from a childhood dream, a dream Mike Barten has carried with him since the age of fourteen. What started as a love for Irish pub culture, the warm atmosphere, hearty food and friendly faces, is now a reality in the heart of Hilversum.
After years of experience in hospitality and events, a career in rugby and a gym ownership, Mike knew it was time to bring his ultimate vision to life: opening his very own Irish pub. When the iconic Heren Spyker location on the Kerkbrink in Hilversum became available, he seized the opportunity. This historic building, located in the charming 'Spijkerpandjes', turned out to be the perfect setting.
Mike is shaping The Holy Pint into a true “home away from home” a place for anyone who appreciates good company, Irish beer, whiskey and comforting dishes like fish & chips, pies, and burgers. The pub features a bold yet cosy interior, with exposed brick, plenty of wood, and a welcoming beer garden tucked away at the back.
With The Holy Pint, Mike is bringing a touch of Ireland to Hilversum, and more than that, he’s creating a place where people can come together, share stories, and celebrate life, one pint at a time.
Sláinte!
Welcome to The Holy Pint, located in one of Hilversum’s most historic and character-filled spots: the Kerkbrink. This building carries a story that stretches back to the late 19th century, when the left-hand side served as a blacksmith’s workshop built around 1880. It was run by Jacobus Spijker, who lived with his family in the adjoining bell-gabled house dating from around 1770.
The workshop stood beside the old town hall and the well-known Hof van Holland, once the bustling departure point for horse-drawn carriages bound for Amsterdam. It was a lively corner of craft, trade, and community.
From 1880 to 1930, the blacksmith shop was continued by P. van Walbeek. Meanwhile, Spijker’s sons, Hendrik Jan and Jacobus Jr., shifted their focus to innovation. They began building carriages at Hilversum’s Stationsplein and, by 1886, founded the legendary Spijker automobile factory in Amsterdam. Their craftsmanship reached royal status with the creation of the Golden Coach, gifted to Queen Wilhelmina in 1898, still a Dutch national icon.
Through the years, the building evolved, even becoming the refined restaurant Heeren Spijker, named in honor of the family’s legacy.
Today, the building has been lovingly restored and woven into a contemporary design by architect H.J.M. Ruijssenaars, blending historical charm with fresh energy.
“At The Holy Pint, we’re proud to continue the tradition: a place where history, craftsmanship, and good company come together.”