The Holdy’s Pub at Mike’s Forest Retreat
A mellow space of nostalgia, Holdy’s Pub at Mike’s Forest Retreat honours our Founder’s Deputy Headmaster at school for his mentorship, and the bonds that still linger.
With glasses raised and laughter low,
We honour those who helped us grow.
A Pub That Pours More Than a Drink
Holdy’s Pub is a space of ease and conversation, where the atmosphere is as important as the pour. At Mike’s Forest Retreat, this is where guests drift in not just for a drink, but for a change of pace—a soft landing after a spirited day.
The lighting is mellow, the interiors warm, and the mood generous. It’s a place that invites you to stay a little longer, to share a story or two, and to let the hours unspool without rush or reason.
A Gentle Salute to a Quiet Legend
The pub is named after J.R. Holdsworth, the much-admired Deputy Headmaster of The Doon School, where Mike Dalvi spent his formative years. Affectionately known as “Holdy,” he was remembered not for strictness or show, but for a kind of quiet wit, approachability, and his distinct ability to make boys feel seen.
By naming the pub after him, we honour not just a teacher, but a kind of mentorship that left its mark—firm but fair, gentle yet lasting. His legacy lives on here in the mood of camaraderie and gracious exchange.
Where Legacy Meets Lighthearted Leisure
At Mike’s Forest Retreat, Holdy’s Pub is curated with affection, not affectation. You’ll find classic touches with character—leather, wood, dimmed lighting, perhaps a musical note drifting through—but nothing loud or forced.
It’s the kind of space that makes you feel immediately at home, even if you’re far from it. With a nod to schoolboy nostalgia and grown-up relaxation, it’s a place to unwind with grace and to remember that the best conversations are never hurried.
Tips to Enjoy Holdy’s Pub in Our True Retreat Style
To truly take in the charm of Holdy’s Pub, approach it not just as a bar, but as a gathering space for reflection, lightness, and connection.
Choose a quiet evening or mellow afternoon to enjoy the ambience
Let your drink accompany a book, a memory, or a friend—not a rush
Ask about the story behind the name—it often leads to a lovely conversation
Keep your phone tucked away and your presence fully here
Let the experience be less about consumption, more about camaraderie
A Comforting Pause for Every Kind of Guest
Whether you’re visiting solo and seeking a contemplative corner, arriving with family to mark a moment, celebrating a wedding, or closing a day of meetings, Holdy’s Pub has a quiet way of fitting right in.
It becomes what you need it to be: a soft-voiced confidant, a backdrop to laughter, or simply a gentle close to a day well spent. Whatever the context, it adds warmth to your stay—and story to your memory.
Plan Your Stay, Celebration, or Strategy Retreat
Whether you’re planning a restful holiday, a wedding with layers of meaning, or a corporate retreat that values both vision and pace—Mike’s Forest Retreat welcomes you.
Here, Holdy’s Pub offers not just refreshments, but a return to meaningful moments—those easy pauses, warm glances, and conversations that gently linger.
Let your experience of Mike’s Forest Retreat begin before you even travel!
Stay in our circle of stories, surprises, and serene escapes—before you even pack your bags. Subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter—The Forest Almanac—and receive a beautifully curated set of three exclusive ebooks—on how to plan your holidays, destination weddings or business offsites with us.
Opt in to be part of our discerning and tasteful community. Fill in the form to stay connected.
