Hospital beer

The Zuid-Hollandsche Bierbrouwerij (ZHB), founded in 1881 by Louis Kirchmann, became the largest brewery in The Hague. Located at the corner of Noordwal and Bij de Westermolens, the complex included not only the brewery but also a cooperage and an ice factory. The nearby waterways made transport of their products efficient.

In 1894, Queen Regent Emma awarded ZHB the Royal Warrant, recognizing the high quality of its beers. To secure a steady market, ZHB acquired several hospitality venues, including Hotel Central on Lange Poten and Seinpost in Scheveningen. This ensured constant demand for their brews.

The nickname “ZiekenHuisBier” ("Hospital Beer") likely came from the headaches some consumers reported after drinking it. Nevertheless, the brewery expanded and eventually exported to 83 countries. In 1960, ZHB merged with the Rotterdam-based d'Oranjeboom brewery, forming the Verenigde Nederlandse Brouwerijen d'Oranjeboom.

Production in The Hague ceased in 1974, and the brewery was demolished. A residential neighborhood, Z.H.B.-hoven, now occupies the site. A 1931 copper plaque remains as a tribute to this chapter of local history. In 2018, Brewery De Arn in Rijswijk revived the ZHB name, with official permission to produce beer under the historic brand.