When Hall & Woodhouse was established King George III was on the throne
(Image: H&W)
A Dorset brewery founded just one year after the USA declared independence from Great Britain has hailed its “remarkable” longevity.
Hall & Woodhouse (H&W) was established in 1777 by West Country farmer Charles Hall, who opened a brewery in the village of Ansty.
In 1793, as Britain and France went to war, Mr Hall won the license to supply beer to the Duke of Wellington’s troops who were quartered in Weymouth.
His son, Robert, inherited the brewery, and later brought Edward Woodhouse into the business as a commercial partner.
Nearly 250 years on and H&W, which now operates some 150 pubs across the south of England, remains family owned. Anthony Woodhouse and Tatiana Woodhouse are directors in the business and are the current seventh and eighth generation stewards.
Its famous ‘Badger’ beer is also stocked across major UK supermarkets including Waitrose and Sainsbury’s, as well as on Amazon.
Mr Woodhouse, chairman of H&W, said: “Reaching 249 years is a remarkable milestone for our business and one that reflects the dedication of the generations of team members who have helped shape Hall & Woodhouse over the years.”
The company celebrated its 249th anniversary on Monday, June 8, with its annual Founder’s Day celebrations, bringing together team members from across the business to mark the anniversary.
Team members from H&W’s 55 managed houses took part in the company’s annual litter pick(Image: H&W)
Staff from H&W’s 55 managed houses took part in the company’s annual litter pick as part of the occasion. Every employee in the managed house estate also received a slice of birthday cake and a bottle of the commemorative anniversary beer – Hannah and George Edward’s Kindness, which is named after key figures in H&W’s founding history.
“I’m incredibly proud that we continue the tradition of giving back to our local communities that support us, in addition to celebrating our heritage,” added Mr Woodhouse.
“As we look ahead, we’re excited to begin preparations for an even bigger celebration as we approach our 250th anniversary next year.”
Last year, H&W was named the ‘Best Managed Pub Company’ at the Publican Awards.
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