When Hall & Woodhouse was established King George III was on the throne
10:01, 11 Jun 2026Updated 10:08, 11 Jun 2026
(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.
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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.
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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.
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“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.
Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder and chief executive of Meta, the company that owns Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, has a similar holding of different classes of shares in his firm. Yet, his voting control is around 60% of the company, significantly less than Musk’s control of SpaceX.
SlateStone Wealth chief market strategist Kenny Polcari discusses whether investors are too dependent on AI, Space X’s IPO and his outlook for the markets on ‘Varney & Co.’
Mortgage rates jumped this week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday.
Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, released Thursday, showed the average rate on the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage climbed to 6.52% from last week’s reading of 6.48%.
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The average rate on a 30-year loan was 6.84% a year ago.
Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, released Thursday, showed the average rate on the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage climbed to 6.52% from last week’s reading of 6.48%. (iStock)
“The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.52% this week,” Sam Khater, chief economist at Freddie Mac, said in a statement.
“Stronger employment momentum has helped existing home sales reach a five-month high. Importantly, we’re seeing homebuyers look past the short-term rate fluctuations and actively enter the market, signaling renewed confidence in homeownership opportunities.”
The average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage rose to 5.84% from last week’s reading of 5.79%. (iStock)
The average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage rose to 5.84% from last week’s reading of 5.79%.
The U.S. added 172,000 jobs in May, beating forecasts, while unemployment held steady at 4.3%. The strong report may lower hopes for near-term interest rate cuts, according to Realtor.com economist Jiyai Xu.
“What began as a question of when the Fed would cut rates has quietly shifted,” Xu said in a statement. “Ongoing global tensions and rising energy prices have prompted some to wonder whether a rate increase may be back on the table.”
NEW YORK — The San Antonio Spurs refused to waver in the face of a devastating collapse, with Victor Wembanyama and his young teammates vowing to learn from a historic 29-point meltdown in Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals against the New York Knicks.
The Spurs led by as many as 29 points but fell 107-106 on OG Anunoby’s tip-in with 1.2 seconds left, dropping to a 3-1 series deficit. The loss marked the largest comeback in NBA Finals history, surpassing the previous mark of 24 points set by Boston in 2008.
Despite the painful defeat at Madison Square Garden, the Spurs emphasized unity and determination heading into Game 5 on Saturday in San Antonio. “What’s going through my mind right now? I think it’s going to go one of two ways: a bad one and a good one,” Wembanyama said. “The bad one would be giving up. The good one would be getting stronger through this, getting more together. I know this is what we’re going to do.”
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The Spurs built a commanding 81-52 lead in the third quarter behind hot three-point shooting and strong interior play. They led by 27 points at halftime, the largest halftime advantage by a visiting team in Finals history. However, San Antonio managed just 30 points in the second half on 8-for-39 shooting with 10 turnovers.
“We went away from everything we were doing,” rookie guard Dylan Harper said. “In the first half, a lot of tough shots went in. Really, that was because we were playing the right way. We got away from that in the second half because of the lead. We just can’t take our foot off the gas.”
Game 4 Collapse Details
The Spurs opened with a 12-2 run and extended the lead to 41-22 after the first quarter. They shot 11-for-16 from three-point range in the first half, setting a Finals record for most threes in a half. Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell and Harper combined for 59 points by intermission.
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New York mounted a comeback with a 13-0 run in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 15 points entering the fourth. The Knicks outscored the Spurs 32-16 in the final period to complete the rally.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 36 points, while Anunoby finished with 33 and delivered the game-winner. Wembanyama posted 24 points and 13 rebounds but shot 9-for-25 from the field. Dylan Harper scored 21 points for San Antonio, with Fox and Vassell each adding 18.
Coach Mitch Johnson expressed disappointment in the second-half execution. “We got on our heels — we missed some shots. It’s disappointing, to say the least.”
Wembanyama played 44 minutes in the loss, logging heavy minutes even with a large lead. “Yeah, I guess I did,” he said when asked if he wore down. Johnson explained the decision: “He had a few more minutes tonight because we were trying to put the game away. With Game 5 two days after this, what was at stake, we wanted to win the game and try to put it away.”
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Spurs’ Youth and Growth
The young Spurs have exceeded expectations by reaching the Finals in just their third season with Wembanyama. The team has shown remarkable resilience throughout the postseason, overcoming elimination threats before. “We’ve proven we can surpass these difficulties,” Wembanyama said. “Even though we haven’t been there before, I’m convinced we’re built that way and we’re going to use the better of this. It’s going to tighten us up.”
Keldon Johnson, the NBA Sixth Man of the Year, echoed the sentiment. “We’re all human. It hurts. We want to win. We’re so close, but so far. We’re going to continue what we do, bring our brand of basketball and correct the things we can correct going forward.”
The Spurs now face elimination pressure for the second time this postseason. They previously rallied from a similar spot in the Western Conference finals against Oklahoma City.
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Knicks’ Historic Comeback
The Knicks’ resilience defined the night. Coach Mike Brown praised Anunoby’s game-winning tip-in. “I don’t know if there was a play bigger than any other play in the history of Knicks basketball.”
The victory puts New York one win away from its first title since 1973. Game 5 in San Antonio offers the Spurs a chance to extend the series, but the momentum now heavily favors the Knicks after their record rally.
Series Context and Physical Play
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The series has been notably physical, with multiple flagrant fouls called. Wembanyama drew attention and physicality from New York defenders, including a flagrant foul on Mitchell Robinson. The Spurs led by double digits in every game but have maintained a lead into the fourth only once.
The hostile Madison Square Garden crowd played a significant role in the momentum shift, energizing the Knicks during their comeback. Celebrities including Taylor Swift were in attendance, adding to the spectacle.
Broader Implications for Both Teams
For the Spurs, the loss represents a painful but valuable lesson in closing out games at the highest level. Their youth and inexperience showed in the second half, but the core group has demonstrated growth throughout the season and playoffs.
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The Knicks have overcome significant obstacles en route to this point, erasing large deficits multiple times this postseason. Their never-quit mentality has become a defining characteristic under coach Mike Brown.
Game 5 will test San Antonio’s resolve at home, where they have been strong. A victory would send the series back to New York for Game 6, keeping championship hopes alive. For the Knicks, closing out on the road would cap a remarkable playoff run.
Fan and Cultural Reaction
The game produced immediate buzz, with fans and analysts praising the Knicks’ resilience while lamenting the Spurs’ collapse. Social media was filled with highlights of Anunoby’s tip-in and reactions to the historic comeback.
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The series has captivated basketball fans with strong individual performances and dramatic swings. Wembanyama’s emergence as a Finals star at a young age has drawn comparisons to legendary big men, while Brunson’s leadership has solidified his status among the league’s elite.
As the Finals head to San Antonio, both teams prepare for what could be a decisive Game 5. The Spurs must regroup quickly to avoid elimination, while the Knicks aim to finish the job and end a long championship drought. The coming contest promises another chapter in what has become a compelling and hard-fought NBA Finals series.
The Spurs’ youth provides reason for optimism despite the painful loss. With Wembanyama leading the way and a core group gaining valuable experience, San Antonio remains a team built for sustained success. For now, the focus shifts to Game 5, where resilience will be tested once more on home court.
Wall Street’s major indexes ended sharply higher on Thursday, with stocks extending gains after U.S. President Donald Trump said he canceled planned strikes against Iran, and on the eve of the market debut of Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
Hours before the expected strikes, Trump said on Truth Social that negotiations with Tehran had advanced to the highest levels of Iran’s leadership and had been okayed by a broad coalition of regional powers.
Oil prices dropped sharply, while stocks added to their rebound from the prior session’s selloff. On Wednesday, major Wall Street indexes fell more than 1% and the S&P 500 Technology Index confirmed a correction.
“Our technical indicators are looking relatively oversold here,” said Robert Phipps, a director at Per Stirling Capital Management in Austin, Texas. “Just as we had gone up too far, too fast, we came down too far, too fast.”
According to preliminary data, the S&P 500 gained 126.86 points, or 1.75%, to end at 7,393.85 points, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 637.78 points, or 2.53%, to 25,801.47. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 928.72 points, or 1.84%, to 50,847.50. On Thursday, SpaceX priced the biggest-ever U.S. initial public offering at $135 per share, making Musk’s rocket and spacecraft manufacturer one of the world’s most valuable companies. The IPO raised a record $75 billion on the sale of 555.56 million shares. It valued the company at $1.77 trillion, a record for an initial offering. SpaceX shares are expected to begin trading on Friday. The S&P 500 has pulled back since hitting a record closing high in early June. The Middle East conflict has stoked inflationary pressures.
Still, Oracle shares plunged after the company projected capital spending plans for fiscal 2027 above Wall Street estimates.
Feeding inflation worries, data showed U.S. producer prices increased more than expected in May, leading to the largest annual gain in over three years.
Separately, the number of Americans filing claims for unemployment benefits increased marginally last week.
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The Federal Reserve is widely expected to hold interest rates steady at its policy meeting next week, with investors pricing in at least one 25 basis point rate hike by the end of the year.
Dhierin-Perkash Bechai is an aerospace, defense and airline analyst.
Dhierin runs the investing group The Aerospace Forum, whose goal is to discover investment opportunities in the aerospace, defense and airline industry. With a background in aerospace engineering, he provides analysis of a complex industry with significant growth prospects, and offers context to developments as they occur, describing how they might affect investment theses. His investing ideas are driven by data informed analysis. The investing group also provides direct access to data analytics monitors.
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SlateStone Wealth chief market strategist Kenny Polcari discusses whether investors are too dependent on AI, Space X’s IPO and his outlook for the markets on ‘Varney & Co.’
An American favorite pizza chain is quietly disappearing from communities across the country.
Papa Johns is following through on its plan to close about 300 North American stores, with dozens of locations shuttering in the first quarter – primarily in core Sun Belt states.
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A recent analysis of Papa Johns financial filings by Fast Company found that 44 stores closed across 17 states, with the highest concentration of closures in Texas, California, Florida and Arizona.
Multiple location closures have also been identified in Michigan, North Carolina and Virginia.
The pizza brand first announced in February that hundreds of underperforming restaurants would cease operations by the end of 2027, describing the locations as being primarily franchise-owned, more than a decade old and generating less than $600,000 in annual sales volumes (AUVs).
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The interior of a Papa Johns Pizza is seen on May 9, 2024, in Austin, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images / Getty Images)
“We believe these closures will further strengthen the system, increasing AUVs by at least 3% and improve franchisee health by allowing franchisees to reallocate resources towards operational excellence in their remaining restaurants and open units in priority markets,” Papa Johns CFO Ravi Thanawala previously said.
He also said that the majority of the company’s restaurants worldwide have “performed well over the years and delivered strong returns for both corporate and franchise owners,” and that the strategic closure of underperforming restaurants is “among the most impactful actions we can take to improve restaurant profitability and fleet health.”
FOX Business co-host Taylor Riggs and Fox News contributor Marcus Lemonis see small business success up close at Rocky’s Pizza Bar on ‘FOX Business In Depth.’
However, shares of Papa Johns International were down roughly 21% year to date through Wednesday’s close. Over the past five years, shares of Papa Johns International have fallen more than 69%.
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In addition to the Q1 store closures, filings showed that Papa Johns laid off 7% of its corporate workforce.
Cava CEO Brett Schulman explains the restaurant chain’s no-discount strategy.
Not only are franchisees across the fast-food industry facing severe headwinds from inflation, supply chain expenses and labor costs, but pizzerias nationwide are facing stiff competition. A recent Wall Street Journal report found that pizza restaurants are now outnumbered by Mexican restaurants and coffee shops.
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Other pizza chain competitors have made strategic moves amid weakening demand, including rival Pizza Hut closing hundreds of locations and its parent company, Yum! Brands, reportedly looking into a potential sale of the chain.
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