Food Chain - Issue 201a - September 2024 | Page 84

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Founded in 1777 by Charles Hall in Dorset , England , Hall & Woodhouse is a fully independent and familyowned business that seamlessly blends its British regional brewery with an operational network of more than 150 public houses across England ’ s South . Brewing forms the backbone of the business , with classic and contemporary ales brewed under the Badger Beers name , alongside its new craft beer brand , Outland , and served to customers in the pubs , as well as bottled and canned versions for take-home enjoyment .

With such a rich heritage , the business is keen to maintain a key role in the evolution of British pubs as it approaches its 250th anniversary in 2027 . “ The local pub is such an important part of local and British culture ,” opens Giles Mountford , Head of Brand Marketing . “ It ’ s not just about alcohol and beer . It ’ s so much more ; pubs are incredibly
valuable assets to our communities and local economies , and it would be a great shame to lose such a key part of this culture .
“ We currently operate around 150 houses , with 101 managed by our business partners and 54 managed centrally . We have a robust network , with sites located across the South all the way from Woolacombe in Devon to Parliament Square in London . Much of our focus in terms of growing the network is around building new pubs , as these venues better meet the needs of contemporary customers . We must appeal to guests who want coffee and cake in the day , for instance , as well as typical pub goers and families looking for Sunday lunch .
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