Hall & Woodhouse (H&W) has appointed Adam Morriss and Adam Norris as its new Business Partners (tenants) to operate The Lord Nelson on Poole Quay.

Adam Morriss worked closely with the pub’s previous Business Partner, Anna Doyle, who successfully ran The Lord Nelson for 20 years before retiring in October 2024. The pub closed for six weeks between mid-January and March to undergo an extensive renovation.

Family-owned H&W has invested over £300,000 into transforming The Lord Nelson with a fresh new look and feel. Inside, the pub has been fully redecorated with updated furniture and a brighter colour scheme. Trinkets from the last 20 years have been incorporated into the new décor to celebrate and champion the pub’s rich history.

Mark James, property director at Hall & Woodhouse, said: “The Lord Nelson is a famous Poole pub with a rich history. When investing in the pub, it was important that we balanced updating its facilities so it is fit for the future, without losing what has always made it special. The refurbishment has created an excellent platform for our Business Partners to start their next venture.”

A new central bar area is now in place to extend the original dining area with an additional 30 covers and gives direct access to the new courtyard. The outside courtyard features planting and festoon lighting, creating a year-round space for guests to use.

Additionally, a new modern kitchen has allowed the new Business Partners to enhance the pub’s food offering and extend its food service throughout the day.

The Lord Nelson is well known in the community for its live entertainment and is a popular music venue for local artists. Adam Morris explained: “We are honoured to be trusted as the new guardians of The Lord Nelson. I first started working with Anna in 2004 and have seen The Nelson grow into the much-loved pub that it is today. We want to build on its terrific reputation that Anna created on Poole Quay, and provide even more live music, delicious food, and entertainment for our guests.”

Adam Morriss has worked in the hospitality sector for over 20 years, having previously ran the local Soho Bar & Kitchen in Poole. Adam met his business partner Adam Norris during his time running Soho Bar. Adam Norris also brings with him more than two decades of experience in the industry.

Adam Morriss added: “I am a firm believer in being in the right place, at the right time, and when Anna asked if I would take over the reins of The Lord Nelson, I had to say yes. I am very grateful for the guidance Hall & Woodhouse has provided since our return to the Business Partner estate. It’s so reassuring to have the business’ backing.

“I am so proud of what we have achieved during our six-week refurbishment and can’t wait to see our guests’ reaction. Whether you’re after a cosy catch-up with friends, a hearty meal to enjoy with family, or want to listen to some rock classics, The Lord Nelson has something for everyone. We look forward to welcoming back our treasured guests and meeting some new faces.”

The Lord Nelson is open seven days a week from 9am until late, and food is served daily from 9am-9pm. Please visit www.thelordnelsonpoole.co.uk to view the new menu or call 01202 804101 to reserve a table. Follow @thelordnelsonpoole on Facebook for information on all the latest events and live entertainment.

We recently hosted a gala dinner and awards ceremony to recognise our Business Partners’ achievements and successes from the past year.

Over 100 Business Partners and guests came together for an evening of celebration at the Crown Hotel in Blandford.

11 awards were handed out on the night including Best Newcomer, Community Champion, a Sustainability Award, and the coveted Pub of the Year Award.

Mark James, Business Partnerships and Property Director of Hall & Woodhouse, said: “Huge congratulations are in order for all of our winners. Our annual Business Partner Awards offer us the opportunity to thank everyone within the H&W Business Partner family for their hard work and dedication.

“We are immensely proud of the strong relationships we have with our Business Partners, and the successes they have achieved I am pleased to acknowledge some of those at our gala dinner.”

The complete list of 2025 winners, included:

• Community Champion

The Crown Inn, Marnhull

 

• Sustainability Award

The Crown Inn, Marnhull

 

• Best Sunday Roast

Ye Olde George, East Meon

 

• Best Garden

The Rising Sun, Wimborne

 

• Best Food House

The Dragon, Colgate

 

• Best Marketing

The Six Bells, Billingshurst

 

• Best Newcomer

The New Inn, Salisbury

 

• Best Bedrooms

The Barn Owl, Kingskerswell

 

• Beer Quality Award

The Ship Inn, Wool

 

• Best New Idea

The Wight Mouse, Isle of Wight

 

• Public House of the Year

The Empress of Blandings, Copythorne

 

During the evening, attendees helped to raise over £1,500 for the Licensed Trade Charity thanks to the event sponsors that donated raffle prizes.

To learn more about how to run a pub and join the Hall & Woodhouse family, visit: www.hall-woodhousepartnerships.co.uk

 

We are proud to announce that Hall & Woodhouse has been recognised as the Best Managed Pub Company (51+ sites) at the 2025 Publican Awards — a significant accolade that reflects the strength and ambition of our business and team.

The Publican Awards are the UK’s most respected industry benchmark for pub company performance. Held annually, the awards recognise the highest standards in hospitality, shining a spotlight on businesses that deliver exceptional quality, innovation, and leadership. To be shortlisted—and ultimately win—demonstrates not only commercial success but also outstanding guest experience, community impact, and operational excellence.

This year’s awards ceremony took place at London’s Battersea Evolution and was hosted by television presenter Claudia Winkleman. Hall & Woodhouse was shortlisted alongside four other national operators in the Best Managed Pub Company category.

Following an extensive judging process, which included detailed business audits and interviews conducted by industry experts, Hall & Woodhouse was named the category winner.

Commenting on the win, Matt Kearsey, Managing Director of Hall & Woodhouse, said: “We are so grateful to be presented with the Best Managed Pub Company Award. Since 1777 our company purpose has been to make people’s day and enrich our communities, and we’re proud that this has never faltered despite the recent turbulent years for the sector.”

“Since the pandemic, we have successfully transitioned from a “weathering the storm” mindset to a renewed sense of determination and ambition.  We brought innovation back to the forefront and delivered exciting projects, including our brand-new £6 million pub Hall & Woodhouse Crowthorne in Berkshire.  A further £14 million investment is planned for our pub estate this year, and we have set ourselves the target of matching the £850k we donated to local good causes last year.  We will not rest on our laurels and are continuously looking at ways we can build on our success with our team, guests, and innovation at the heart of what we do.”

Ed Bedington, Editor of  The Morning Advertiser and organiser of the Publican Awards, commented: “These awards celebrate the best in the business and recognise operators that are performing at the very top of their game. The pub and hospitality sector continues to face significant external challenges, but awards like these allow us to reflect on and applaud the exceptional efforts being made across the industry.”

This award is a meaningful endorsement of our ongoing strategy and the dedication of our team across the Hall & Woodhouse estate. It reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences, supporting our communities, and investing in a sustainable and successful future.

To our team, guests and partners—thank you for your continued support and for being part of our journey.

Hall & Woodhouse has confirmed the expansion of its chef apprenticeship scheme, offering 36 new places across two new partner colleges. The leading family brewer is working with Bournemouth and Poole College and Exeter College to offer new apprenticeships in hospitality and catering, following the success of its existing programme with Chichester College.

The first cohort of 12 Level 3 (Senior) Production Chef Apprenticeships launch at Bournemouth and Poole College on 25^th February 2025, with a second cohort of a further 12 students starting the course in the autumn. Exeter College is also offering 12 new places for its apprenticeship course starting in September 2025.

Apprentices benefit from professional training and hands-on experience throughout the 12-month course. The bespoke programme is tailored to complement their role at Hall and Woodhouse as a Head or Sous Chef. The course focusses on the creation of dishes from H&W’s handcrafted menu, using specific ingredients and applying the business’ high culinary standards.

Dean Livesey, Director of HR at Hall & Woodhouse, said: “We are thrilled to extend our apprenticeship programme to even more chefs across the south. By working closely with respected forward-thinking colleges, we are delivering the required skills to boost employability, develop our future leaders, and shape the future of the hospitality sector.

“Providing our chefs with access to the apprenticeship course enables great people to earn at least the Real Living Wage and develop their skills. Our apprentices are equipped with all the tools they need to grow confidently in their roles and fast track their progression. Of the 26 apprentices that undertook the Chichester course in 2024, nine have already received promotions.”

The innovative programme was first developed by H&W in partnership with Chichester College when it began in February 2024. This year, Chichester College will provide an additional 12 Level 3 (Senior) Production Chef Apprenticeship places.

Abi Dalton, 29, from The Plough in Southampton, has been Head Chef for almost a year. She initially joined The Plough as a Sous Chef and earned a promotion to Head Chef. Abi’s fast progression is thanks to the support from the apprenticeship that enhanced her previous hospitality experience. Abi is now responsible for a busy kitchen and manages a team of five.

Commenting on her role, Abi said: “I love being part of the team at The Plough. The support I receive from my General Manager and wider team back at the Hall & Woodhouse Brewery is second to none. I am proud to be running the kitchen and to have helped play a role in the pub achieving a record-breaking level of sales last year.

“My skills and experience far outweigh what I would have learnt by only being in a classroom. H&W is committed to my learnings beyond my apprenticeship, if I ask for support, I receive it. I already have undertaken in-depth training on Food Hygiene Standards from our in-house trainer, with further support planned for my team.”

Hall & Woodhouse invests significantly in the progression of its team and was recognised in 2024 as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work, in the big companies list. The employer also runs brewing and engineering apprenticeships across the business, management and leadership development programmes with Institute of Management and Leadership qualifications, as well as sponsoring future leaders through degrees and MBA programmes.

H&W Crowthorne is now open following eight months of construction to create a state-of-the-art café, restaurant and bar.

The independent family-owned brewer and pub company, Hall & Woodhouse, has invested over £5million to build an innovative two-storey restaurant for up to 150 seated covers in the village of Crowthorne, Berkshire.

H&W Crowthorne is the gateway building to the residential estate, Buckler’s Park, near to Buckler’s Forest, a 102-hectare Forestry Commission site.

The opening of H&W Crowthorne has generated 30 jobs for the local community. Sian Grantham is the restaurant and bar’s new General Manager and brings over 25 years’ experience in the hospitality industry from recognisable brands, including Carluccio’s and Cosy Club.

H&W Crowthorne has five different multi-functioning spaces for guests to enjoy. These areas include a dedicated bar, a pantry for brunch and relaxed dining or drinks, and a vibrant dining space with colourful artwork and greenery. There is also a cosy library nook for cake and coffee. Outside is an extensive terrace and a large garden for drinks and alfresco dining during warmer evenings.

Mark James, Property Director of Hall & Woodhouse, added: “We are so proud of what we have designed at H&W Crowthorne. The entire project has been driven by our passion to build something special, somewhere warm and inviting that reflects the local environment and its heritage, but with a contemporary twist. We hope that all of our new guests feel at home here, and that H&W Crowthorne will be at the very heart of the community.”

The restaurant’s décor takes inspiration from its surroundings, with nods to both its recent history as a site close to the old Transport Research Laboratory, and its ancient history when the area was used as a hunting ground by the old kings of England. There are lots of plants, stylistic artwork, colourful soft furnishings, and exposed brick walls. The building itself is a steel structure with a mixture of brick and timber panelling to complement the locality.

Sustainability was a key consideration for the design of H&W Crowthorne. Solar roof panels now generate enough green energy to run the building’s heating system. The building has LED lighting, a sustainable waste disposal, upcycled materials and furniture, and outdoor bike parking.

 

Hall & Woodhouse (H&W), the leading family brewer and pub company, has revealed that it has achieved a 12% reduction in gas and 7% in electricity usage across its managed house estate in 2024, equating to approximately 360 tonnes of CO2e savings.

The Dorset-based company is working towards net zero scope 1 and 2 energy emissions by 2027, and has exceed its own target to achieve a 10% year-on-year energy reduction through behavioural changes in 2024. Last year, H&W implemented a range of successful initiatives to reduce energy usage across its managed house estate. Now, the company has committed £1million for 2025 alone to further its sustainability efforts.

Jon Mead, innovation manager at Hall & Woodhouse, said: “Being a sustainable business is woven into our purpose of making people’s day and enriching our communities from generation to generation.

“We recognise the critical importance that people and planet play in our long-term success and are committed to taking action now. We have set ourselves ambitious targets to reduce energy emissions. We’ve seen superb results, coming from a standing start in February 2024 when we launched our behaviour change project. The level of engagement from our team in embracing our energy saving focus has been extremely impressive. They have fully demonstrated their commitment to living our company values, thereby reducing the energy consumption and carbon impact of our business.”

H&W has largely achieved its energy reduction through behavioural change. For example, it has implemented strict temperature controls at 19-21°C in winter, seasonal heating adjustments, and mandatory overnight shutdown procedures for ventilation systems and kitchen equipment.

The company has also piloted technical improvements including the implementation of smart cellar cooling, smart kitchen ventilation, voltage optimisation, and free-air cellar cooling with the aim of embedding significant additional reductions in energy consumption. H&W also installed solar panels in five (one solar panel installed in 2024) of its pubs and brewery, and implemented insulation and draught exclusion measures across its managed house estate.

H&W’s £1million investment into green initiatives this year includes further roll out of existing technological improvements and will see work undertaken to increase the number of fully electric kitchens (within its managed house estate) from nine to 23 by the end of 2025.

Marianne Jarvis, who is responsible for sustainability at Hall & Woodhouse alongside her role as head of legal, added: “We have already proactively identified, tested and budgeted to implement significant technology-driven reductions in 2025. These investments will help us to achieve our mission to fully electrify our kitchens by 2027 and be well on our way to removing gas entirely from our managed houses. We recognise that sustainability is everyone’s responsibility, and as a future-thinking business we have the opportunity to lead by example.”

In addition to reducing its energy consumption, H&W has also made investments in the last year to reduce overall waste across its managed houses, letting rooms, and brewery. The company has encouraged team engagement through the implementation of monetary incentives for the best-performing pubs and regions, rewarding achievements such as best sales per kWh and highest reduction in electricity use, for example.

Family brewer, Hall & Woodhouse (H&W), announced the 20 successful recipients of grants totalling over £30,000 at its annual Community Chest Awards. The ceremony took place at H&W’s Brewery in Dorset last week.

The recently awarded grants are part of a wider £60,000 fund that is donated by H&W to communities where it operates across the south. Every year the fund is split between helping worthy causes in the southeast and southwest. This year’s fund is the largest donation H&W has made through its Community Chest initiative since it began in 2002. To date, the H&W Community Chest has awarded over £800,000 to more than 900 causes across the south of England.

H&W’s 2024 Community Chest fund supported organisations that provide essential services to people within the community, including children and young people, the elderly, people with disabilities, the vulnerable, and those providing aid to combat homelessness.

Mark Woodhouse, Family Director of Hall & Woodhouse, said: “We’re delighted to deliver a record-breaking Community Chest fund to support the multitude of voluntary organisations we have in the south.

“Our Community Chest Awards celebrate the amazing people doing fantastic things in our local areas and are a chance to thank and to give back to those who go above and beyond to help others. We are proud that the Community Chest is now in its 23^rd year and have already committed to returning the awards for 2025, extending our support further with another grant fund.”

Routes to Roots was awarded £3,000 enabling the charity to continue to provide home-cooked lunches at its drop-in sessions in Poole. The charity’s Homelessness Hub hosts drop-ins five times a week and provides basic necessities such as showers, hot food, clothing, sleeping bags, and offers access to mental health workers and housing advisers.

Ups and Downs Southwest received £2,000 at this year’s awards. The charity supports children with Down’s Syndrome and their families in the southwest. The grant will be used to offer local families a life-changing 12-week intensive support plan to help them with health, behaviour, emotional, and financial support.

Another beneficiary was Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs, which received £1,000 to cover training costs and professional services to support its Autism Specialist Dog Trainer. The charity’s assistance dogs provide invaluable support for various needs and are trained to perform a variety of tailored tasks, from interrupting self-harming behaviours, to assisting with clothing and operating appliances.

The Community Chest is part of H&W’s wider charitable activities, which has seen it donate and raise over £800,000 in the last year (2024/5) for local good causes.

The H&W Community Chest works in partnership with both the Dorset and Eastern Community Foundations.

The independent family brewer, Hall & Woodhouse (H&W), is providing a complimentary three-course meal for locals who are spending Christmas alone this year. Around 50 of H&W’s managed pubs across the south are preparing to take part in the ‘Community Christmas Table’ initiative.

Hall & Woodhouse has helped over 600 people to date through its Community Table scheme which launched in 2022. This Christmas, the family brewer is hosting more than 300 locals in its pubs, stretching from Dorset to Devon, London to Brighton.

Richard Curtis, Head of Charity at Hall & Woodhouse, said: “Enriching our community is an integral and essential part of what makes Hall & Woodhouse so special. It is our company purpose to make people’s day, and we know Christmas is traditionally a time of the year where people get together with loved ones. Unfortunately for some, the festive season can cause a lot of grief and loneliness. In keeping with our company purpose, we feel it is the right thing to do to support those who find this time of year hard.

“Loneliness sadly exists everywhere, and we are honoured to provide a sense of togetherness in our pubs during what can be a difficult time for many.”

Members of the community benefitting from the initiative will come together with others in a similar situation to enjoy a free Christmas lunch, and some much-needed festive spirit on 25^th December. Each H&W managed pub in Dorset including The Smuggler’s Inn, Weymouth, and The Olive Branch, Wimborne, and The Grasshopper in Poole, will have tables reserved for six people on Christmas Day.

Places for Hall & Woodhouse’s ‘Community Christmas Table’ initiative are reviewed on a first come, first served basis, with waiting lists available in case of cancellation. Guests can request a seat for themselves, or be nominated by another party.

To get in touch, simply call, email, or direct message one of the participating pubs on social media.

The Marquis of Granby in Weymouth has reopened its doors this week following a £340k investment from Hall & Woodhouse (H&W).

The leading Dorset-based brewer was granted planning permission to significantly enhance the pub’s exterior and deliver a full internal refurbishment. The popular pub has been closed for two months while extensive work was carried out and reopened to guests on Thursday 12^th December.

The new look pub now has a refreshed bar space, upgraded bathrooms, and contemporary flooring. Outside, The Marquis of Granby benefits from a softened roof structure, along with new external decorations and landscaping.

During the last 12 months, Hall & Woodhouse has invested over £2.5million to refurbish 10 of its Dorset pubs. The Marquis is one of the 10 H&W pubs to benefit from this investment

Mark James, Property Director at Hall & Woodhouse said: “The Marquis of Granby is well-loved in the local community, and it is important that we reinvest in our pubs to ensure they continue to serve our guests for the future. We wanted to make enough of a change to entice a wider audience,

without losing the feel of the Marquis.

“We are really proud of the improvement work and look forward to our Business Partners unveiling the pub in time for the festive celebrations! It is a great place to come for a delicious pint (or two) of Badger beer and a hearty meal – not to mention Justin and Tash’s fabulous hospitality.”

Justin and Natasha Larkham run The Marquis of Granby, which is part of H&W’s Business Partner (tenanted) estate. The couple previously managed H&W’s first pub, The Ship Inn on Weymouth Harbour, for many years and know the area well.

Natasha Larkham, Business Partner of The Marquis of Granby, said: “We are so excited to share the new Marquis with our guests.

“The pub was in incredible hands with Blacknoll during the refurbishment and we cannot thank them, and our other contractors enough for their professionalism and dedication, to help reshape the Marquis into the beautiful pub that we envisioned it to be. We’re so grateful to be part of the Hall and Woodhouse family and have been for the past 24 years. The team and I look forward to making memories with our guests in this beautiful new space.”

The Marquis of Granby reopens to guest at 11am on Thursday 12^th December. The pub will resume its usual opening times: Monday – Saturday 11am-11pm, and Sunday from 11.30am-10.30pm. Please visit www.themarquisofgranby-weymouth.co.uk for more information.

 

Hall & Woodhouse (H&W), the leading family brewer, invested over £2.5million into its Dorset pub estate during 2024.

Over the last 12 months investment has been made to refurbish 10 H&W pubs in the county. The planned renovation work included refurbishing the pubs’ interiors, creating new accommodation for guests, and updating the external structure and landscaping at some of Dorset’s favourite pubs.

H&W’s state-of-the-art brewery in Blandford also received an investment of over £150k to enable the development and launch of its new Outland Stout. The majority of this investment was made into the keg line, which allows H&W to brew, package, and dispense an authentic stout with a thick creamy head. Almost all of H&W’s managed pubs and over half of its Business Partnership (tenanted) estate now serve Outland Stout.

Mark James, Property Director at Hall & Woodhouse said: “It is our company’s purpose to make people’s day and enrich our communities, so it is of the upmost importance that we continually reinvest into our beautiful pub estate. We want our pubs to feel like home for our guests, and they need to remain fit for purpose to deliver the warm hospitality that we pride ourselves on, for many generations to come.”

Hall & Woodhouse was granted planning permission to transform The Marquis of Granby in Weymouth earlier this year. The brewer invested £340K to give the pub’s exterior a fresh look with a new entrance way. The pub has been closed while the work was carried out and is reopening to guests on Thursday 12^th December.

Additionally, The Lulworth Cove Inn has benefitted from £250K of external refurbishments and H&W built additional guest accommodation. The Beach House in Milford on Sea has also seen an investment of £125K to refurbish its existing guest accommodation.

H&W purchased The Royal Lion Hotel in Lyme Regis in 2022 and invested £300K into refurbishing 10 of the hotel’s bedrooms this year, delivering H&W’s typical coastal style. Further refurbishment of the remaining rooms and downstairs trading areas are planned over the next two years.

The Smuggler’s Inn at Osmington in Weymouth is to benefit from the creation of four additional guest bedrooms in January 2025, taking the pub’s total to eight charming rooms on the Jurassic Coast. £500k has been budgeted for the work which will complete in time for spring staycations.

Other pubs that have undergone extensive refurbishment this year include The St. Peter’s Finger in Lytchett Minster, The Amberwood in Christchurch, The Rising Sun in Wimborne, and The King’s Arms in Shaftesbury.