Dorset brewer Hall & Woodhouse has launched a new cask ale in partnership with broadcaster and pub owner James May.
The Spanner is a 3.8 per cent traditional ale, brewed with British ingredients. It will be available across Hall & Woodhouse’s managed pub estate from 7th September, as well as at James May’s own pub, The Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe.
The beer was developed with Hall & Woodhouse head brewer Toby Heasman, who worked with May to shape the style and flavour of the new ale.
Toby said: ‘James came over and we spent an afternoon trying different Badger ales, getting his input into what our new beer should deliver.’
May said the aim was deliberately straightforward.
‘The Spanner isn’t trying to be clever. It has a single purpose; to be a good, reliable British ale that makes you want to stay in the pub for another, and another.’
Founded in Dorset in 1777, Hall & Woodhouse remains family owned and operates around 150 pubs across southern England. Its Badger and Outland beer ranges are also sold nationally. The new launch comes as the Blandford-based business approaches its 250th anniversary in 2027.
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