Hall & Woodhouse pauses pub trade for biggest team celebration in 248 years

For the first time ever, we closed nearly all our managed pubs for one day on Monday 22^nd September to host the biggest team celebration in the company’s 248-year history.

Around 800 team members came together at Dummer Down Farm in Hampshire for the Big Day Out; a festival-style event.

Anthony Woodhouse, Chairman, said: “Our continued success is built on the dedication of our people. Our Big Day Out celebrated the outstanding contribution of our team and the strong sense of community we’ve maintained for so many years together. Closing all our pubs for a day is no small decision, but our team is our top priority, and they deserved a real thank you.”

Highlights of the Big Day Out included performances by three live bands and a party DJ set in a big top tent. A selection of free food and drink vendors, and funfair attractions such as a ferris wheel, a bucking bronco, and an inflatable obstacle course were also available.

The event was open to all H&W team members, including those from the brewery, support teams, and managed houses, with transport provided to and from pubs across the estate.

Our values underpin our approach to team wellbeing, culture, and recognition. The Dorset-based brewer was recognised in The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work list for the second year running in 2025.