On 16^th July 2021 the National Pub & Bar Awards announced the 94 county champions selected from across the UK, with Hall & Woodhouse having 2 of its managed pubs being crowned best pub in their county.

The Old Granary in Wareham has been named the ‘Best Pub & Bar in Dorset’ and the Portsmouth Arms in Basingstoke has been named the ‘Best Pub & Bar in Hampshire’ by The National Pub & Bar Awards.

Both pubs form part of the Hall & Woodhouse family and have been nationally recognised as the best pub in their county for their diverse and creative approach to hospitality. Additionally, the pubs have been praised for the way the team navigated the past 18 months in light of the pandemic and for the stringent safety measures that have been in place to keep guests safe.

Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which organises the awards, said: “I’ve never been prouder of this industry. The entries for this year’s awards demonstrated the undeniable value that communities place on their beloved pubs and bars. To be able to acknowledge the hard work and diligence of venues across the UK is an absolute privilege. These outstanding venues deserve this recognition now more than ever.”

Chris Chapman, Head of Managed Operations at Hall & Woodhouse, said: “After a turbulent 18 months it is fantastic for two of our houses to be nationally recognised as being the best within these two counties.

“The Old Granary has been part of the Hall & Woodhouse family for over 20 years and is loved by locals and tourists alike. With its iconic location on Wareham Quay with views over the Purbeck Hills, this beautiful pub is a very special place to relax with friends and family.”

“The Portsmouth Arms and it’s team have played a central part in their community during the various lockdowns, while also managing to raise over £70,000 for charity.

“I am so proud of both teams for achieving this accolade after such a difficult year. They deserve this national recognition for their dedication to providing the best hospitality to our guests, despite the ongoing challenges that we are facing as an industry.”

The 94 county champions will be officially crowned at a red-carpet celebration in London on Monday 6^th September. At the awards ceremony, 15 regional winners will also be announced as well as the overall winner of the ‘National Pub & Bar of the Year’ Award.

The Old Granary is an all-day café, bar and dining room situated on the banks of the River Frome in the picturesque market town of Wareham.  It is a vibrant part of the community and a popular space where locals and visitors can relax, share food and celebrate.

The Portsmouth Arms is a traditional thatched roof pub at the heart of the Hatch Warren local community. Like all Hall & Woodhouse pubs, it is dog-friendly and provides fantastic hospitality for the whole family. The pub has a warm, traditional and cosy interior combining a dining room and more informal bar areas to make it a pub for all occasions.  In the summer months, guests have the option to enjoy the pub’s equally beautiful beer garden and a pint of Hall & Woodhouse’s own and exclusive Badger Beer.

Please visit www.theoldgranarywareham.co.uk and www.portsmoutharmshatchwarren.co.uk for more information.