A new 3.8% traditional cask ale created by Dorset brewer Hall and Woodhouse with James May is being introduced across its managed pubs from 7 September 2026. A new Badger Beer ale is set to launch in Hall and Woodhouse managed pubs. The Dorset based family brewer and pub company has worked with TV presenter and pub owner James May on The Spanner, a 3.8% traditional cask ale brewed using British ingredients. The beer is described as a simple, easy drinking ale, and will be available across the Hall and Woodhouse managed pub estate, as well as May’s pub, The Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe. Head
A new Badger Beer ale is set to launch in Hall and Woodhouse managed pubs.
The Dorset based family brewer and pub company has worked with TV presenter and pub owner James May on The Spanner, a 3.8% traditional cask ale brewed using British ingredients.
The beer is described as a simple, easy drinking ale, and will be available across the Hall and Woodhouse managed pub estate, as well as May’s pub, The Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe.
Head brewer Toby Heasman said the work began at his home microbrewery, where May sampled different Badger ales and shared what he thought the new beer should deliver for drinkers in pubs.
Heasman said it had been "an absolute joy" to develop the ale, adding that the brewer was "very excited" to bring The Spanner to its pubs from 7 September 2026.
May, who took on The Royal Oak during lockdown in 2020, said The Spanner "isn't trying to be clever" and was made as a "good, reliable British ale" for pub drinkers.
