Best Tenanted/Leased Pub Company (up to 500 sites) sponsored by Carlsberg Marston's Brewing Company - Hall & Woodhouse

Tenants talked about the importance of feeling part of the Hall & Woodhouse family and of a strong mutual sense of trust between them and the company. 

The lengthy tenures of many tenants in the Hall & Woodhouse estate are testament to this relationship and a tribute to the ongoing support the company provides. The Dorset-based company backs its business partners when they need support and leaves them to the task of doing what they do best at other times – providing great dining and drinking experiences for their customers.

Overall impression

The overall impression left with the judges was of a close community of tenants that are valued for their contribution to pub tradition and culture, not just the rent revenue they bring in.

Like other finalists in the category, the company cancelled rent during lockdown, and it managed to continue to provide capital expenditure support for its business partners through the pandemic lows, so that they returned to business in good shape.

Best practice

It shared best practice from its managed estate, instigating online webinars to help tenants navigate the complications of reopening, and to refine their offering to give them an edge in their local marketplaces. It also subsidised web design for pubs in the estate to upgrade their communications with existing and potential new customers.

All in all, the company provided a strong package of support to ensure that its business partners could reopen safely and profitably – and continues to take the long-term view that profitable tenanted pubs are good for the health of the wider business.

The judges felt that its fair and consistent approach made for an attractive proposition for existing hospitality professionals and new entrants entering the industry.