“If you want a beer that does more than this, you’re probably asking too much of it.” – James May
Dorset-based family brewer and pub company, Hall & Woodhouse, developed a brand-new session beer, The Spanner, in collaboration with Top Gear legend and pub owner, James May.
Toby Heasman, Head Brewer at Hall & Woodhouse, set out to create an intriguing and refreshing beer that was easy to enjoy pint after pint. The Spanner is a sessionable 3.8% ABV traditional cask ale brewed using British ingredients and designed to do one thing really well, earning its name and James May’s seal of approval.
The combination of pale, crystal, and amber malts delivers a moreish biscuit mouthfeel and light auburn colour. New and traditional British hops varieties are used within The Spanner’s blend, including Challenger, Harlequin, and Olicana. These varieties have been chosen to give a balanced and sessionable hop character.
Toby said: “It has been an absolute joy working with James May to develop The Spanner. We started the process at my home, where I have a small, micro-brewery in the garden shed.
“James came over and we spent an afternoon trying different Badger ales, getting his input into what our new beer should deliver. The Spanner complements our existing selection of beers, delivering everything our consumers know, love, and trust from Badger.
“We’re very excited to bring The Spanner to market across our estate of pubs, and of course it will be on tap at James’ own pub, The Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe.”
James May took on The Royal Oak pub during lockdown in 2020, furthering his love for beer and British pub culture.
James said: “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. If you want a beer that does more than this, you’re probably asking too much of it.”
The Spanner launches into all Hall & Woodhouse managed pubs and in James May’s pub, The Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe, from 7th September 2026.
For more information about Hall & Woodhouse, please visit www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk.
