Hall & Woodhouse, the Dorset pub operator and brewery behind the Badger Ales brand of beers, has acquired its first establishment in tourism hotspot Lyme Regis.
The family-owned business, which was founded in 1777 and has been based at its headquarters in Blandford Forum since 1900, has added the Royal Lion Hotel to its managed estate of around 170 pubs across the South of England.
Hall & Woodhouse said the acquisition of the three-star accommodation and venue, which was completed for an undisclosed sum, was part of an ongoing expansion, with a number of future purchases “already in the pipeline.”
The Royal Lion’s previous owner Lesley Stone operated the hotel on Broad Street, in the heart of the Jurassic Coast resort, for more than 19 years. The 17th century inn has 33 bedrooms and amenities including a restaurant, swimming pool and sauna and car park.
Hall & Woodhouse said it would close the Royal Lion for a short period to carry out refurbishment works, before reopening from early March.
Mark James, property director at Hall & Woodhouse, said the firm was “delighted” to purchase the “highly successful” business, and would look to continue Ms Stone’s “good work.”
Mr James said: “At Hall & Woodhouse, we continually look to evolve as a business by proactively managing our estate and investing in pubs of the future. We are always seeking out further opportunities to grow through high-quality acquisitions that complement and enhance our existing estate’s offering.”
Andrew Theobold of independent hotel consultants IHCA, who brokered the off-market sale, said: “I am delighted that Hall & Woodhouse has been successful in purchasing The Royal Lion Hotel, the largest in Lyme Regis and a perfect fit for the brand.
“Hall & Woodhouse successfully fended off stiff competition from other buyers, which is testimony to their commitment towards this important acquisition. This purchase also further demonstrates how the sector is driving its way to recovery, evidenced by the sheer volume of active buyers in the current climate.”
During the national lockdowns when its pubs were forced to close, Hall & Woodhouse converted unsold beer into electricity to power utilities at its Blandford brewery.
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