Business, Charity | Posted on December 18th, 2025 | return to news

Blandford brewer to provide 300 free Christmas meals

Five pubs in Dorset are amongst those offering meals to people who would otherwise spend Christmas Day on their own.

A total of 300 people, who would otherwise be alone, will be able to enjoy a free meal on Christmas Day thanks to the generosity of Blandford-based brewery Hall & Woodhouse.

Around 50 of H&W’s managed pubs across the south are preparing to take part in the ‘Community Christmas Table’ initiative to help tackle loneliness and isolation this festive season.

H&W has helped over 900 people through its Community Christmas Table initiative, which launched in 2022. The family brewer is hosting six locals on Christmas Day at each of its managed pubs. All Community Table guests will receive their Christmas dinner and drinks for free.

H&W’s Dorset pubs taking part in this year’s Community Christmas Table include: The Quay in Poole, The Olive Branch in Wimborne, The Grasshopper in Parkstone, The Duchess of Cornwall in Poundbury and The Old Granary in Wareham.

Richard Curtis, head of charity at H&W, said: “Enriching our communities is at the core of everything we do at Hall & Woodhouse. Through our role of delivering welcoming hospitality to guests in our pubs, we have the privilege of getting to know our communities and recognising those who are having a challenging time. We want guests to always feel at home in our pubs and for them to be an inclusive space for everyone. It’s only right that we spread a little extra kindness to those who find this season difficult and provide them with a sense of togetherness this Christmas.”

Places for Hall & Woodhouse’s Community Christmas Table initiative are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, with waiting lists available in case of cancellation. Guests can request a seat for themselves or be nominated by another party.

To get in touch, simply call, email or direct message one of the participating H&W managed pubs on social media.