Hall & Woodhouse — producers of the Badger range of ales — have been brewing in this part of Dorset since 1777, originally at Ansty and now with their main brewery at Blandford St Mary, just south of the town. The brewery is one of the area's largest employers and Badger ales are the default local beer in pubs across the county. Visitors can tour the brewery and the on-site shop sells the full range of bottled beers and branded merchandise. The experience is best for genuine ale enthusiasts; the beers — particularly the Fursty Ferret and Tanglefoot — are worth trying at source.