Month: April 2026

There’s a genuine mystery in Burton… how is Stapenhill Institute Club still flying under the radar?

Tucked away on Main Street for well over a century, this striking 1888 building is a product of Burton’s brewing golden age, yet somehow, plenty of locals still walk past without ever stepping inside.

“I don’t know,” admits Club President John Berrisford. “We’ve been here for over 100 years, but even now people say they don’t know anything about us.”

That might be about to change.

Behind the intercom-controlled entrance lies something quite different to what you might expect. Yes, it’s a members’ club, but not the closed-off kind. In fact, they want new faces. The idea is simple: get people through the door once, and they’ll want to come back again… properly.

And it’s easy to see why.

Inside, there’s a proper sense of club life; function room, snooker table, and a warm, lived-in atmosphere that regulars clearly take pride in. No pretence, just a place that feels instantly familiar.

But let’s be honest, the real draw is something else.

“Without a doubt, it’s our award-winning beers,” says John. “Bass is our best seller, crisp, clear, and it leaves you wanting more.”

It’s not just talk. The cellar is treated with near-obsessive care, with lines cleaned meticulously. Add in lagers, ciders and a solid pint of Guinness, and you’ve got a lineup that quietly punches above its weight.

There’s even a welcome for four-legged visitors, with complimentary treats waiting at the bar.

So why join the Burton Ale Trail?

“We wanted people to come and see why we love it here,” John explains. “Once they do, we think they’ll understand.”

Honestly, this feels less like a stop on the trail and more like a discovery waiting to happen.

Time to solve the mystery?

The Coppersmiths Inn is a reimagining of The Weighbridge Inn, which quietly closed its doors back in January, but you’d barely recognise it now. Under new management and with a thoughtful renovation, the space has been opened up, trading old familiarity for a brighter, more inviting feel.

Step inside and, if landlord Chilo is to be believed, you’ll find exactly what a good pub should offer: “a welcoming, friendly and relaxed atmosphere.”

Behind the bar, there’s plenty to keep both traditionalists and the more adventurous drinkers happy: four ever-changing cask ales, alongside craft beers, keg lagers and stout, plus wines and ciders for good measure.

And it wouldn’t be a proper Burton stop without something to nibble on. Expect proper pub fare done right, locally made pork pies, sausage rolls and generously filled cobs, the kind that demand a pint alongside them.

There’s also a practical upgrade that won’t go unnoticed during the Burton Ale Trail: longer opening hours. When the town fills with beer lovers, that extra time at the bar could prove invaluable.

Chilo is in no doubt about the importance of the event: “The BAT is an innovative event which is good for the pubs and the town. It helps promote Burton and its drinking establishments, giving customers a wide range of ales to sample. It has put Burton upon Trent back on the map as the beer town capital it was always known for.”

And with that renewed sense of purpose, The Coppersmiths Inn isn’t just back, it’s ready to be part of Burton’s story all over again.

Burton Ale Trail veterans might remember The Alfred from its brief appearance on the third trail back in September 2022, a fleeting cameo before the lights went out and the doors closed. The timing raised eyebrows, though I’m assured the two events weren’t linked. Either way, it felt like a pub with more to give.

Fast forward, and The Alfred is not just back, it’s reborn.

Reopened last September as an independent freehouse, it has returned with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear identity. Its reappearance on the Burton Ale Trail feels less like a comeback and more like unfinished business finally being settled.

“The Alfred is an independent free house that’s quickly become known as one of the town’s liveliest venues for live music and entertainment,” says Gareth Massey, a familiar face to many from his time at The Olde Royal Oak. “Since reopening we’ve focused on creating a proper pub atmosphere, good beer, great music, and a place where people actually want to stay awhile, not just pass through.”

And it shows. This isn’t a pub trying to find its feet, it’s one that’s found its rhythm.

“We’re dog friendly, family friendly, and with a large beer garden and car park, we’re set up for everything from a relaxed afternoon pint to a full-on night out. Whether it’s a gig, the match, or just catching up with mates, we want to be that go-to stop.”

Behind the bar, tradition meets expectation. A strong rotation of real ales sits comfortably alongside popular lagers and ciders, a nod to Burton’s brewing heritage without being stuck in the past.

And during the Ale Trail? Expect it to turn up the volume.

“The Alfred has built a reputation for live entertainment, so visitors can expect a lively stop, music, atmosphere, and a pint worth stopping for. We want people to remember us as one of the places where the night really came alive.”

For Gareth, being part of the trail isn’t just about footfall, it’s about belonging.

“As an independent free house, we’re passionate about pubs, beer, and bringing people together. The Burton Ale Trail celebrates exactly that. It’s about showing people what great pubs can be and making sure The Alfred is right at the heart of it.”

A proper hidden gem in every sense,  I must have driven past it hundreds of times without the faintest idea it was there. Tucked away almost opposite the Waterloo Inn on Ashby Road, the Burton Tennis & Squash Club reveals itself only to those curious enough to look twice and it’s all the better for it.

Established over a century ago, this family-friendly racquet sports club quietly blends sporting heritage with something Burton does best: excellent beer.

“Over the past 35 years we’ve built a reputation for keeping and serving great cask ales,” says BTASC’s Dave Hughes. “That’s been recognised with CAMRA awards, which we’re incredibly proud of. Bass is our best-seller, with carefully chosen guest ales alongside and for BAT, we’ll be pouring Tower Brewery’s Ale to the King.”

Step inside and you’ll find a bright, welcoming clubhouse where the atmosphere is as easy-going as the pint is good, a place where tennis whites and pint glasses sit comfortably side by side. There’s a solid range of lagers and cider too, but it’s the cask that takes centre stage.

And if the sun decides to play its part? Even better. The club’s sun deck overlooks the courts, making it a perfect spot to settle in with a pint as the light lingers into the evening.

“We’re delighted to be part of the BAT,” Dave adds. “It’s growing year on year, celebrating cask beer and the long-standing pubs and clubs that make Burton special. We’re proud to be part of that journey.”

Pair it with a BAT visit to the Waterloo Inn and discover a spot that’s been hiding in plain sight all along, a little off the beaten track, but absolutely worth finding.

The first new addition to the Burton Ale Trail for 2026 makes a bold statement. Perched on Ashby Road, The Waterloo Inn stands as part of this year’s expansion across the River Trent and it’s a pub determined not just to join the Trail, but to make its mark on it.

I caught up with landlord Luke Woodward over a pint to hear what it’s all about.

“Dating back to the days of cobbled streets and horses tied up outside, our pub has always been a place full of character, charm, and great local cask ale,” Luke says. “That tradition hasn’t gone anywhere. It’s still here in every pint we pour and every welcome through the door.”

Step in from the decking and you’re met with a pub that knows exactly what it wants to be. Soft, ambient lighting hums in the background, conversation flows easily, and there’s a space for whatever kind of drinker you are, whether that’s tucked away in a cosy snug, unwinding in the lounge, or soaking up the energy at the bar.

Luke’s enthusiasm for putting The Waterloo Inn firmly on the map is unmistakable and the Burton Ale Trail offers the perfect stage.

“Join us as we bring the trail to life,” he says. “We’re talking a buzzing atmosphere, live music throughout Saturday, and a lineup of top-quality food vans to keep you going. Behind the bar, it’s all about great beer—local favourites alongside well-loved classics, all kept exactly as they should be.”

There’s a sense that this isn’t just another stop, it’s an occasion.

So whether you’re making the climb up Ashby Road as a destination in itself, kicking off your Trail in style, or finishing on a high, The Waterloo Inn feels perfectly placed.

“For us, it’s about more than just pouring pints,” Luke adds. “It’s about sharing what we love. The Burton Ale Trail has always been about championing local, and that’s something we’re proud to stand behind. The care, attention, and pride we put into every pint—that’s what we’re excited for people to experience.”

The Trail is evolving and The Waterloo Inn is ready to turn it up a notch.