Beeropolis may have new owners but don’t panic, there are no great changes planned, just a lick of paint and some extra seating in the beer yard. New owners Dean Taylor and Emilly Smith want to keep the soul of the Burton micropub that they fell in love with.
“It is an exciting prospect for us,” Dean tells me. “Owning a pub isn’t something we had considered until we heard about Beeropolis being for sale.”
We’re chatting inside the pub during a special handover evening organised by outgoing owners Pete Spittles and Ash Ayling. Friends, customers and brewers have gathered to raise a glass, swap stories and meet the couple taking the reins. It’s a fitting send-off for one chapter and the beginning of another, with the place buzzing with conversation and the unmistakable atmosphere of a pub that means something to its community.
Behind the bar is Dan Hornsby, who has managed the pub since it opened in 2021. As much a part of place as the quirky fixtures and fittings, regulars will be pleased to hear that he will be staying.
“We chose the right people to take it on,” reckons Pete Spittles, who will continue running The Last Heretic on Station Street. “We had interest from a large brewery, but we decided on Dean and Emilly. We wanted to keep the pub in the Burton community and it was also important that Dan would remain as the General Manager. I can’t put into words what he has brought to the business, he is the pub’s best asset.”
Dan is busy, as ever, pulling pints: “It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Pete and Ash, it’s a shame it has to change hands but I’m very much looking forward to seeing Dean and Emilly’s vision for the place.”
Dean shares that he wants more live music events. no doubt there’s more but I can see he’s still quietly mulling things over.
“From a personal point of view, we’ve handed over a stable business on good terms, with no debts, which I feel is a rarity in the industry in this day and age,” says Ash. “We need all year round support and it would be good to see more of the faces who only pop in for a half once every Burton Ale Trial.”
Something echoed by Dean: “The place could be busier, I think it has potential and hopefully we can make it something great. It’s a hidden gem.”
It’s an encouraging starting point: a few fresh ideas and a determination to keep the things that make Beeropolis special. With Dean and Emilly planning to spend plenty of time behind the scenes and in the pub itself, this is very much a hands-on takeover.
So, whether you’re a regular, a real-ale enthusiast or someone who has somehow never made it through the door, now might be the perfect time to put that right.
