I am looking for beer in a bid to raise money for charity; not just any beer mind you, I am after something really old and very special as I want to celebrate an absolute legendary Bass beer and benefit a good cause too.

On 16th December 1869 Bass, Ratcliff & Gretton brewed their first commemorative ale to mark the birth of Richard Henry Ratcliff jr. the son of Director Harry Ratcliff. This was called Ratcliff Ale, was to be drunk on the child’s 21st birthday and is accepted as Britain’s oldest beer. 16th December 2019 therefore marks the 150th anniversary of this ale and I would like to mark this occasion by inviting people to try a small sample of Ratcliff Ale. I’d also like to open bottles of the other commemorative beers that Bass produced over the years. To my knowledge this has never been done before.

Ratcliff Ale was Bass & Co.’s No.1 Strong Ale, the company’s premium Barley Wine. The fact that it was brewed at around 10% ABV, corked and sealed with either lead or wax and bottle conditioned means that surviving examples could still be drinkable if they have been stored correctly.

Along with Ratcliff Ale, Bass produced a number of other commemorative beers which are collectively known as Bass Corkers. In 1902 there was King’s Ale, a brew started by King Edward VII, Prince’s Ale was produced in 1929 for the Prince of Wales Edward, in 1977 there was Jubilee Ale, the following year Princess Anne started the mash of Princess Ale and the final Bass Corker came in 1982 to mark the birth of Prince William and is known as either Celebration Ale or slightly confusingly Prince’s Ale.

Imagine being able to taste something that is exactly 150 years old to the day! At the moment this is very much in the planning stage, but I have been in touch with a gentleman called Gus Noble who has kindly donated a bottle of Ratcliff Ale to open. I just need a venue, a charity, a speaker and of course more beer!

The evening will start off with the 1982 Celebration / Prince’s Ale, a mere 37 years old, and then work backwards in time … and this is where I am hoping you can help? Although I have a number of suitable bottles already, I wondered if anyone has any beer that they would like to donate to the cause please? I am especially looking for the 1929 Prince’s Ale, King’s Ale and Ratcliff Ale, because unfortunately there is always the possibility that when a beer is uncorked that it will be spoiled and regrettably it is impossible to tell until it is opened, so to avoid disappointment I’d like to have a few bottles of each, it also means that drinkers would get to enjoy more than just a sip.

I have tried old beer before, a few years ago I sampled the 1875 bottling of Allsopp’s Arctic Ale, which was found in the cellar of 107 Station Street. I have never tasted anything quite like it before or since! At the time it was 137 years old, so to try Ratcliff Ale will even beat that.

Please check the loft, garage, cupboards for Bass Corkers! If you are able to help please contact me on 0795 6075044 or ianjohnwebster@gmail.com via this blog www.thebeertonian.com.

Burton upon Trent was once the Brewing Capital of the World, producing more beer than London. Since 1708 there have been over 100 breweries in the town, although now this number stands at seven; Marston’s, Coors, Burton Bridge, Tower, Heritage Brewing Company, Burton Town and Gates.

The town has a surprisingly high number of excellent pubs, many serving locally brewed ales and is the perfect place to explore prior to a game; so whether this is your first ever visit to Burton Albion or you’ve been before, there’s a lot to see and drink.

Enjoy your time in Burton, cheers!

THE GREAT NORTHERN

Where? Wetmore Road

Distance to ground? 0.3 miles / 6 minute walk

Geographically this is the closest pub to the Pirelli Stadium; but only just. This is used predominantly by home fans, although away supporters are made welcome. The Great Northern was a Marston’s pub for years and years before being added to the Burton Bridge Brewery estate, it is now a free house. They have two pool tables and a large room at the back with the finest darts facilities in the town.

Real Ale? There is always Marston’s Pedigree available and they have a guest beer on match days which is often Burton Bridge Bitter.

Food? Hot dogs, pies and cobs before the game.

THE BEECH HOTEL

Where? Derby Road

Distance to ground? 0.3 miles / 7 minute walk

If you are travelling by coach, chances are you will be directed here. The pub has an outside bar with Sky Sports facilities and the Landlord encourages a friendly atmosphere, so singing is fine.

Real Ale? Marston’s Pedigree.

Food? Standard hot and cold pub fare.

THE HANBURY ARMS

Where? Sydney Street

Distance to ground? 0.4 mile / 8 minute walk

A back street pub just off Derby Road, used to be one of the few Truman, Hanbury & Buxton pubs in town.

Real ale? Pedigree is a permanent feature, may have a guest.

Food? Cobs on Saturdays.

BURTON TOWN BREWERY

Where? Falcon Close, just off Hawkins Lane

Distance to ground? 0.5 miles / 10 minute walk

The brewery is visible from Hawkins Lane but is partially obscured by trees, look for the Red Hand logo on an industrial unit. They serve beer that is brewed on the premises; the mash tun is just behind the bar. Limited opening hours: Friday 1200 – 2000 and Saturday 1200 – 1500.

Real Ale? Albion, Black as your Hat, Thom Cat and Burton IPA are usually on, they are looking at expanding this to six.

Food? None, but you are welcome to bring your own.

THE DERBY INN

Where? Derby Road

Distance to ground? 0.5 miles / 11 minute walk

This is situated on the other part of Derby Road on a direct route from the railway station. Recently refurbished pub and one for the real ale drinker.

Real Ale? Three core beers: Draught Bass (now brewed by Marston’s, but still an excellent pint), Timothy Taylor Boltmaker and the excellent Titanic Plum Porter which is the best thing to come out of Stoke since oatcakes.

Food? Cobs on match days and ask about the pizzas!

THE JUNCTION

Where? Main Street in Stretton

Distance to ground? 1.0 mile / 19 minutes walk

A new pub that opened in November 2018. Showcases Blythe Brewery beers

Real Ale? Always six Blythe beers to choose from, three core: Palmers Poison, Ridware Pale and Staffie, and three on rotation. Also serves Real Cider. Opens at 1pm on Saturday and is closed on Monday & Tuesday.

ALFRED ALE HOUSE

Where? Derby Street

Distance to ground? 1 mile / 21 minute walk

A Burton Bridge Brewery house that was once the brewery tap for the long since demolished Truman, Hanbury & Buxton brewery which stood directly opposite. Again on the direct route from the Railway Station, a very spacious pub and one for the real ale enthusiast.

Real Ale? Lots! There are always six or seven Burton Bridge ales on and a guest. There is also real cider / perry during the warmer weather.

THE WEIGHBRIDGE INN

Where? Top of Derby Street, opposite Monmo’s tucked away in the Travelodge car park

Distance to ground? 1.2 miles / 24 minute walk

Burton’s cosiest pun reopened in July 2019 under the ownership of Muirhouse Brewery from Ilkeston.

Real ale? Four real ales, at least one being Muirhouse. Also serve Real Cider from a hand pull.

THE ROEBUCK INN

Where? Station Street

Distance to ground? 1.4 miles / 28 minute walk

Come out the Railway Station and turn right into town, The Roebuck Inn is the first pub you will come to. For years this was an Ind Coope house (look out for the sign and window as evidence) and is now run by Admiral Taverns.

Real Ale? There is always Draught Bass, Martson’s Pedigree, Abbot and Old Peculiar on handpump, along with a beer from Gates Burton Brewery which is brewed a few miles away, try the GBA or Reservoir if its on.

THE LAST HERETIC

Where? Station Street

Distance to ground? 1.4 miles / 29 minute walk

A short walk into town from the Roebuck you’ll find micropub The Last Heretic. They open at 11am on match days, an hour earlier than the other pubs. There is a beer garden out back if the place gets crowded.

Real Ale? Always at least three on, rising to five at weekends. They feature ales from all over the country as well as more local breweries like Tower and Gates from Burton and Leatherbritches, Falstaff, Dancing Duck and Black Hole from slightly out of town. There is always real cider available as well as Craft Beer cans.

Food? Cobs and pork pies.

DEVONSHIRE ARMS

Where? Station Street

Distance to ground? 1.5 miles / 30 minute walk

A few hundred yards further down Station Street from The Last Heretic you’ll find Devonshire Arms, which was until recently a Burton Bridge Brewery pub but is now a Freehouse. Previously this was run by Ind Coope and it was once run by long gone brewers James Eadie (check out the old photograph on the wall).

Real Ale? Always some Burton Bridge ales on with a number of guests.

Food? Snacks and pork pies.

THE COOPERS TAVERN

Where? Cross Street

Distance to ground? 1.5 miles / 31 minute walk

Beautiful pub situated on Cross Street which is just off Station Street. This was a Bass house for years and was originally used to store Bass Russian Imperial Stout. After being run by Kimberley Ales, it is now a Joules pub. Recently refurbished in keeping with the pub’s unique character and there is a new beer garden too.

Real Ale? The Coopers have famously served Draught Bass straight from the cask for years. There are also three Joules ales on, Slumbering Monk, either the Blonde or the Pale and a craft keg. An extensive range of guests from the likes of Bristol Beer Factory, Nene Valley, Sarah Hughes, Thornbridge, Dancing Duck and Arbor.

Food? Cheese boards, pork pies, scotch eggs and sausage rolls.

BREWS OF THE WORLD

Where? Station Street

Distance to ground? 1.8 miles / 35 minutes walk

Burton’s premier bottle shop that has recently expanded into a pub specialising in Craft Keg beers. They also stock a wide range of bottled and canned beers from all over the world.

Real ale? None, but there are up to ten different Craft Keg beers available.

THE BREWERY TAP

Where? Horninglow Street

Distance to ground? 1.0 miles / 20 minute walk

Sited in the grounds of the National Brewery Centre, as you might expect the walls are full of brewery memorabilia. Lovely beer garden at the front.

Real Ales? The Heritage Brewing Co. brews on site and there are always five of their beers on sale along with a local guest.

Food? Sunday carvery and an excellent range of bar food and meals. If you show your ticket they will offer you a discount.

BURTON BRIDGE INN

Where? Bridge Street

Distance to ground? 1.1 miles / 21 minute walk

This is the brewery tap for Burton Bridge Brewery which is located just behind the pub. This was once a Bass house called the Fox & Goose (check the sign out). A delightful friendly place that has won a lot of awards over the years.

Real Ale? Six Burton Bridge Ales are always on, with another as a guest.

Food? Pork pies, cobs and scotch eggs.

THE FUGGLE & NUGGET

Where? High Street

Distance to ground? 1.1 miles / 23 minute walk

Micropub that opens Tuesday to Saturday, sits opposite what was once the hub of Burton’s brewing industry, High Street being home to Burton Brewery Co., Salt’s, Allsopp’s, Bass and Worthington.

Real ale? Always three or four ales on, excellent choice of real ciders.

Food? Pork pies and crisps.

THE CROSSING

Where? High Street

Distance to ground? 1.3 miles / 26 minute walk

An Enterprise gastropub. The building was known as The Blue Posts for years, the new name references the Worthington Brewery railway crossing gate that was once next door. Beer garden to rear.

Real Ale? Five core ales: Oakham Citra, Dancing Duck Ay Up, Bass, Timothy Taylor Landlord and Doombar, also have two guest ales.

Food? A wide and varied menu, if you fancy a proper meal this is the place to go to.

THE DOG

Where? Lichfield Street

Distance to ground? 1.5 miles / 31 minute walk

A Black Country Ales pub that boasts the widest selection of beer in the town. Local CAMRA pub of the year for the last three years and although it is the furthest pub from the ground, it is well worth the extra effort. One of the few places in town where cask and craft ale co-exist in harmony.

Real Ale? Eleven handpulls, always three from Black Country Ales and Draught Bass, the rest are guests. Since opening in May 2015 they’ve had over 2100 different beers on. Real ciders always available and remember to visit Craft Corner.

Food? The usual pub snacks.

The Weighbridge Inn reopens it’s doors this Saturday at 12:00 under the management of new owners Muirhouse Brewery from Ilkeston.

“Everyone is asking about changes to the Weighbridge Inn, well where do I start …” says Mandy Muir.

“We’ve redone the cellar and put a brand new chiller unit in so hopefully there’ll be no warm beer? We’re going to be serving four real ales and aim to have two Muirhouse and two guests but that might not be possible all the time!” Mandy laughs, it’s been a busy few weeks for her and husband Richard. “There’s going to be two traditional ciders on served through a pump not warm off the back of the bar lol. We’re having Bitburger lager on too, no Carling! There will be a keg ale but that won’t be straight away.”

There will be no grand opening, just a friendly welcome and an excellent choice of drinks in Burton’s cosiest pub.

“Until tomorrow I don’t know the exact ales that will be on,” explains Mandy. “There’s two from Norwich in the cellar, one from Abstract Jungle in Langley Mill, a beer from North Cotswold and a couple from Black Country Ales …”

Nothing from Muirhouse: “Yes, Ilson Giant at 5.1%.”

For those not familiar with the local dialect, the hometown of Muirhouse has an aversion to consonants, so Ilkeston is know locally as Ilson, although the pumpclip reads Ilkeston Giant.

There have been a few cosmetic changes to the pub, it has had a paint job for a start.

“We’ve hung a Maltsters Shovel on the wall, it was given to Richard on his 40th birthday from a friend who’s Dad worked in the maltings in Suffolk,” says Mandy. The pub is far from the finished product, the Muir bank balance will just be glad to get the doors open. “Other changes will be made slowly but we are hoping that you the customer will lead us in to what you would like to see happen in there.”

Oh and there are rumours of a brewery football team if anyone fancies putting a side together …

www.muirhousebrewery.co.uk

On Saturday The Devonshire Arms a.k.a The Devvie hosted their first beer festival since the pub was taken over by Carl and Nicki Stout a few months ago. Billed as “A Showcase of Burton Beers”, it did just that with beers from all seven Burton breweries: Marston’s, Coors, Burton Bridge, Tower, Heritage, Burton Town and Gates.

“Tower Imperial IPA sold out first,” says Carl, before adding, “All the Burton beers went by 9.30pm!”

“Overall the Showcase of Burton Beers was a tremendous success!” Nicki summarises. “All the beers were well received and feedback we’ve had back from customers has been very positive and people have been commenting that the atmosphere and the value for money (alongside the ale choice) were the main highlights.”

The pub Tweeted a few videos throughout the day, showing the place packed to the rafters with drinkers enjoying the very best Burton has to offer.

“As you can imagine it was very well attended, beyond our expectations actually. Fantastic!” Beans Carl. “We’d just like to thank everyone who attended and look forward to seeing them all again!”

The Devvie is a Freehouse and along with Burton Bridge ales, offers an ever changing beer board. The pub is planning their next festival Beer & Sausage Festival in September, date to be announced later in the year.

This Saturday, for one day only, The Devvie on Station Street, Burton upon Trent is holding its first Beer Festival since it was taken over by Carl and Nicki Stout earlier this year. The theme is as brilliant as it is simple, “A Showcase of Burton Beers.”

The idea appeared to Landlord Carl in a flash of inspiration: “It just came out of nowhere! My initial thought was to have a Geordie Beer Festival, with all beers from the North East, which is close to my heart. Then I thought we’ve got several breweries on the doorstep and it gives something back to the town. I don’t believe it has ever been done before, due to conflicts of interest; if it was a Bass pub they wouldn’t serve Marston’s etc. … but as a Free House we can put on what we like.”

Expect beers from all the Burton brewers: Marston’s, Burton Bridge, Heritage, Burton Town, Tower and Gates. Carl hasn’t decided on his starting line up will be but it is likely to be: Bridge Bitter, either Golden Delicious or 61 Deep, St. Modwen’s, Tower Imperial, Gates Burton Ale, Reservoir Gold, Burton Town Modwena and Bass.

“All the beer is in the cellar, all resting, all ready to go,” Carl says before further explaining the logistics of such an event. “You’ve got to get the beer in early; there’s no point getting it Wednesday and serving it Saturday, the majority have been down there for ten days. All the beers are hard-pegged and in prime condition, so by Saturday they should be absolutely tip top. It’s all about the preparation and managing your cellar.”

All of the beer will be on hand-pull, even the Reservoir Gold: “There’s a lot of people looking forward to that one so I imagine it’s not going to be hanging around long. If I was a betting man I’d say Gates’ will be one of the first to go, Stuart’s beer is such that when you put one down, you want another one, it has drinkablility and that’s good for the Brewer and the Landlord.”

“A Showcase of Burton Beers” is being used to gauge the level of interest for the return of the Beer & Sausage Festival that was a fixture at Carl and Nikki’s last pub The Bridge; the date has not been set, but expect it to be late September.

“They were hugely popular at the Bridge but this is a different pub, we may not have the same volumes, we may have more! At the Bridge we had 36 beers over a two and a half day event and that’s not including what we sold in the pub; that’s a tremendous amount of beer and it is a huge financial commitment,” Carl admits. “We were lucky enough to sell out nine times out of ten. Even though it’s the same model, it’s new premises and logistically things are different and we haven’t got the central yard.”

Saturday will also feature music and food, with Dave O’Hara playing an acoustic set at around six o’clock, but the festival is really all about the beer and offers the chance to compare and contrast what Burton has to offer.

“It will create interest as some people think Bass is not as good as Pedigree or Burton Town isn’t as good as the Tower … it’ll give people an opportunity to go through the card, so to speak, to try them like for like and make up their minds what they like best.”

The Devvie is a pub proud of being traditional: “Some of these modern beers haven’t got drinkability as they’ve got such complex flavours it baffles you. I am very traditional in the beers that I like and the majority of people who come in here like a traditional pint. This is a busy pub, we sell a lot of beer, we are surrounded by pubs who sell a lot of beer, so there’s a market out there for it. We are trying to get the best beers in, keep the quality good and sell an awful lot of it. The more you sell, the better it is, the better it is the more you sell because of the turnover. It’s not rocket science but there’s a lot of people who get it wrong.

“A Showcase of Burton Beers” runs from midday on Saturday 6 July and provides a unique opportunity to sample the best of Burton all under one roof. Do not miss this one!

Links

The Devonshire Arms

/www.facebook.com/devonshirearmsburton/

@devvieburton

Burton Bridge Brewery

www.burtonbridgebrewery.co.uk

@Bridge_Brewer

Burton Town Brewery

Burton.town

@BurtonTownBrew

Gates Brewery

https://www.facebook.com/groups/376582829425370/

www.gatesburtonbrewery.co.uk

Heritage Brewing Company

www.heritagebrewingcompany.co.uk

@Heritagebrew

Marston’s Brewery

www.marstons.co.uk

@MarstonsBrewery

Tower Brewery

www.towerbrewery.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/TowerBrewery/

No. 1 Horninglow Street sits near the junction of High Street, Bridge Street and Wetmore Road; it currently forms part of the shop Spirit Games. A plaque by the door shows its previous life as apartments and 150 years ago it served as a private house for William Wright of Ratcliff & Wright, Druggists & Grocers at 102 High Street. Unusually for a brewing town like Burton upon Trent there appears to be no connection to that industry, so why have brewers Marston’s named a beer after the house?

It is important to preserve history wherever possible; not everything was documented in the past, or if it was it may not have survived to present day but if it has then it should be respected. Genuine mistakes do happen of course, words can be misread in historical documents (many being handwritten), facts are open to misinterpretation etc. An excellent example of this is the date of the formation of what was latterly known as Ind Coope Burton Brewery. Like many modern breweries this was a product of amalgamations, buy outs and name changes, but the roots of the business can be traced back to the 1700’s to an inn on High Street called “The Bloo Stoops” (in modern terms, where Molson Coors offices sit), where a gentleman called Benjamin Wilson started to brew. The literature appears confused around the actual year, some sources claim 1708 but the correct date is 1742, as shown in deeds later held in the Samuel Allsopp archive (Allsopp took over the business from Wilson’s son and it later merged with Ind Coope in 1934).

The mix-up can be traced back to a misinterpretation by Historian J. S. Bushnan in his 1853 work “Burton and its Bitter Beer”, he misunderstood a line from the 1798 book “History and Antiquities of Staffordshire” by Dr. Shaw. Shaw mentioned a brewer called “Benjamin Prilson” who founded his business in 1708 in Horninglow Street. Bushnan presumed “Prilson” to be a misspelling of “Wilson”, and the error was then compounded when Ind Coope & Allsopp Ltd. started quoting this in the company magazine in the 1940’s. This historical “fact” became accepted as true due to it being from a credible source. One thing Bushnan did get right was that “Prilson” was a misspelling, however it should have read “Benjamin Printon”, who is accepted as the first Common Brewer in the town.

The 1889 classic “The Noted Breweries of Great Britain & Ireland Vol. II” by Alfred Barnard states that John Marston established a brewery on what is now the corner of Horninglow Road North and Dover Road (then called Patch Lane) in 1834; Barnard even included a drawing of the site from the spire of the Parish Church of St John The Devine. This location and the drawing would appear in the book “A Brewer of Pedigree” published by Marston’s in 1999 and written by Khadija Buckland from research by the official Marston’s Historian Eric Fower, making it credible and historically correct.

Historians fulfil various roles, research, education and preservation of the past, which is why when Marston’s announced a new beer under the name of “No. 1 Horninglow Street”, it caused some consternation. “The Horninglow Street speciality beers have been named after the original brewery John Marston’s (sic) started brewing at in 1834, the Horninglow Brewery in Burton upon Trent” read the press release, which is all very well and good but why choose to name the beer after a real place that has no connections to Marston’s?

When approached about the issue, it was obvious that their Marketing Department wasn’t aware that Horninglow Street already existed; they’d taken the place Horninglow and added Street for effect. Now not for a second is it inferred this was done intentionally, like Bushnan’s “Prilson” this is a genuine mistake, but it is one that needs correcting. When an official statement about the discrepancy was requested for, the following was supplied: “The Horninglow Street beer series has been named after Marston’s original brewery site, Horninglow Brewery, and Marston’s maltings on Horninglow Street.” Trent & Dove now occupy the site of the Maltings on Horninglow Street, but isn’t it odd to name a beer after the location of a Maltings when it is supposed to be about the brewery which was over a mile away?

Why this article, why all the fuss? Surely no one really cares as long as the beer tastes good? It is about expectation; if a brewery quotes their history, especially one as old and as respected as Marston’s, then people have every right for this to be correct. What has been done here is at best misleading and at worst wrong.

Unless the brand name changes there are more gaffes ahead as the series progresses; when they reach “No. 5 Horninglow Street” this is the site of Clay House, previously home to John Wilders / Joseph Clay’s Lamb & Flag Inn Brewery, next is “No. 6 Horninglow Street” which William Newton / Charles Leeson’s brewery, all of which surely defeats the object of celebrating Marston’s Horninglow Brewery!

To conclude, it isn’t the intention for this post to be controversial and cause any embarrassment for Marston’s, it simply fulfils the remit of protecting history and how important is it to get the facts? You decide.

James Porter certainly rates as one of Burton’s lesser known brewers, which is why it is interesting that one of his recipes has been re-imagined by Heritage Brewing Co. who are based at the National Brewery Centre. This is perfectly in keeping with the brewery’s mission to recreate old beers for a modern audience; other ales from Heritage are Charrington IPA, Offilers Best Bitter and of course Masterpiece which is based on Worthington White Shield.

Porter bought his Dale Street brewery from the Bryan Brothers around 1879, as he was a partner in Liverpool brewer Sykes and living in Everton, he left the running of the business James Porter & Sons, to his two oldest sons John and Frederick.

The newly re-imagined beer X Porter, along with the likes of XX Porter Strong Ale, No. 1, No. 2 … is at least 130 years old as records exist of it being produced in 1889 and it was likely sold in Porter’s only Burton pub The Millwright Arms on New Street.

The Dale Street brewery closed following the purchase of Robinson’s Brewery, where James’ younger son Gerald would later become a Director. James Porter’s Grandson, also called James, joined Newcastle Breweries and would be instrumental in the production of Newcastle Brown Ale in 1927.

 “The James H. Porter recipe has been adapted to the Heritage Brewing Companies capabilities as directed by Steve Wellington (Head Brewer retired) so it is not an exact like for like reproduction,” says Caroline Horobin. “The recipe requires Fuggles hops which we have sourced from Kent Life, another visitor attraction that Planning Solutions (owner of Heritage Brewery Company) operate. They are based in Kent and have a small acreage of hops which are hand-picked by volunteers and then dried by them in the last gas fired Oast House in Kent.”

X Porter is certainly a beer steeped in history and is described as having complex malt aromas with a hint of liquorice and smokiness; it is smooth and easy to drink with a rich brown colour. You can sample this at the Brewery Tap at the National Brewery Centre who always have Heritage beers on sale.

www.heritagebrewingcompany.co.uk

The last 12 months have been rather turbulent for The Weighbridge Inn on Derby Street, Burton upon Trent. First it changed hands with George and Walter selling the lease to the Burton Old Cottage Beer Company, and then there a few issues over the hot summer with the chiller in the cellar failing; however just when things were looking up, the brewery found itself put up for sale in spring of this year. It brewed its last pint in March and has since closed, with the pub following suit. A sad story.

Enter Muirhouse Brewery from Ilkeston, whom Burton drinkers may be familiar with, as their beers have been on at The Last Heretic and more recently at Bodell’s in Swadlincote. Founded ten years ago by Richard and Mandy Muir in their garage using a tiny 100 litre kit, they eventually moved to their current premises on the Manners Industrial Estate in Ilkeston in 2011.

“Whilst working a high-profile job full time, Richard brewed all day on a Sunday and looked after our son whilst I worked in the local supermarket,” explains Mandy Muir. “On February 15th 2011, Richard’s 40th birthday, he took ownership of a two-barrel kit, June 2011 saw the brewery become Richard’s full-time job.”

The Weighbridge Inn will be the couple’s third pub, following one in Ilkeston and The Last Post in Derby.

“We are installing new equipment in the cellar so that the beers are served at the correct temperature,” says Mandy. “We pride ourselves on quality, so there won’t be any issues there! Everyone remembers bad experiences we want ours to shout how good it is. We are also installing new keg fonts to serve Bitburger Lager and also the traditional cider, I don’t like seeing boxes of cider on the back of the bar and served warm.”

The plan is to have four handpulls, two Muirhouse beers and two guests, although don’t expect to see the same Muirhouse beers on all the time, as unlike many breweries they do not have a core range of beers.

“We like to keep both sets of customers interested in buying our beers. A little bit like a sweet shop you never know what you’re going to get? We brew twice a week and make eight different beers a month to keep our customers interested. A pub that has the same beers week in week out is boring! As they say variety is the spice of life.”

So then, a new start for the Weighbridge Inn: “We feel that the right place became available at the right time and we have no plans to change the name as it fits in with the surroundings.”

Although no date has been announced, expect The Weighbridge to be open for business in the very near future.

www.muirhousebrewery.co.uk

“No. 1 Horninglow Street” is the first in a series of one off brews from Burton upon Trent brewers Marston’s; fittingly it is an India Pale Ale, the beer synonymous with the town. Marston’s are the town’s oldest brewers, with a rich history that can be traced back to 1834, when founder John Marston bought a small brewery situated in the village of Horninglow.

Initial workup on the 7.4% IPA was done in the DE14 Nanobrewery and only when Head Brewer Pat McGinty was satisfied was it scaled up for the iconic main Brewhouse. Fermentation began in Squares and after two days it was transferred into a Burton Union for a further five days. Comprising of 24 interlinked 150 gallon oak barrels, the once ubiquitous Burton Union are now used only by Marston’s and preserve a vital link to the history of brewing and sit in the “Cathedral of Brewing” Union Room.

Normally the Burton Unions are reserved exclusively for Pedigree (every drop of cask Pedigree is Union fermented), so “No. 1 Horninglow Street” is certainly a very special beer. Low colour pale ale malts, late and dry hopped with four hop varieties (Goldings, Sovereign and Ernest from the UK and Cascade from the USA) this ale has a gentle honeyed aroma with hints of apricot and crisp citrus notes on the palate. The beer is bottle conditioned, so will continue to mature over time.

There will be 32,000 500ml bottles, all individually numbered and packaged in a special box. In an unusual move the beer will not be sold in Burton supermarkets, but if you can get to the nearest Waitrose in Lichfield then it is retailing at £4.50 a bottle.

As for the next beer in the series; how about a Russian Imperial Stout or a Barley Wine, perhaps even a recreation of a traditional Burton Ale?

The Beertonian swung by Clarence Street this evening to check on the Goat weathervane who sits on top of the Goat Maltings that once belonged to the Peter Walker Brewery following the recent fire.

“It did get rather hot on Saturday,” said the Goat laughing. “I was beginning to think Roast Goat was going to be on the menu.”

Any idea what happened?

“No not really, I was happily keeping watch over the town, which I’ve done for nearly 140 years, when suddenly the air was filled with thick black smoke and then the sound of sirens. I could vaguely make out the blue lights below.”

“It was strange being the centre of attention! I really didn’t know that so many people cared about me,” said the Goat with a tear in his eye.

Getting emotional Goat?

“Never! I’ve got some soot in my eye and it’s really hard to hold a tissue with cloven hooves. Could you give it a wipe please?”