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. The following guide in split into two parts (see the rest here) and lists the pubs from the closest to the furthest away from the Pirelli Stadium.
Enjoy your time in Burton, cheers!
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.
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.
