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 spilt 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!
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!
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
We regret to announce that The Weighbridge Inn closed in April 2019.
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.
Burton Old Cottage Brewery Company’s new old beer Dual Diamond is starting to find its way into pubs, one being The Weighbridge (in the Grainwarehouse / Travelodge carpark just off Derby Street). With the sun out on the hottest 19 April in seventy odd years The Beertonian needed no excuse to pop down for a sample and to canvas the opinion of those that really matter; the publican and his regulars.
Cliff Croft agrees, “This is my first taste of it, I did have Double Diamond but I can’t remember what it tasted like. This is really nice.”