On 16 December a unique evening was held where all of the Bass Corkers were opened and tasted to mark the 150th Anniversary of the brewing of Bass’ Ratcliff Ale. The panel was led by international Beer Writer and beer tasting expert Roger Protz and here for your reading pleasure are Roger’s tasting notes from all six beers.

1982 Prince’s Ale a.k.a. Celebration Ale

Marmite, toffee, spicy hops on the nose, rich malty palate with vinous fruit and hops developing. A lot of Marmite notes in the finish with tart fruit and peppery hops. 

1978 Princess Ale

Chestnut colour, good condition, sherry and hops aroma. Bittersweet in the mouth with tart fruit and peppery hops. The finish is dry with rich fruit and some hop bitterness.

1977 Jubilee Strong Ale

Herbal note on the nose — coriander? Earthy note on the palate from English hops, dry and fruity like old blood oranges, some hops notes. Tart fruity finish ending bitter.

1929 Prince’s Ale

Oak on the nose — was this aged in wood? Raisins and sultana fruit. Tart fruit in the mouth with hop bitterness. Finish has more tart fruit, oak notes and light hop bitterness.

1902 King’s Ale

Dry vinous fruit on the aroma with toasted malt and a touch of acidity. Rich, ripe fruit dominate the palate — Dundee Cake fruitiness and ripe malt. Long, bittersweet finish dominated by fruit and rich malt notes with gentle bitterness.

1869 Ratcliff Ale

Bright chestnut colour, Massive fruit on the nose — raisins, sultanas, plums. Bitter and slightly acidiic in the mouth with burnt fruit. Bitter finish with drak fruit and rich malt. Amazingly complex.

What was the first British Trade Mark? The Red Triangle of Bass? Well yes and no. Trade Mark Number One was a beer label for Bass & Co.s Pale Ale.

Although it is a generally accepted and much repeated “fact” that the Red Triangle was the first Trade Mark, it was in fact the 914^th; so to be precise and somewhat pedantic, as historians have a habit of being, the Red Triangle formed part of the first Trademark. Bass also registered numbers two and three on the same day. In 2013 Bass Pale Ale was relaunched as Bass Trademark Number One. If the current owners of Trade Mark Number One AB In-Bev cannot get their facts straight, what chance does anyone else have?

In late 1875 Parliament finally passed a long campaigned for Trade Mark Act 1875 which came into force on 1 January 1876. This superseded the 1862 Merchandise Marks Act which had offered only limited protection for companies like Bass; since 1862 it was illegal to use another’s mark with intent to defraud but it wasn’t until the 1875 Act that companies could legally register their actual Trade Marks.

The 1862 Act wasn’t without legal power and was used to convict people in the courts; an example being in 1866 when one John Yeomans, a Brewer’s Agent was successfully prosecuted in Brighton for applying the Trade Mark of Bass to bottles not containing Bass’s Ale. He was sentenced to six months in prison.

The Registration process was done at the Trade Mark Office on Fleet Street in London and the story goes that to ensure that Bass was the first company to register their Trade Marks an employee camped out overnight on New Year’s Eve outside. To prove this here is a drawing of the unnamed Victorian Gentleman.

Now if I was this person who stayed up all night on a cold London street, I’d be a little annoyed that my name is not recorded in the annals of history! Add to this that this drawing dates back to the 1960s and not the 1860s led historian Martyn Cornell to suggest that this tale may be fabricated. Nice story though!

What is known is that Bass registered three Trade Marks that day, these were labels for: Bass & Co’s Pale Ale with the Red Triangle, Bass & Co’s Burton Ale (as seen on Ratcliff Ale and the other five Bass Corkers) with the Red Diamond and Bass & Co’s Extra Stout with the Brown Diamond. Along with Bass’ three registrations another 50 or so Trade Marks were registered by other companies that day. It wasn’t until 16 days later on 17 January 1876 that the actual Red Triangle, Red Diamond and Brown Diamond Trade Marks were registered, numbers 914, 915 and 916.

When did Bass start to use the Red Triangle? There is evidence to show that they had been around since the late 1830’s. In 1877 the Manager of Bass’ London Stores a Mr F. J. Thompson commented that the Red Triangle had been used as a mark on casks for forty years, dating this to 1837, note this is on casks not bottles. Following the opening of Bass Middle Brewery in 1853 casks brewed here had a White Triangle to distinguish them from those brewed at the original High Street premises and when the New Brewery opened in 1863 these had a Blue Triangle.

Cask branding was common practice and certainly Bass’ great rival Benjamin Wilson was doing this on casks of Burton Ale that he was exporting to the Baltic in the early 1800’s. I’ll come back to an interesting Benjamin Wilson story shortly …

Although it was registered on 1 January 1876, this wasn’t when Bass started using the Trade Mark Number One label, the Bass Pale Ale label was designed by George Curzon, a Burtonian, in 1855. Curzon came up with the ring of Stafford Knots, the background design and incorporated the signature and Red Triangle. Here is the label that Bass used prior to Curzon’s, as you can see it is for East India Pale Ale and has the Bass & Co. signature but no Red Triangle. The design was simple and therefore easy to copy.

Bass announced their new label with a letter In February 1855 a letter, with an accompanying a copy of the label and it is worth a read.

We beg respectively to call your attention to the annexed fac-simile of a label that we have adopted as the distinguishing mark of the identity of our PALE ALE.

The general imitation of our old label for all sorts of Pale Ale has rather assisted than prevented deception. We trust the one we have now adopted – the figure of which belongs to us as our Trade Mark – will be a means of securing us and the public against the fraud that has been so long and so greatly complained of.

We are, Sir

Your most obedient Servants,

Bass & Co.

Bass hoped that Curzon’s label would be difficult to mimic, but this was not the case as it was noted that when the 1862 Merchandise Mark Acts was passed that the label was already being copied all over the world, the company holding examples from Glasgow, Liverpool, France, Germany and even as far as Melbourne in Australia! The fake labels copied the shape, the Stafford Knot, the Red Triangle or a close approximation was used like a bell. One even went as far as calling themselves Baass & Co! At one time the company claimed to have nearly 2,000 examples of fraudulent labels on file!

Bass famously used to pursue such fraudsters through the courts post 1876 and there are many examples of them doing just this to be found in newspapers and brewing journals, be it publicans using old Bass bottles and filling them with different ale or brewers making near copies of the Bass label.

This unscrupulous business practice of passing one’s beer off as a rival’s was something that Michael Thomas Bass Senior, the father of the then current Chairman, also called Michael Thomas Bass had firsthand experience of. In 1803 he provided 30 unmarked casks of Burton Ale to a Baltic customer along with a metal brand marked “B. Wilson” so that these could be fraudulently sold as Wilson’s ale.

In a letter to the merchant he stated “I should not like any person to know of it.” I bet he didn’t, however it isn’t recorded if Benjamin Wilson ever became aware of Bass’ underhanded practice. I am sure Bass had his reasons for doing this; as I explained in my first talk Wilson at the time was the number one brewer in Burton and Bass wanted to break Wilson’s grip on the market, from the evidence here even if that meant playing dirty.

So back to Bass: now with the Red Triangle Pale Ale label in use, in early 1857 they started to use the Red Diamond label and the Brown Diamond followed in 1864.

I’d like to clear up some confusion that Trade Mark Number One and the beer Bass No.1, are the same; they are not. Trade Mark Number One was for Bass Pale Ale only and Bass No.1 was their premium Barley Wine which was Trademark Number Two. During the 1860’s Bass adopted a numbering system for their beers, with No.1 being the strongest, No.2 slightly weaker etc., with Ratcliff Ale being Bass No. 1.

To confuse matters the stouts with the Brown Diamond were called P2, P3, P4 and P5. There was no P1, could this have been to avoid confusion with Bass No.1, but why P and not S for Stout? It appears that the P stood for Porter and that the terms Stout and Porter were interchangeable back in the 1860s.

Today the Red Triangle is owned by AB In-Bev, making it the longest running Trademark in British history and I think it can claim to be the most famous Trademark in history and was famously painted by Manet in Un bar aux Folies Bergère in 1886.

My blog logo bears no resemblance to the Bass logo, although just to be on the safe side I did write to AB In-Bev and was given their blessing to use it.

Talk originally presented at the Ratcliff Ale 150th Anniversary evening 16 December 2019.

Which one is the odd one out?

• Phil Seaman 1926-1972 Jazz Drummer
• Stanley Clarke 1933-2004 Property Developer
• William Bass c.1717-1787 Brewer
• Joe Jackson 1954-date Musician
• Paddy Considine 1973-date Actor & Film maker

The answer is William Bass, as all the others are famous Burtonians. Bass was born around 1717 in Hinckley, Leics, 21 miles away from the town that his name would be forever linked to. He was the second son of John Bass, a Plumber and Glazier. The family also had a farm, which included a Brewhouse.

John Bass died when William was fifteen, his elder brother, also John, kept on the business and supplied cider locally which William would pick up Birmingham, he would also bring in supplies for brewing which presumably was done by his Mother.

In 1752 William and John set up carrying business between Manchester & London. They bought textiles in Manchester and travelled to London, stopping at Ashbourne before pressing on to Burton to load up on … hats! Although there was a brewing industry in Burton at that time, it was no more important than Hatting, the town was also famed for Alabaster carving.

Bass began to transport Burton Ale to London and Manchester. Burton Ale was a dark, very strong and sweet style that is not brewed today, the closest modern approximation is Marston’s Owd Roger. Despite its name Ind Coope’s Draught Burton Ale, was not a Burton Ale, but a Pale Ale.

William bought his brother out of the business in 1755 and married Mary Gibbons the following year, who was the daughter of Michael Gibbons who ran the Red Lion on Grey’s Lane in London. The couple settled at Nether Hall in Wetmore, Burton.

Bass bought increasing amounts of Burton Ale from brewers such as Leeson, Musgrave, Clay, Evans and Lovatt and may have even started to brew himself, which means that Bass was brewing in Burton before the accepted date of 1777. In 1765 Bass advertised in the Derby Mercury “a handsome new-built house” on the east side of High Street complete with a Brewhouse, unfortunately the actual location for this house has been lost to time, but it shows that Bass was brewing in Burton at least 12 years before 1777

At the age of around 60, when most of us are thinking of retirement, Bass paid £1,050 for brewery on the east side of High Street which had stood empty for two years. He didn’t choose Burton for the water as it would be 45 years before these unique properties for the production of Pale Ale were known, he picked Burton as it was central between London and Manchester, it was a growing town, it was linked via the Grand Trunk Canal to Liverpool and Hull. He also chose Burton because he lived in the town!

The business would provide a future for his two sons Michael Thomas and William jr and the premises stretched from High Street to the Hay, sandwiched between what would become his greatest rivals William Worthington and Benjamin Wilson. The breweries of Henry Evans and John Walker Wilson sat opposite. He also purchased additional land off William Yeomans and it is likely that he relied on Yeoman’s to run the brewing side.

Early on William Bass had three distinct markets; local innkeepers, innkeepers in London and Manchester and Merchants in the Baltic to whom many of the early Burton Brewers dealt with.

Ten years after establishing his brewery William Bass passed away leaving a growing business to Michael Thomas and William jr. The latter showed little interest in brewing and sold his half to his brother. Michael Thomas Bass was a businessman with ambition, he wanted to be more successful than Benjamin Wilson who was the biggest brewer in Burton.

He visited London and Manchester, successfully gaining more customers and then started to export to the Baltic directly, cutting out the Hull Merchants thereby making greater profit, but by 1790 his Baltic exports totalled just 211 barrels, Benjamin Wilson was sending ten times that amount, even John Walker Wilson, Benjamin’s brother was sending over 1,000 barrels.

After Wilson expanded his business by purchasing the Sketchley Brewery on Horninglow Street, his capacity increased to 4,500 barrels per annum. At this point Bass was only the 8th largest brewer in town, so he entered into a partnership with James Musgrave 1791.

Musgrave’s Brewery was on Bridge Street, and could trace its roots back to Benjamin Printon the twon’s first Common Brewer. Musgrave had added three Maltings on Anderstaff Lane (now Wetmore Road) and had been trying to sell his business for six yrs. He introduced Bass to new customers and in four years they were producing 3,000 barrels, with about two thirds for export.

Political unrest between Britain & France meant that ships to the Baltic had to travel in convoy, but despite this it was still possible to export. They also saw local sales increase, in Burton alone they had 81 customers, these were reached by wagon or for those out of town, canal.

The Bass Musgrave business was typical for brewers of their day and they were known as Common Brewers who also traded in such commodities as timber and linen. In 1792 John Ratcliff started working for the company as a Clerk, he would be taken on as a partner in 1796 and such was the trust this wasn’t legally finalised for another thirteen years!

The Bass Musgrave partnership ended abruptly, Musgrave entering into an agreement with John Greaves. Why this happened it not recorded, it could have been because Musgrave disagreed with making Ratcliff a partner.

John Ratcliff’s role changed to that of a Commercial Traveller for the new company that was called Bass & Ratcliff. The High Street brewery was expanded with a new Brewhouse in operation for the start of the 1797 brewing season.

The first years of Bass & Ratcliff were difficult, due to the Baltic conditions although in 1799 a new market opened up when five casks went to America via Liverpool. Bass & Ratcliff were excellent business men, chasing debts vigilantly and employing Agents in major cities, however despite their best efforts they were unable to break Wilsons hold on the Baltic.

In 1804 Bass & Ratcliff sent 900 barrels of their finest and strongest ale to the Baltic before receiving orders; the plan was it would to arrive before Wilson’s. However Wilson had undercut him, so they had to reduce the price even further and merchants exploited what was a flooded market.

If 1804 was a bad year, 1805 was worse still and it appeared that Wilson had won the battle of the Baltic, Bass & Ratcliff fell back on dealing in timber and making casks, some of which were exchanged for Porter, but then there was a political twist in 1806 when Napoleon blockaded the Baltic Ports and the elaborate trade that existed between Hull, London and Danzig came to an end within a few months.

Due to Wilson’s reliance on the Baltic trade he was harder hit than Bass & Ratcliff, he soon sold his brewery to his nephew Samuel Allsopp. Due to their larger local customer base Bass & Ratcliff were more resilient. They still tried to send ale to the Baltic but with limited success, they also exported to Ireland, N America, the W Indies and even Australia.

Over half their trade was to local pubs, suggesting that Bass & Ratcliff owned the inns, this was an early example of a tied estate that became more important later in the 19th century.

In real terms how big was Bass & Ratcliff? Although Burton had a reputation for ales enjoyed the world over, the entire output of the town was equal to a mere third of one of the large London brewers. Bass & Ratcliff employed just 25 men and the brewery was powered by men/horses. Like many other brewers, Bass & Ratcliff were unable to produce a consistent product due to a lack of understanding of the science behind brewing.

The 1810’s saw the business grow, with the Baltic Trade replaced by the North American, West Indian and Australian market, this was made possible by the good keeping qualities of Burton Ale. At home they enjoyed good sales in Lancashire and London and by 1820 a long held ambition was realised and they became the largest brewers in Burton, owning at least six local pubs.

Another market was soon to open up that would see Bass become the greatest brewery in the world; India! This would see Bass and other Burton brewers such as Allsopp, Salt, Marston, Ind Coope and Worthington become dominant forces in the world of brewing. Within a few decades Bass went from the biggest Brewer in Burton to the biggest Brewer in the world!

Talk originally presented at the Ratcliff Ale 150th Anniversary evening 16 December 2019.

A Celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Bass’ Ratcliff Ale

Monday 16 December, 19:30 at Marston’s Sports & Social Club

A unique event is happening on 16 December 2019 at Marston’s Sports & Social Club; a chance for you to try Bass’ Ratcliff Ale exactly 150 years to the day from when it was brewed on 16 December 1869. A number of the other Bass commemorative ales, affectionately known as “Bass Corkers”, will also be opened.

Burton upon Trent Brewing Historian and local author Ian Webster will speak about aspects of the history of Bass Brewery before the tasting session commences led by none other than the International Beer Writer Roger Protz.

Ian says: “To have the support of Roger Protz; author, blogger and a man renowned for his expert beer knowledge shows just how important an event this is. I am also hoping to get some other knowledgeable people to give opinions on the ales too.”

“Ratcliff Ale is recognised as one the oldest beer in Britain and was the first of the Bass Corkers, I have been lucky enough to be given a few bottles of it to open and share, there are also stocks of the 1902 King’s Ale, 1977 Jubilee Ale, 1978 Princess Ale and the 1982 Prince’s Ale all ready and waiting to be uncorked.”

There is however one missing from this list, the 1929 Prince’s Ale; although Ratcliff and King’s are older, the 1929 Prince’s was brewed in smaller amounts and is therefore scarcer, it has a yellow label and should not be confused with the 1982 Prince’s Ale which has a white label.

“If anyone has a bottle they’d like to donate, it would make the event complete,” says Ian hopefully. “To be able to open and sample all six Bass Corkers on the same night would be a dream come true and in itself would be a historic event.”

“There is of course no guarantee that these beers will be drinkable, even the youngest one is 37 years old, but I have opened a few old bottles before and the results have always been interesting.”

The event is in aid of Cancer Research and the National Brewery Heritage Trust which looks after the vast archive at the National Brewery Centre.

Come and drink in the history on Monday 16 December 2019, 19:30 at Marston’s Sports & Social Club on Shobnall Road, Burton upon Trent.

Tickets are £10 and can be purchased either from Ian Webster tel. 0795 6075044, The Devonshire Arms or Brews Of The World which both on Station Street in Burton upon Trent.

For further information / interviews please contact Ian Webster

www.thebeertonian.com ianjohnwebster@gmail.com

It is 10am on a sunny crisp September Wednesday and I am in the Visitors’ Centre at Marston’s with a slight sense of disbelief. Around the table sit a number of esteemed beer writers: Martyn Cornell (multiple award winner, author and blogger of the “Zythophile” fame), Adrian Tierney-Jones (another multiple award winner, writer for The Daily Star, Daily Telegraph, The Times, editor of “1001 Beers: You Must Try Before You Die” and blogger), Colston Crawford (the Derby Telegraph’s “Beerhunter”) and Stephen Pratt (writer for many CAMRA publications) and I am desperately hoping that no one asks me to justify my presense!

The reason for this incredible collection of brewing knowledge (and me) is this is the launch of a 7.4% Imperial Stout which will be bottled as No.2 Horninglow. You may have spotted that “Street” has now been omitted, but that’s not why I am here at all. This morning is all about one thing; the beer!

Head Brewer Pat McGinty serves us from a mini-keg and explains that it is still in a raw state; however the general opinion is that it is vinous (I had to look this up, it means wine like) but will mature into a fine Imperial Stout. Marston’s have brewed it with Pale Ale Malt, Roasted Barley, Chocolate Malt, Malted Oats and Malted Wheat, along with Challenger Hops, the Burton Union yeast stain and that all important ingredient; Burton water. The local water with its high Gypsum and low Chloride content is not particularly suited for stouts, hence the Malted Oats for that extra smoothness and velvety feel. No.2 tastes really good now and will improve further in a few months; should you be able to cellar it for a year it’ll be better still due to the bottle conditioning. Earlier this year Burton was treated to Heritage Brewing Company’s version of Bass P2, could No.2 Horninglow even trump that? Only time will tell.

Like No.1 before it, No.2 was developed on the DE14 Nanobrewery kit before being ramped up for the main Brewhouse. The fermentation was in two stages, starting in standard vessels before being transferred to one of Marston’s iconic Union Sets. Pat remarks that to his knowledge this is the first Union Set brewed Imperial Stout ever produced in the town, I am not going to argue. This is a glass of history.

Breakfast is then served, along with more No.2 Horninglow and it slips down even better with food; despite what some may think we Burtonians are not regular consumers of Imperial Stout at this time of day. Whilst this is happening the conversation moves to the aromas drifting from the DE14 Nanobrewery kit, this is the second trial of what will later become No.3 Horninglow, a double dry-hopped IPA, again 7.4% but any further details are a closely guarded secret for now. It smells wonderful though.

No.2 Horninglow will be available exclusively in Waitrose and the Marston’s Staff Shop on Shobnall Road. It is limited to 32,000 individually numbered bottles and expected to be on sale late October.

Burton Town Brewery are proud to announce a new beer; Geronimo!

“It is an Extra Pale Red Ale,” explains brewer Jon Dale. “There are no roast flavours, this is a lighter version of a red ale, but a hint of caramel, marshmallow and candy floss from three different malts. two punchy American hops, Chinook and Nugget, give a true juicy fruit bubblegum American character.”

Geronimo is a drinkable 4.4% ABV and packed with flavour, so when does Jon see it on sale?

“Next week,” he says. “It is possible it will make a show at the Lichfield Food Festival this weekend.”

You can find Burton Town Brewery on Cathedral Close in Lichfield over the Bank Holiday, so why not go and quench your thirst?

burton.town

https://www.facebook.com/burtontown/

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.