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Burton’s Brewing Heritage: Pubs and Breweries
Burton-on-Trent was historically significant in the brewing industry, known for its mineral-rich water that contributed unique flavours to beers like IPAs. While over thirty breweries thrived in the 18th and 19th centuries, post-World War II mergers and changing preferences led to many closures. Local pubs like The Elms, Burton Bridge Inn, and The Olde Royal Oak showcase the town’s brewing heritage, each with unique backstories, while newer establishments like Beeropolis and Inn Uendos reflect a resurgence in craft beer. The combination of historic charm and contemporary offerings illustrates Burton’s rich brewing legacy and evolving pub culture.
Burton History and Brewing
Burton-on-Trent, famous for its top-notch brewing water, was the heart of beer making during the 18th and 19th centuries. The town boasted more than thirty breweries, crafting legendary styles such as IPAs. Its special mineral-rich water gave beers unique flavours, inspiring a trend called “Burtonisation” around the world. By the early 20th century, Burton was responsible for a quarter of all beer produced in the UK. Unfortunately, after World War II, the industry took a hit due to mergers and shifting consumer preferences, leading to the closure or merging of many historic breweries.
The Burton Cooper
Here’s a cool piece of local history to kick off my day in Burton upon Trent. Nestled in the Coopers Square shopping centre, you’ll find The Burton Cooper, a bronze statue crafted by artist James Walter Butler back in 1977. This statue pays tribute to the town’s rich brewing heritage, especially focusing on the coopers—those skilled artisans who crafted and fixed the wooden barrels essential for aging and moving beer.
The Elms
My first call today is over the other side of Burton Bridge. The Elms has a fascinating backstory that goes all the way back to the late 1800s. It started out as a private residence in the 1890s before being transformed into one of Burton’s first “parlour pubs.” This change mirrors the social and cultural trends of the era, where homes were often turned into public drinking spots to meet the rising demand.
The pub still showcases many Victorian architectural features that emphasise its historical value. The front boasts two narrow doors with etched panels saying ‘Elms Inn,’ leading into a hallway with stylish diagonal tiles. Inside, there’s a cosy public bar and snug areas flanking the main bar, which is highlighted by a grand Victorian counter adorned with acanthus leaves and grapes. The décor includes fixed bare window seating and various mirrors that nod to its brewing past, like ‘Salt & Co’s Burton Ales.’ The sign “BEST BASS ELMS INN” on the outside points to its former ownership by Bass Brewery until 1992, linking it to one of England’s most renowned breweries and highlighting its significance in British brewing history.
This morning (well just afternoon) kicked off with a super warm welcome and a bunch of folks eagerly waiting for the pub to open. The bar’s got an awesome selection of three cask ales, including the classic Bass, of course which I went with. A delicious tasty beer.
Burton Bridge Inn
Burton Bridge Inn has a fascinating history that goes all the way back to the 17th century. Originally called the Fox & Goose Inn, it was built in the late 1600s right by the historic Burton Bridge over the River Trent. The first recorded mention of the Fox & Goose was in 1765, showing it’s been around for quite a while. In 1818, Mr. Bass took over the pub from the Marquis of Anglesey, and it stayed under Bass’s ownership until it closed in 1981. After sitting empty for about two years, Geoff Mumford and Bruce Wilkinson bought the place with plans to start a new brewery there. They reopened both the brewery and the inn in 1982, giving this historic spot a fresh start.
The Burton Bridge Brewery, located behind the inn, shares its name with the nearby bridge and has been crafting ales since it opened. It’s part of Burton-upon-Trent’s long brewing tradition, known for its top-notch ales thanks to the unique water from the local hills. Heritage Brewing also brew here since the closure of their original site.
Inside, you’ll find two main rooms served by a central bar, keeping that classic pub vibe with wooden pews and oak beams. The building’s design holds onto historical features that have been carefully maintained through various renovations. In fact, it even won joint Best Refurbishment at the CAMRA Pub Design Awards in 2001 for its restoration efforts.
Upon entering a great welcome from behind the bar and was great chatting. A fantastic choice on the bar with a range of 8 cask ales, alongside a number of keg options to choose from. I started with “Staffordshire Knot Brown Ale”, a delicious beer with a sweet and malty taste, which is complemented by a smooth mouthfeel and a subtle bitter aftertaste. I went onto one of their pilot series beers “Blackberry Pale”, a light pale ale with a delicious hint of blackberry.
Beeropolis
A short couple of minutes walk to my next call. Beeropolis kicked off in January 2021 and has quickly become a key player in the local drinking scene, riding the wave of renewed interest in craft beer and unique pub experiences. The brains behind this spot are Ash Ayling and Pete Spittles, who previously teamed up for another pub called Bodell’s in Swadlincote. Located on High Street, it takes over the former site of The Fuggle & Nugget. The name “Beeropolis” is a nod to Burton’s deep brewing roots, cleverly playing on “Metropolis” to highlight the town’s historical role as a major beer production hub in the UK. Back in the day, Burton upon Trent was often referred to as “one vast brewery,” playing a huge part in the country’s beer exports and making up about a quarter of the UK’s beer production at its peak.
The interior of Beeropolis is a tribute to Burton’s brewing legacy, with walls decorated in mirrors, beer labels, and vintage photos that showcase the town’s brewing history. The bar is centrally located, serving as the heart of the pub, designed to be both practical and eye-catching, inviting customers to gather around while sipping their drinks. The seating is lower, creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, which is a nice change from the usual high seating found in many pubs.
It was awesome chatting in here today! The bar had a fantastic selection of two cask ales, plus an amazing variety of keg beers to pick from, not to mention even more options in the fridge. I chose “Uranus” from Black Hole Brewery in Little Eaton, and it’s a fantastic English Bitter with some awesome flavours popping out.
The Olde Royal Oak
Another short walk to the next pub. The Olde Royal Oak is one of the oldest pubs in Burton upon Trent, boasting a fascinating history that goes back around 300 years. The back section of the building is thought to have been built around 1640, making it a key historical site in the area. Initially called just the Royal Oak, this pub has seen many changes in ownership and renovations over the years. It used to be linked to the nearby Abbey through a tunnel, which is now sealed off, showing its significance in local history and hinting that it might have served a purpose beyond just being a place to grab a drink. Interestingly, in the 1880s, it even had a lockup for prisoners, highlighting its diverse role in the community. The name Olde Royal Oak comes from a historical tale about Prince Charles II, who hid in an oak tree to escape capture after the Battle of Worcester in 1651. This story helped make “Royal Oak” a popular name for pubs all over England.
Records show that Worthington’s owned the pub as far back as 1905, and they merged with Bass Brewery in 1927. By 1983, it was listed as an Ind Coope pub. Over the years, the pub changed hands multiple times; it was taken over by Burtonwood around 1991-1992 and then became a privately-owned free house called Duffey’s Bar from 1999 to 2002 before returning to its original name. By 2007, it was still listed as a free house but was eventually bought by Punch Taverns around 2009 after a brief closure. In 2017, Star Pubs & Bars, a part of Heineken, acquired about 1,900 Punch pubs in a deal with Patron Capital, and the Olde Royal Oak was run by Fownes Brewery until recently. It switched to its current owners in March 2024 and reopened after being closed for a while.
The inside of the Olde Royal Oak mixes old-school charm with modern cosiness. As soon as you walk in, you feel a welcoming vibe that shows off its rich history. The pub keeps a lot of its original architectural details, like the exposed oak beams and classic wooden furniture, adding to its rustic vibe.
Another lovely warm welcome today in here. The bar is stocked with an awesome selection of ales—five different ones to pick from—plus some great ciders and keg beers. I went with “Brewers Union” from Woodforde’s Brewery in Norfolk for my beer today. It’s a really great pale ale—light, citrusy, and bursting with flavour. Super tasty!
The Dog Inn
Another short walk to my next pub. The Dog Inn has a rich history that goes back to the early 1800s. It’s thought to have opened around 1776, making it one of the oldest pubs in the region. Initially part of the Marquis of Anglesey’s estate, it changed hands to a private owner in 1867. In 1873, Worthington’s Brewery took over the lease, and by 1875, they bought it outright. This brewery played a big role in the local beer scene and merged with Bass, Ratcliff & Gretton in 1927, which helped solidify the pub’s place in Burton’s brewing history. Over the years, the Dog Inn has seen quite a few changes. In the late ’90s, it was known as O’Neill’s, an Irish-themed pub, but it returned to its original name around 2000 after a new owner came in. It changed hands a few more times, including a stint with Enterprise Inns around 2005, before Black Country Ales took over in 2015.
When you step inside the Dog Inn, you can really feel its historical vibe. The wood-framed ceiling and wood-panelled walls are decorated with framed photos that showcase Burton’s history. The place has kept that classic pub feel, creating a cosy and welcoming atmosphere for everyone who walks in.
You’ll get a fantastic warm greeting from the bar staff, plus an awesome variety of cask ales that cover everything from light to dark. They’ve got their own brews and plenty of guest options too. And don’t forget about the solid selection of keg beers! Here I discovered a new brewery called Felinfoel Brewery Co Ltd from Llanelli, Wales. They have a brew called “Winter Warmer” that’s perfect for the colder months. It’s a delicious winter beer with hints of fruit and spice that really hit the spot.
Inn Uendos
Inn Uendos is a fresh micro pub that just popped up on Station Street. It’s got a cool mix of modern and fun design, with vibrant green wallpaper and a cocktail menu that shows off its playful vibe. The owner, Richard Peace—better known as Dicky—wanted to create a warm and welcoming space where good times and friendly faces are the main focus. He’s got a solid background in the local pub scene, starting his journey back in 2009 at Blush, a well-loved spot that shut down in 2015. After that, he worked at the Devonshire Arms and spent five years at the Burton Bridge Inn. His experience and good reputation in the community really shaped his plans for Inn-Uendo’s, especially since many locals were eager to see him back behind the bar.
Richard discovered the spot for Inn-Uendo’s in early 2024 when he stumbled upon an empty unit that used to be a Funeral Directors. After getting the keys in March 2024, he ran into some hurdles with planning permission but stayed focused on making his dream a reality.
It was awesome catching up with Richard today! The clock art on the wall really stands out and gives the Micropub a cool modern vibe. Plus, they’ve got two cask ales on tap (one light and one dark) along with a bunch of keg options. I decided to try out “Tackle This!” from Castle Rock Brewery in Nottingham. It’s a tasty hoppy brew with hints of citrus and tropical flavours popping up.
Brews of the World
A short walk down the road brings me to Brews of the World. This kicked off in November 2017 as a spot to grab beers and drinks from all over the globe. They snagged an on-licence in May 2019. The place was brought to life by Robin Ludlow and Chris McCormack, two real ale lovers with more than twenty years in the beer scene. The idea for the pub grew from their original plan to create a bar that showcased both local and international brews. Interestingly, the building used to be a police station and was once home to the “Burton Museum & Art Gallery,” which opened in 1915 and shut down in the late ’70s. Before the pub took over, the ground floor was a bookshop called Byrkley Books and a hair salon.
When you walk in, the main room at the front is decked out with Burton brewery memorabilia, with the bar counter on the right. At the back, there’s another room that features more brewery memorabilia, and gives a great cosy and warming feel.
I was greeted with a friendly smile as soon as I walked in. The bar had two cask ales on tap, plus an awesome selection of keg beers that varied in styles and strengths. Over to the side, there was a fridge stocked with a fantastic range of cans and bottles, perfect for enjoying on the spot or taking home. I picked a cask beer from Attic Brew Co. in Birmingham. “Spindle” turned out to be an awesome traditional English Bitter, featuring Fuggles and Goldings hops, with some fantastic flavours shining through.
The Coopers Tavern
Another short walk brings me to my next call, The Coopers Tavern. This place has a rich history that goes back to the early 1800s. It was originally built for William Bass, the guy behind Bass Brewery, and it has worn many hats over the years. At first, it was just a storage spot for special malts used in brewing. By 1826, it became famous for holding Bass’s Imperial Stout, a key product of the brewery back then. As time went on, the place shifted from a simple storage unit to a private pub for the higher-ups at Bass Brewery. This exclusivity lasted until 1858 when it finally got its public house license. Even after that, some areas were still off-limits to most folks until around 1950, when drinks were served through a hatch from the cellar to a nearby passageway.
In 2017, Joules Brewery, a popular brewery from Market Drayton, took over The Coopers Tavern and gave it a thoughtful makeover. They added two cosy new rooms and a bar counter for the first time. The inside is filled with brewery memorabilia and features different drinking spots, including a main lounge and a cosy Tap Room where you can enjoy beer straight from the cask, along with barrel tables and bench seating. A lovely outdoor seating area in addition to the inside space.
You’ll get a super cosy welcome at this tucked-away pub. They’ve got six cask ales on tap, including some from their own Joules Brewery and a few guest options. It’s awesome to see my beer poured straight from the cask. Plus, there are several keg choices to pick from too. I went with “Citra Blonde” from Joule’s Brewery, which is located in Market Drayton, Shropshire. It’s a deliciously light and refreshing pale ale that’s served straight from the cask.
Devonshire Arms
A short walk around the corner brings me to my next pub, Devonshire Arms. This has an interesting history that goes back to 1830 when it was originally built as a house. In the 1850s, it made the switch to a public house, transforming from a private home into a community gathering spot. In its early days, it was linked to Eadie’s Brewery, which ran until it was taken over by Bass Brewery in 1932. This change brought about some major shifts in how the pub was managed and branded. By 1978, after a bunch of brewery mergers, it became part of Ind Coope (Allied Breweries) through a ‘pub swap’ deal. The Devonshire Arms stayed with Ind Coope until 1998 when it was bought by Burton Bridge Brewery, bringing it back to local ownership and a focus on traditional brewing methods. Then in February 2019, it changed hands once more, and the new owners have kept it as an independent free house.
Inside, the pub showcases its historical roots with various memorabilia celebrating Burton’s brewing legacy, including framed lists of local breweries from 1870-1880 and licensed venues from 1911, which are pretty fascinating. The front features a cosy public bar, while the back has a unique split-level lounge with a striking curved wooden ceiling.
Today was super busy, but I still got a fantastic warm welcome and super quick service at the bar. They had a solid selection of 7 cask ales to pick from, plus a bunch of keg beers too. I went with “Screech Owl” from Castle Rock Brewery in Nottingham. It’s an awesome, flavorful IPA that’s packed with hops.
The Last Heretic
Up next is a short walk to a Micropub. The Last Heretic opened its doors in May 2016. Its name carries a unique historical weight, as it honours Edward Wightman, a local from Burton who was the last person executed for heresy in England. Wightman, originally from Burbage near Hinckley in Leicestershire, met his fate by being burnt at the stake in Lichfield back in 1612. This event was a pivotal moment in English history, showcasing the fierce religious tensions of that era.
When you step into The Last Heretic, you’ll notice its modern rustic vibe, complete with wooden floors and furniture, plus some cool historical brewing images on the walls. This design not only pays tribute to Burton’s brewing legacy but also creates a warm and welcoming space for visitors. The layout features a single room with a bar at the back, where you can see the cask stillage through a glass door—definitely a nice touch! Even a hidden beer garden out at the back.
Pete gave a super friendly welcome today, and it was awesome to chat. The bar had a fantastic selection with 2 cask ales, 3 keg beers, and a wide variety of ciders. There’s definitely something for everyone! I chose “Wilderness” from Abbeydale Brewery in Sheffield. It’s a really tasty, soft, and juicy pale ale in that New England style, packed with Amarillo, Enigma, and Nelson Sauvin hops.
The Roebuck Inn
A walk down the same street brings me to The Roebuck Inn. My last call before heading out to Stretton before returning to Burton. This pub has been around since the early 1800s. Built during that time, it quickly became a key gathering spot for the locals and had strong ties to the brewing scene in Burton. In 1956, the place saw some major renovations because of the widening of Station Street, which changed its original look but kept its historical charm intact. At one point, it was called The Ind Coope Brewery Tap, serving as the go-to pub for workers from the nearby Old Ind Coope Brewery that opened in 1856. A new era kicked off in 1976 when Draught Burton Ale was introduced here. Over the years, the pub changed ownership a few times, first sold to Punch Taverns in 1999, then to Admiral Taverns in 2007, before finally becoming independent. Even with all these changes, the Roebuck Inn has held onto its vibe as a classic local pub.
Inside, you’ll find a long, narrow room with dark wood panelling that creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere, complete with a bar counter on one side. Plus, there’s a outdoor seating area to enjoy.
This pub is known for serving the best pint of Bass in Burton and has even snagged some awards for it so I had to try it in here and it did not disappoint. It’s a super popular spot, buzzing with activity today, and they offer 6 cask ales along with the standard keg choices.
The Junction
A journey out of Burton on the bus. Junction Micro Pub in Stretton, situated in Stretton just outside Burton, was opened by brothers Alex and Kevin Dudley in November 2021 as part of their Blythe Brewery venture, which they kicked off in 2017. This spot used to formerly be a Co-Op Shoo and a Hairdressers. In November 2024, Karen and Fraser Chatburn took over, and while you can still find Blythe Brewery beers on tap, they’ve also added selections from other nearby microbreweries. When they first opened, the response from the community was incredible. They thought only a few people would show up on opening night, but over 100 came through the doors!
There’s a roomy single area inside that boasts a cool slate-topped bar with a metal front. This Micropub has a sleek and contemporary vibe, complete with a variety of tables and lighting that creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere. I’m really into the branding with the “junction” road sign and the other signs that highlight what they have to offer; it all looks fantastic.
Had an amazing welcome from Karen and Fraser tonight! It was really fun catching up with them, and I’m thrilled that the takeover has gone so well. The bar had a fantastic selection of 6 cask beers, featuring 2 from Blythe Brewery and one from Front Row Brewery, who also hooked me up with my t-shirts and hoodies. I kicked things off with “Dark Ruby” from Blythe Brewery, which is a tasty, full-bodied ruby mild ale. Then I moved on to “Tackle School” from Front Row Brewing in Congleton. It’s a light, refreshing blonde ale that’s super enjoyable.
The Weighbridge Inn
Back into Burton for my final 2 visits. The first one being Weighbridge Inn Burton. Over the years, the Weighbridge Inn has gone through many changes. The site it is on is known as the Midland Grain Warehouse (now a hotel), which has been associated with grain storage for many years and is recognized as a Grade II Listed building. The Midland Grain Warehouse itself has roots in the old Midland Railway, emphasizing its role in the transportation and storage of goods during a time when railways were crucial for trade and industry.
It started more recently as Four Coal Wharf Offices, fell into disrepair, and then reopened as a micropub called Middle Earth Tavern in 2015, inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings”. In 2016, it was renamed The Weighbridge Inn after Wentwell Brewery took over. It changed hands again in 2018 when Old Cottage Brewery took over but ran into some issues that led to another closure.
In July 2019, Muirhouse Brewery took over the lease and reopened The Weighbridge Inn as a micropub, serving cask ales from their own brewery along with guest beers from other microbreweries. Today, it’s known for its welcoming vibe and great ales while still holding onto its historical roots.
Mandy gave a superb welcome this evening alongside a number of regulars. At the bar, there were three cask ales to choose from, including one from Muirhouse brewery, plus a variety of keg and cider options. I picked “Tick Tock Boom” from Muirhouse Brewery, which is now being brewed by a buddy of mine since the brewery shut down last year. It’s a really flavourful and delicious English Bitter. This beer has some awesome flavours and is super enjoyable.
The Arches / Outwoods Brewing
Last up is the Arches, home to Outwoods Brewing. This place is pretty fresh on the scene, started by Colin Trowell, who kicked off his brewing adventure as a home brewer back in May 2020. The brewery officially opened in July 2024, alongside the “Arches” Micropub. It’s set in two revamped railway arches that were once in ruins, creating a cool vibe that blends a pub atmosphere with the brewing process. Fun fact: it’s located on the site of the old Allsopp’s Brewery.
Inside, you’ll find a cosy, simply furnished space with a quirky mix of furniture that gives it a unique feel, plus a fantastic curved roof thanks to the arch design. There’s a counter bar at the far end, making it a great spot to hang out.
I had a fantastic time catching up with Colin and also got to chat with Rich (beeriana_uk) who swung by. Big thanks for the drink! The bar had an awesome selection with 10 keg lines, 8 of which were brewed right there, plus 3 guest cask beers on tap too. I kicked things off with “Hop Town Here,” an awesome hoppy pale ale that’s bursting with flavour—so good! After that, I tried “New Year Sabro,” which is a delightful pale ale featuring one of my favourite hops, Sabro.
Micropub Adventures 