This year, there is even a wedding with the happy couple heading out for beers after the service!
The Burton Ale Trail isn’t just a pub crawl – it is a journey through one of the most important brewing towns the world has ever known.
Burton upon Trent built its reputation on beer. Its unique water helped create pale ales that travelled the globe, putting Burton firmly on the world map.
Burton Ale Trail brings that story to life, linking the historic with the newer modern venues, each adding their own chapter to Burton’s ongoing beer story. It attracts drinkers from all over the UK and beyond. This year, there is even a wedding with the happy couple heading out for beers after the service!
Each year there’s a theme which is reflected across the poster and t-shirts, and this time we’re going full on with the World Cup! By early June the nation will start to be gripped by football fever, so it felt only right to bring the beautiful game to the pubs of Burton.
There’s also a nominated charity, this time out it is Prostate Cancer UK, which is the most common cancer in men. If caught early, it is treatable. Burton Ale Trail hopes to raise awareness and money during the weekend.
Our headline sponsor is Burton Bridge Brewery, which has been brewing since 1982 and holds the accolade of being the town’s oldest brewer. There are two other Burton brewing legends: Samuel Allsopp & Sons Limited and Bass, as well as Double Diamond, G3, Joules and Real Ale Finder. We are delighted to work in partnership with all of them and are grateful for their belief and support.
The pubs
Your line-up awaits!
A record breaking 17 pubs and clubs – each with their own character, story and take on what makes Burton beer special. From hidden gems to town centre favourites, from heritage interiors to fresh new faces.
Opening times can and do change, so it’s always worth checking ahead with the venues themselves or visiting www.burtonaletrail.com for the latest information.
The Alfred
Landlord: Gareth Massey
51 Derby Street, Burton upon Trent, DE14 2LD
Having made one appearance in September 2022 and feared as closed permanently, The Alfred is back. Now a freehouse, it promises an impressive array of real ales, a large beer garden at the rear and entertainment.
Thu 1100-2300 / Fri 1100-0000 / Sat 1100-0000 / Sun 1200-2230
Beeropolis
Landlord: Ash Ayling, Manager: Dan Hornsby
81 High Street, Burton upon Trent, DE14 1LD
A friendly, laid-back, independent Micropub, located in a Grade II listed building on High Street offering something for everyone. The name Beeropolis was a term coined for Burton back in the early Edwardian era. There is a large amount of beer and brewing memorabilia from past and present decorating the walls.
Thu 1300-2230 / Fri 1300-2230 / Sat 1200-2230 / Sun 1200-2000
Burton Bridge Inn
Landlord: Steve Morgan
24 Bridge Street, Burton upon Trent, DE14 1SY
The tap for our headline sponsors Burton Bridge Brewery, who have been producing fine ales since 1982. Burton Bridge Inn sell a wide range of cask beers, now including Heritage Brewing Company beers, all of which are brewed on the premises plus eleven rotating keg lines and an eclectic bottle selection. A good old fashioned no nonsense English pub with a beer garden to the rear.
Thu 1200-2230 / Fri 1200-2300 / Sat 1200-2300 / Sun 1200-2200
Burton Tennis & Squash Club
Landlord: Steve Green
Ashby Road, Winshill, Burton upon Trent, DE15 0LQ
Making its Burton Ale Trail debut, the Burton Tennis & Squash Club was established over a century ago. This family-friendly racquet sports club quietly blends sporting heritage with something Burton does best: excellent beer. A club that’s been hiding in plain sight, a little off the beaten track, but absolutely worth finding. Please note the club operates as cashless.
Thu 1200-2200 / Fri 1200-2200 / Sat 1200-2200 / Sun 1200-2200
The Constitutional Club
Staff: Liz, Laura, Anne-Marie, Lynn, Ruth, John & Kev
150 High Street, Burton, DE14 1JY
A Private Members Club funded by monies from brewer Michael Arthur Bass, opened in 1911. The Edwardian interior is stunning, a timeless venue that the photos do not do justice to. With two snooker tables and a bowling green to the rear, this is a hidden gem.
Thu 1100-2300 / Fri 1100-2300 / Sat 1100-2300 / Sun 1000-2200
Coopers Tavern
Landlady: Cheryl Gibson
43 Cross Street, Burton upon Trent, DE14 1EG
A traditional back street pub that still serves some ales direct from cask including Bass. The pub is unique and is the only place in Burton selling Joules’ Ales. Pork pies on sale, direct from the butchers. Coopers Tavern is steeped in history and lends itself to the olden days, so no juke box, no gaming machines, complete strangers talking and enjoying themselves. A beautifully conserved real pub with its four quirky rooms and lovely ale yard.
Thu 1200-2300 / Fri 1200-2300 / Sat 1200-2300 / Sun 1200-2300
The Coppersmiths Inn
Landlord & Landlady: Philip Chilton & Laura Illsley
Millers Lane off Derby Street, Burton upon Trent, DE14 2JJ
The Coppersmiths Inn is a reimagining of The Weighbridge Inn, which quietly closed its doors back in January, but you’d barely recognise it now. Under new management and with a thoughtful renovation, the space has been opened up, trading old familiarity for a brighter, more inviting feel.
Thu 1100-2300 / Fri 1100-2300 / Sat 1100-2300 / Sun 1200-2100
Devonshire Arms
Landlord & Landlady: Carl & Nicki Stout
86 Station Street, Burton upon Trent, DE14 1BT
A family owned Freehouse with a traditional bar, lounge and large beer garden serving a wide and everchanging range of cask ales. One of the oldest pubs in town, Grade II Listed dating back to the 1830s. Current Burton & South Derbyshire CAMRA Pub of the Year, also won this award in 2020 & 2023, 2024, 2025 and runner-up in 2022. Joint winner of The Best Bass in Burton 2023.
Thu 1400-2300 / Fri 1200-2300 / Sat 1200-2300 / Sun 1200-2230
The Dog
Landlady & Landlord: Glenn & Lesley Bull
5 Lichfield Street, Burton upon Trent, DE14 3QZ
Busy town centre pub that has recently changed licensees. It has the largest range of ales in Burton with ten ale hand pulls, four hand pulls of cider, also three craft lines. This Black Country Ales pub promises a warm and friendly welcome!
Thu 1200-2300 / Fri 1200-0000 / Sat 1200-0000 / Sun 1200-2300
The Elms
Landlady & Landlord: Loz & Craig Pearce
36 Stapenhill Road, Burton upon Trent, DE15 9AE
Victorian pub with a stunning wooden interior, it overlooks the River Trent and Washlands. Beautiful beer garden to the rear. Expect a wide range of ales, including one of the best pints of Bass in the town and homemade food including their famous Burton Tapas.
Thu 1200-2300 / Fri 1200-2330 / Sat 1200-0000 / Sun 1200-2200
Inn-Uendo’s
Landlord: Richard Peace
2 Britannia House, Station Street, Burton upon Trent, DE14 1AX
Inn-Uendo’s is run by Richard who used to have the Burton Bridge Inn, it blends an upmarket wine bar image with cheeky seaside postcard humour. Sells a lot of real ale and boasts the funniest cocktail menu this side of Benidorm.
Thu 1600-2230 / Fri 1200-2300 / Sat 1200-2300 / Sun 1200-1800
The Last Heretic
Landlord: Pete Spittles
95 Station Street, Burton upon Trent, DE14 1BT
Multi-CAMRA award winning pub that is a small, cosy and intimate real ale house. An everchanging range of ales from all over the UK, all of which are kept in excellent condition and consumed in a friendly, safe environment. The décor inside is welcoming and includes old photos of Burton years ago and there is a large beer garden. The name “The Last Heretic” always has people intrigued …
Thu 1400-2230 / Fri 1400-2230 / Sat 1100-2130 / Sun 1300-1900
The Oak & Ivy
Landlady: Michelle Keen
119-129 Wellington Street, Burton upon Trent, DE14 2DP
A modest pub serving Pedigree, Directors and a guest ale. Vistors are invited to enjoy the large “secret” garden to the rear. The regular exchange of gossip and rumour gave rise to the pub being known locally as “The Jungle” (from “Jungle Telegraph”). A warm welcome awaits you!
Thu 1200-2300 / Fri 1200-2300 / Sat 1200-2300 / Sun 1200-2300
Outwoods Brewing
Landlord: Colin Trowell
21-22 Station Street Yard, Burton upon Trent, DE14 1AZ
Formerly known as The Arches, this is the brewery tap for Outwoods Brewing Company, a nano-brewery located next door. Opened in July 2024 and serves a wide range of cask and keg beers, most brewed on the premises. Spotless single room bar with beer garden to the front.
Thu 1500-2200 / Fri 1200-2200 / Sat 1200-2200 / Sun 1300-1800
Roebuck Inn
Landlady & Landlord: Julie Latham & Martin Stokes
101 Station Street, Burton upon Trent, DE14 1BT
Old-fashioned style pub with wooden floors, open plan with coal fire. The Roebuck is the closest pub to the railway station, just two minutes’ walk away and is an old Ind Coope house. Unofficial brewery tap for Gates Burton Brewery. Winner of The Best Bass in Burton in 2022 and joint winner in 2023. If you are looking for a traditional old pub, this is it!
Thu 1200-2300 / Fri1200-2300 / Sat 1200-2300 / Sat 1200-2200
Stapenhill Institute Club
Club President: John Berrisford
Stewardess: Trish Berrisford
23 Main Street, Stapenhill, Stapenhill, Burton upon Trent, DE15 9AP
The current Burton & South Derbyshire CAMRA Club of the Year has everything you could want, function room, snooker table and a warm, lived-in atmosphere that regulars clearly take pride in. The beer is tended with love and care. Never been in? Make sure you visit this Burton Ale Trail debutant.
Thu 1200-2300 / Fri 1200-2300 / Sat 1100-2300 / Sun 1100-2300
The Waterloo Inn
Landlord: Luke Woodward
50 Ashby Road, Winshill, Burton upon Trent, DE15 0LQ
Perched on Ashby Road, The Waterloo Inn is determined to make a mark on its first Burton Ale Trail. Buzzing atmosphere, live music throughout Saturday and a lineup of top-quality food vans to keep you going. Behind the bar, it’s all about great beer, local favourites alongside well-loved classics, all kept exactly as they should be.
Thu 1200-2330 / Fri 1200-0000 / Sat 1200-0000 / Sun 1200-2200
By the time you reach your last stop, you’ll have done more than follow a trail. You’ll have walked through a living brewing heritage. The Burton Ale Trail only works because of the people behind it, the licensees, brewers, staff and drinkers who keep these places alive and worth visiting.
So don’t rush it. Don’t treat it like a checklist. Take it in, enjoy the beer, the pubs and the company.
Because this isn’t just anywhere; this is Burton.