Chapter and verse on pubs that made trade ‘bible’
IT’S unfortunate that the fantastic pubs we have in Burton and the rest of East Staffordshire are only able to offer a takeaway service at the moment due to Covid restrictions.
Their customers cannot wait to get back down the pub drinking with their friends once the restrictions are lifted.
Burton, the brewing capital of the UK, has some top-notch pubs, as is proved by the contents of the Campaign for Real Ale’s Good Beer Guide 2021.
This is what you need to help you discover pubs that serve some of the best real ale across the UK.
Since 1974 Camra has produced its independent regional guide to the best pubs covering the whole of the UK with listings based entirely on evaluation by Camra volunteers, who secretly visit pubs and try the ales, check out the venue and the service.
Now in its 47th edition, the beer lovers’ bible is fully revised and updated each year to feature recommended pubs across the UK that real-ale fans will want to visit.
Our pubs may be closed at the moment but publicans are raring to go once the Government gives them the green light to start serving again.
Hopefully this will be soon and one thing is for sure, when our pubs do reopen they will need our support after months of being closed during the pandemic.
We spoke to two of the pubs that have made it into the guide and this is what they had to say.
THE COOPERS TAVERN, CROSS STREET, BURTON
Mandy Addis, landlady of The Coopers Tavern, said: “It’s a very good accolade to have and hopefully it will help bring in more customers when we open.
“I was very surprised when I heard the news [the pub was in the guide], but it’s nice to see people recognising our work and the response we have had on social media has been very pleasant.
“We were in the guide last year so to be in it back to back is a great achievement and we hope we can open again very soon so we can celebrate with our customers.
“We have been closed for four months and like many other businesses it’s been a very tough time, we want to say thank you to everyone who voted for us and understood the work we are doing and can’t wait to see you all again.”
LAST HERETIC, STATION STREET, BURTON
Peter Spittles, owner of the Last Heretic, says it’s always good to be recognised by CAMRA and hopes when he opens he will be able to get more people through the doors.
Mr Spittles said: “I am hopeful customers will appreciate the selection of real ales we have and this will ultimately help to bring more custom.
“The mention in the guide is really good for business, I have been in it a few times, and the impact this will have will make a huge difference now more than ever.
“I have still been offering a takeaway beer service, but the feeling of serving people in front of me, it is completely different.”
Other Burton pubs that feature in the guide:
■ Burton Bridge Inn, Bridge Street
■ Derby Inn, Derby Road
■ Devonshire Arms, Station Street
■ Dog Inn, Lichfield Street
■ National Brewery Centre, Horninglow Street
Other East Staffordshire pubs that feature include:
■ Royal Oak, The Green, Barton under Needwood
■ Dog and Partridge, Church Lane, Marchington
■ Cross Keys, Burton Street, Tutbury
■ Horse and Dove, Market Place, Uttoxeter
■ Plough Inn, Stafford Road,
Uttoxeter