Burton Ale Trail returns with football fever, heritage pubs and a pint of community spirit

The Burton Ale Trail is back this June - and organisers are promising another celebration of the town’s proud brewing heritage, with a football-inspired twist for 2026.

Running from 4th to 7th June, this year’s trail will once again guide ale lovers through Burton’s pubs, clubs and breweries, linking historic favourites with newer venues that are helping keep the town’s beer story alive.

And this isn’t just a local affair. The trail now attracts visitors from across the UK and beyond, with beer fans travelling to Burton to experience the birthplace of pale ale for themselves. In perhaps the clearest sign yet that the event has become a tradition in its own right, organisers say one happy couple will even be heading out on the ale trail straight after their wedding service this year. Truly a marriage brewed in Burton.

This year’s theme is “World Cup”, with football fever expected to sweep the country by early June. Expect themed posters, special t-shirts and likely at least one debate over whether lager counts as “continental football” while real ale remains solidly lower-league and dependable.

At the heart of the event is Burton’s remarkable brewing history. Of course, the town became world famous thanks to its unique water, which helped create pale ales exported across the globe and established Burton upon Trent as one of the great brewing centres of the world.

Organisers say the trail is about more than simply visiting pubs - it is about experiencing a living piece of Burton’s identity.

A record-breaking 17 pubs and clubs are taking part this year, each bringing their own character, history and interpretation of Burton’s beer culture. From heritage interiors and tucked-away locals to modern craft venues, the trail aims to showcase the variety that still exists within the town’s pub scene.

This year’s nominated charity is Prostate Cancer UK, with organisers hoping to raise both awareness and money during the weekend. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, but outcomes can be significantly improved when it is caught early.

The headline sponsor for 2026 is Burton Bridge Brewery, which has been brewing in the town since 1982 and proudly carries the title of Burton’s oldest current brewer. Support also comes from several well-known names closely tied to Burton’s brewing heritage, including Samuel Allsopp & Sons, Bass, Double Diamond, G3, Joules and Real Ale Finder.

Organisers are encouraging visitors to take their time and enjoy the atmosphere rather than simply racing between venues.

“By the time you reach your last stop, you’ll have done more than follow a trail,” they said. “You’ll have walked through a living brewing heritage.”

And in Burton, that heritage is never very far away - usually just beyond the next pint.

Here are all the pubs taking part in this year's Burton Ale Trail...

The Alfred
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
23 Main Street, 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
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