Thursday 6th February 2025

Welcome to this week's InBurton Insider. 

It’s been a tough week for Burton as we say farewell (for now) to The Winery. Rising costs have claimed another beloved venue, and it’s a stark reminder that if we want to keep our pubs, restaurants, and independent businesses alive, we need to use them. So, if you’ve been putting off that meal out or night on the town, maybe this weekend is the perfect time to show some local love!

It’s shaping up to be a good weekend for events too! Whether you fancy karaoke at The Olde Royal Oak, comedy at The Brewhouse, or celebrating Bob Marley at Bar XV on Friday, there’s something for everyone. Saturday brings Burton Albion v Blackpool, racing at Uttoxeter, and live music from ELO Encounter, Dr Spork, and Area 51. Wind down on Sunday with the Wedding Fair at Branston Golf Club or Soulful Sunday at Brews of the World.

And if you fancy a meal on the house, then enter our free Prize Draw to win a meal at The Claypot. Details below!

So, let’s get out there and enjoy Burton—before we lose any more of our favourite spots.

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What's On in Burton this week?

Note: You can click on most events to see more details.

Thursday 6th February
Salsa on Thursday at Burton Caribbean Centre (Weekly)
Epic Smartphone Quiz Night at The Corner House (Weekly)

Friday 7th February
Karaoke at The Olde Royal Oak
Brew-ha-ha-house Comedy at The Brewhouse
Karaoke and Disco at The Leopard in Tutbury
Celebrating Bob Marley at Bar XV

Saturday 8th February
Burton Albion v Blackpool (3pm)
ELO Encounter at The Brewhouse
Super Saturday Racing at Uttoxeter Racecourse
Dr Spork at The Olde Royal Oak
Vox Pockets Live at Banter Burton
Margo "Pocket Rocket" at The Monk's Bridge, Stretton
Elton John Tribute Night at Tutbury Club
Celebrating Bob Marley at Bar XV
Northern Soul Night at The Leopard, Tutbury
Area 51 Live at The Wyggeston
Broadway Ball at The Waterfront, Barton Marina

Sunday 9th February
Wedding Fair at Branston Golf Club
Soulful Sunday at Brews of the World
Midlands Open Mic at The Dog

This Month's Free Prize Draw

Yes, in this month's Free Insider Prize Draw, you could win a meal at The Claypot, one of the finest Indian Restaurants in Burton!

To enter this month's draw, simply Click Here and enter your details.

When the draw closes on 28th February, one entry will be picked at random and will win a £40 voucher to spend at The Claypot!

You can see more details about The Claypot here.

Enter now and you could be the winner!

What's On in Burton next week?

Tuesday 11th February
Quiz Night at The Sump (Weekly)

Wednesday 12th February
Play & Laugh Games Night at The Olde Royal Oak

Thursday 13th February
Salsa on Thursday at Burton Caribbean Centre (Weekly)
Epic Smartphone Quiz Night at The Corner House (Weekly)
Galentine's Cocktail Making Class at The Albion Pub

Friday 14th February
Karaoke at The Olde Royal Oak
Karaoke and Disco at The Leopard in Tutbury
Buddy Holly's Winter Dance Party at The Brewhouse
Farefeld at Burton Folk Club at The Albion Pub

Saturday 15th February
Live Unplugged Music at The Waterloo Inn
Galentine's Night at The Waterfront, Barton Marina
Famous Last Words at The Olde Royal Oak
Dr Spork at Banter Burton
Sophie Elizabeth at The Blacksmiths Arms

Sunday 16th February
StraightB3nds at Cooper's Tavern

So Long (For Now) - The Winery Bids Farewell

Well, this stings a bit. Another Burton favourite has fallen victim to soaring costs, as The Winery closes its doors - at least for now. For years, it’s been the place for everything from fancy date nights to casual riverside drinks, all set in the stunning surroundings of what was once Burton Abbey.

The Winery was never just a restaurant; it was an experience. The historic walls, the gorgeous garden overlooking the Trent, and the general air of sophistication made it feel like somewhere you’d take visitors to show one of Burton's hidden gems. 

For those who’ve been around a bit longer, you might remember when it was simply The Abbey. Before The Winery, it was once part of a well-known chain - was it a Berni Inn, or one of its equally nostalgic cousins? Some of us still recall our first taste of a prawn cocktail or a steak that felt incredibly fancy at the time, on a restaurant trip with our parents. Ah, the ‘80s, when deep-fried scampi was considered a delicacy.

Of course, this doesn’t have to be the end. Hopefully, a building with this much character won’t stay empty for long. What should it become next? A stylish gastropub? An upmarket steakhouse? A particularly classy Wetherspoons? Something completely different? (and don't say a bowling alley!) Let us know what you think, and we’ll reveal the top suggestions in next week’s newsletter.

For now, let’s raise a glass—perhaps a well-priced supermarket Merlot - to The Winery. Thanks for the good times, and here’s to a hopeful rapid return.

Thanks for reading this week's Insider.

Best regards,

Chris and the Insider team.

ps Was this newsletter forwarded to you by a friend? You can receive it yourself every week by going here.

Closing with a Smile!

I've been offered some work with a dried fruit company.

Just waiting for them to get back to me with some dates.