| East Staffordshire, the capital of the National Forest, | | | | 2002. With no direct connection to the breweries |
| has an abundance of heritage and local history. There | | | | (except that the yeast extract used in manufacture |
| are bustling market towns to stroll around, picture | | | | comes from the breweries) a Marmite factory is in |
| postcard villages with quaint shops and the scenery | | | | the town also producing the popular savoury spread |
| around this beautiful area is breathtaking - it's a lovely | | | | Bovril. With the Marmite factory and the breweries |
| part of England. | | | | there can often be a distinctive smell around the |
| The two major towns in East Staffordshire are | | | | area. |
| Uttoxeter, where the popular Uttoxeter Racecourse | | | | Brewers were able to export their beers throughout |
| is located, and Burton upon Trent (which is also often | | | | the British Empire thanks to the development of rail |
| known as Burton on Trent). | | | | links to Liverpool. India Pale Ale specially brewed to |
| To a great extent, Burton upon Trent's growth and | | | | keep during a long sea voyage to India was once |
| history are associated with the former Abbey. It was | | | | washed ashore by the barrel load after the accidental |
| the local monks who discovered that the local well | | | | shipwreck of a cargo boat. |
| water had special qualities, ideal for brewing local beer | | | | Previous to this the bitter, darker beers like porter |
| and ensuring future prosperity for the town. Thanks | | | | and stout were popular but soon pale ales took their |
| to the monks discovery trade expanded and the | | | | place as people preferred a lighter beer taste. This |
| town flourished. By 1880 it was estimated that | | | | new beer was extensively favoured by the larger |
| approximately 40 or more breweries were in business | | | | breweries, as it was easier to store and transport. |
| around the town. | | | | At it's peak Burton was the producer of one quarter |
| The Bass Museum (or Coors Visitor Centre as it is | | | | of all beer sold in Britain, it was hugely popular. There |
| now called) can give you a taste, literally, of brewing | | | | were over 30 breweries recorded in 1880, though |
| through the ages. It is known worldwide how Burton | | | | through buy outs and the process of mergers this |
| is synonymous for brewing fine beer so while visiting | | | | resulted in only three major breweries remaining by |
| the area, pop into the museum and try some | | | | 1980. These were Marstons, Ind Coopes and Bass. |
| samples of Burton brewed beer. | | | | Currently Burton Bridge brewery is the only remaining |
| There are plenty of great shops in Burton's town | | | | independent brewer although Burton upon Trent is |
| centre, which has been pedestrianised making it | | | | now also home to a number of high quality |
| easier and safer to walk around; car parking can be | | | | micro-breweries. |
| found outside each of the centres as well. Burton | | | | The English euphemism "gone for a burton" is a |
| Place, The Octagon Centre and Coopers Square | | | | saying that found fame because of Burton ales. This |
| shopping centres have many high street names to | | | | humorous suggestion started in World War II, and |
| choose from in addition to other specialist shops. | | | | simply meant a missing comrade had nipped out for a |
| There are many cafes and welcoming bars on offer | | | | beer. |
| for that much needed break whilst shopping. You can | | | | As well as Burton having a history regarding brewing |
| also visit the traditional, colourful, indoor market hall | | | | fine ales and the famous savoury spread Bovril, it |
| and open air market, so there will be something to | | | | also contains a suburb by the name of Branston. This |
| suit everyone. | | | | area is known for inventing Branston Pickle, a |
| Burton upon Trent is a large town that is located on | | | | delicious pickle that is often used in a sandwich or to |
| the banks of the River Trent. The town originally | | | | complement a salad. There is also a beautiful golf |
| grew around the monastery of St. Modwen, hence | | | | course in Branston. |
| the monks who realised the water had special | | | | Also worthy of a mention in the Burton on Trent |
| qualities for the famous local beer. Open land around | | | | area is the picturesque Washlands area next to the |
| the town is protected from chemical treatment to | | | | river in the town centre, The Brewhouse Arts Centre |
| preserve the water quality, which has a high | | | | and Conference League football club, Burton Albion. |
| proportion of dissolved salts predominately caused by | | | | Burton upon Trent is an interesting place to go and |
| gypsum in the surrounding hills. | | | | visit with so many exciting places all steeped in |
| The town still has three brewers; The Bridge | | | | history, and with the National Forest so close a |
| Brewery (a small local brewery), Marstons, and Coors | | | | day-trip, week or weekend visit can be enjoyed by |
| from the USA who took over the Bass Brewery in | | | | many. |
