The Crossing, Burton On Trent Town, Burton on Trent

Originally the Blue Posts, the pub has a history dating back to the 18th century, the current brewers’ Tudor erection dating from 1927, the current name arriving in 2015. As mentioned, the interior is a bit of a more modernised corporate affair, which some might liken to a restaurant masquerading as a pub or indeed cocktail bar, as mentioned. The ale range though was good, me going for a very decent half of the hitherto unheard-of Dancing Duck’s Dark Drake, served by a friendly barmaid. The ale range here may be good, but that’s rather the nature across Burton and given the interior alterations, I’d prefer to include something more traditional on a crawl.

A large and designer-modernised High Street pub, mainly geared up for dining, with all the trimmings you might expect. Three beers from Dancing Duck did however offer an alternative to the ubiquitous Pedigree. There is a pavement patio at the front and a larger outdoor area behind.

Official site of The Crossing - thecrossingburton.co.uk

Official site of The Crossing - thecrossingburton.co.uk

A former mock tudor façade which has been done-over, and the inside has also been thoroughly opened-out and modernised. L shaped interior with exposed brick walls, a Linda Barkeresque distressed bar front and a fireplace with a TV inset playing a DVD of, er, a fire. Over loud and at times inappropriate music. Nine pumps with five ales (Doom Bar, Bass, 3x Dancing Duck) and 2x Lilley's ciders. My Dark Drake wasn't right and tasted phenol (NBSS 1.5) though whose fault that was is debateable. Either way, it made my mind up for me about the place in general. 5.5