Coopers Tavern, Burton On Trent Town, Burton on Trent

Official site of Coopers Tavern - www.joulesbrewery.co.uk

Burton’s nationally-renowned pub. This is a classic multi-roomed gem which hosts a servery rather than bar. The exterior has the classic Bass livery though nowadays the place is run by Joules, who sensibly have retained Bass on stillage alongside their own beers. I popped in a couple of times for a Bass, which was stillage-like (NBSS 3). As noted below the original layout is retained with rooms either side of the entrance and a tap room to the rear; there’s no bar, just a small counter and an unusual raised seating area right next to it, allowing you to look down on proceedings. I think there may have been at least one other room tucked away somewhere too. There’s plenty of breweriana to see and plenty of locals to chat to (I spent 15 minutes chatting to a former mayor of the town) – this is a convivial pub with a nice atmosphere, aided by the coal fires and the smoky, sooty feel. A proper destination pub, make sure you seek it out. 8.5