Burton After Dark | The Best Places to Eat, Drink & Make a Night of It

When the weekend arrives, there’s nothing better than putting your plans aside, heading into Burton upon Trent and settling in somewhere with great food, good drinks and an atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer.

Thanks to its brewing heritage and growing food and drink scene, Burton has plenty to tempt food lovers. From relaxed gastropub dining to cocktails, tapas and lively late-night venues, there’s something to suit every kind of evening. Discover East Staffordshire highlights the town as a destination where visitors can enjoy everything from welcoming pubs to award-winning dining.

Here are four great places to consider for your next weekend evening.

The Long Hop | Relaxed Dining with a Riverside Setting

For a laid-back start to your weekend, head to The Long Hop on Manor Drive.

Owned by cricketing legends Stuart Broad and Harry Gurney, The Long Hop brings together Burton’s famous brewing heritage with a modern pub and kitchen. Its riverside location makes it a particularly appealing spot for a relaxed evening, whether you’re catching up with friends, enjoying a proper meal or simply settling in for a drink.

The menu has plenty of choice, from classic favourites to freshly prepared seasonal dishes, while the drinks list keeps the focus firmly on quality. For those looking to make a night of it, Friday evenings can include live music alongside selected cocktails, while

the outdoor bar and pizza kitchen add another reason to visit when the weather is on your side.

It’s the kind of place where you can arrive for dinner and find yourself staying for another drink.

Visit The Long Hop

The Dial | Fine Food, Cocktails and a Little Bit of Glamour

For something a little more sophisticated, make your way to The Dial on Station Street.

Set inside a beautifully converted former jeweller’s building, The Dial combines historic character with a stylish, contemporary feel. Its menu brings together modern British cooking and plenty of tempting choices, while the cocktail list makes it an ideal destination for a Friday or Saturday night out.

Fancy sharing? The Dial also has a tapas menu, with regular offers that give you another reason to gather around the table and try a little bit of everything. Steak and burger lovers are catered for too, with its popular Sizzling Thursday offer.

Whether it’s date night, dinner with friends or a special celebration, The Dial has that perfect combination of great food, cocktails and atmosphere.

Explore The Dial

Isabel’s | Where Dinner Turns into a Night Out!

If your ideal evening involves delicious food and entertainment, save room in your plans for Isabel’s Restaurant, Bar & Garden.

Founded by Burton-born DJ and artist Nathan Dawe, Isabel’s has become one of the town’s best-known dining and entertainment destinations. After moving into a much larger premises in early 2026, the venue now offers upgraded dining areas, a bigger bar and a brand-new garden and terrace.

The food brings flavour and style to the table, while the atmosphere ramps up as the evening progresses. Fridays and

Saturdays feature live entertainment ranging from bands and saxophonists to DJs and themed nights, making it a great choice if you don’t want your evening to end when the plates are cleared.

And when the weather is playing ball, the Garden & Terrace provides a high-energy outdoor space for dining, drinks, music and summer evenings.

In other words, first you eat… then you can dance!

Discover Isabel’s

Cóvo House | Tapas, Wine and a New Over-21s Experience

And there’s another exciting addition to Burton’s weekend scene: Cóvo House, DJ Nathan Dawe’s second venue on Station Street. Opening September 2026

This stylish over-21s venue brings together tapas, wine and a grown-up atmosphere, making it a great choice for a relaxed evening with friends or a special night out. With sharing plates designed for enjoying together and a carefully curated drinks offering, Cóvo House is all about taking your time, enjoying good food and soaking up the atmosphere.

Also located on Station Street, Cóvo House adds yet another reason to head into Burton for a weekend evening – and with Nathan Dawe already behind the hugely popular Isabel’s, it’s an exciting new chapter for Burton’s food and nightlife scene. Cóvo House.

So, whether you’re planning a catch-up with friends, a date night or simply fancy trying somewhere new, Cóvo House is one to add to your Burton must-visit list!

Discover Cóvo House