National Brewery Heritage Trust | Podcast

Welcome to the National Brewery Heritage Trust, podcast page. Located in Burton upon Trent The Trust is dedicated to protecting, preserving and promoting Britain’s rich brewing heritage for future generations.

Discover their podcast, Pints and the Past, where they explore the fascinating history of Britain’s brewing and pub industry. From the breweries and publicans that shaped our communities to the people, places and stories behind Britain’s drinking culture, each episode uncovers a little more about the heritage that has helped shape our nation.

Whether you’re a brewing enthusiast, a pub history lover or simply curious about Britain’s past, there’s plenty to discover. So, pour yourself a pint and join them as they explore the stories behind Britain’s brewing heritage.

Episode 6 | The British Pub

Sept 21, 2026

What have the Romans ever done for us? Well it turned out they introduced the pub to Britain! In this episode we cover all the key moments in the history of the British pub, from the Romans and the monasteries, through the Gin craze, the Beer Orders and Covid. Throughout centuries of change, pubs have remained the heart of communities, providing much more than a place to get a pint. 

Episode 5: | The Bass Story

Sept 21, 2026
We talk about Bass in this episode, and there’s a lot to talk about! From William Bass setting up his brewery in Burton upon Trent in 1777 to the 1967 merger of Bass, Mitchell and Butler with Charringtons United Breweries, it’s a rollercoaster of a story involving many twists and turns. We discuss how the company grew from one man taking an opportunity, to the major corporation that was Bass plc, the impact of the Beer Orders in the late 1980s and the legacy of Bass on the industry today.

Episode 4 | Beer Advertising

Sept 21, 2026
In this episode we talk about beer advertising and how it evolved, from the very different ways Bass and Guinness approached advertising in the early twentieth century to the biggest campaigns of the 1980s and 1990s. From the rise and fall of “blokey” beer ads, to ads that might be considered art, listen to how changes in the industry led to a massively competitive environment. We discuss some of our favourite ads in detail and ask the question: do we think beer advertising will ever be as good again?

Episode 3 | Changing Times

Sept 21, 2026
In this episode we talk about how the industry has adapted to change, particularly in the 20th century. From a last trip to the seaside in July 1914, to the different ways two world wars impacted upon the industry, find out how brewers coped with changing times. 

Episode 2 | Not Just Bass

Sept 21, 2026
In this episode we explore three of the big four Burton brewers: Salts, Allsopps and Worthington. From their origins as small family businesses in the centre of Burton upon Trent all three grew into major companies. In their Victorian heyday they supplied beer across the world and significantly grew their pub estates. Listen to the stories of these major players and how they shaped a town and changed the face of the industry.

Episode 1 | Why Burton?

Sept 21, 2026
In this episode we ask Why Burton? How did a small English town become the centre of the British beer industry? From the so-called magical waters to the transport links that were built to support other industries, to the opportunities presented by international politics and the entrepreneurs who invested in the town, hear our views on the growth of Burton upon Trent.

Pints and the Past is the podcast from the National Brewery Heritage Trust, celebrating Britain’s rich brewing and pub heritage. Each episode explores a different aspect of the industry’s history, shining a light on the breweries, public houses, people, places and traditions that have helped shape the nation. Whether exploring the rise of famous brewing names, the evolution of the pub or the wider impact of brewing on British life, there’s always another story to discover.

For more about the Trust go to www.breweryheritage.com

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