Discover The Elms Pub in Burton upon Trent, a characterful Victorian parlour pub overlooking the River Trent with a fascinating Bass brewing heritage.
The Elms | A Taste of Burton’s Brewing Heritage
Looking for a pub with character, history and a great atmosphere? Then make your way across the River Trent to The Elms Pub in Stapenhill, Burton upon Trent.
Overlooking the river, this distinctive Victorian pub combines historic charm with a lively modern welcome. From its traditional interior and real ales to its gardens, live entertainment and riverside setting, The Elms is a brilliant example of a Burton pub where heritage and hospitality come together.
And look closely at the building and you’ll find reminders of an important part of Burton’s past – its world-famous brewing industry.
From Victorian Home to Parlour Pub
The story of The Elms begins not as a pub, but as a private house built in the 1890s.
It later became one of Burton’s original “parlour pubs”, a style of pub created by converting larger Victorian houses into smaller, more intimate drinking establishments.
That history is still visible today.
The front of the building retains much of its Victorian character, with its small public bar, snug and traditional details. CAMRA describes the interior as being of particular historic interest, with features including fixed seating, wood panelling, a traditional Victorian bar and historic mirrors.
It’s the sort of pub where taking a moment to look around is well worth it.
Look Up | There’s a Bass Story Here
One of the most fascinating details is right outside.
Look above the entrance and you’ll see the historic “BEST BASS ELMS INN” lettering.
It’s a wonderful reminder of The Elms’ connection with Bass, the brewery that helped put Burton upon Trent on the world brewing map.
The Elms remained under Bass ownership until 1992, making the pub part of the town’s extraordinary brewing story for generations.
And inside, the brewing connections continue.
CAMRA highlights a “Salt & Co’s Burton Ales” mirror and a “Salt’s Pale Ale” mirror, adding another fascinating layer to the story of Burton’s historic brewing companies.
For a visitor exploring Burton’s brewing heritage, these little details are easy to miss – but they help bring the town’s past to life.
A Pub with a Riverside View
Today, The Elms offers something that makes it particularly appealing for a day out: location.
The pub sits on Stapenhill Road, overlooking the River Trent and looking back towards Burton town centre.
It’s a great place to pause after exploring the riverside, Stapenhill Gardens or the wider area around the Washlands.
And when the weather is on your side, you can make the most of the outdoor spaces, including seating at the front, decking to the side and a terraced garden to the rear.
So whether you’re stopping for a pint after a walk or settling in for a relaxed afternoon, there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy the riverside setting.
Traditional Character Meets a Modern Welcome
While the front of The Elms celebrates its Victorian heritage, the pub has evolved to offer a comfortable and welcoming experience today.
The lounge area has been extended and refurbished, while the conservatory features a striking open fire, creating a cosy focal point.
The pub also offers a choice of cask ales and craft gin, alongside a wider drinks selection.
For sports fans, Sky Sports and BT Sport are shown throughout the week, while live entertainment also features as part of the pub’s events programme.
It’s a lovely balance: a historic Burton pub that hasn’t been frozen in time.
Come for the Heritage, Stay for the Atmosphere
The Elms is very much a community pub.
There’s live entertainment, outdoor seating, sports and plenty of space to relax with friends and family. Dogs are welcome, and children can enjoy the lounge area until 9pm.
Recent CAMRA information also highlights its changing range of beers, including cask ale, while the pub continues to retain popular Burton favourites.
That combination of traditional pub character, local heritage and a friendly atmosphere is what makes The Elms such an appealing place to visit.
Discover Burton’s Brewing Story Through Its Pubs
The Elms is just one piece of Burton upon Trent’s remarkable brewing heritage.
Walk around the town and you’ll discover former brewery sites, historic pubs, brewery buildings, sculptures and landmarks that reveal how deeply brewing shaped Burton.
And pubs such as The Elms help tell that story in a wonderfully accessible way.
You don’t need to be a brewing expert or history buff.
Simply step inside, look for the historic details, order a drink and imagine Burton as it once was, when breweries dominated the town and Bass beer was being shipped across Britain and around the world.
Photo credit The Elms
Make The Elms Part of Your Burton Day Out
Whether you’re exploring Burton upon Trent’s brewing heritage, enjoying a riverside walk or simply looking for somewhere characterful to relax, The Elms is well worth adding to your itinerary.
With its Victorian history, Bass connections, traditional pub interior, riverside location, real ales and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a pub that proudly carries a little piece of Burton’s past into the present.
So next time you’re exploring Burton, cross the river, take a stroll through Stapenhill and discover this much-loved local landmark.
Come for the history. Stay for the beer. Enjoy the view.
Discover The Elms and explore more of Burton upon Trent’s fascinating brewing heritage.