National Brewery Centre

National_Brewery_Centre

The National Brewery Centre is a museum and tourist attraction located in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, England. It is dedicated to the history and heritage of brewing in the United Kingdom, particularly focusing on the significant role that Burton upon Trent has played in the brewing industry.

History

The National Brewery Centre was originally opened in 1977 as the Bass Museum of Brewing by the Bass Brewery. The museum was established to celebrate the rich brewing history of the area and to showcase the brewing process, artifacts, and memorabilia associated with the industry. In 2008, the museum was closed but was reopened in 2010 under its current name, the National Brewery Centre, following a campaign to preserve the site and its collections.

Exhibits

The National Brewery Centre features a wide range of exhibits that cover various aspects of brewing history and technology. Key exhibits include:

• The Cooperage: Demonstrating the traditional craft of barrel making.
• The Brewing Process: Detailed displays explaining the steps involved in brewing beer, from malting to fermentation.
• Historic Vehicles: A collection of vintage delivery vehicles used by breweries.
• The Shire Horses: A stable of shire horses that were historically used to deliver beer.

Collections

The museum houses an extensive collection of brewing artifacts, including:

• Historic brewing equipment
• Advertising memorabilia
• Bottles and packaging
• Documents and photographs related to the brewing industry

Events and Activities

The National Brewery Centre hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including:

• Guided tours of the museum and brewery
• Beer tasting sessions
• Special exhibitions and themed events
• Educational workshops and school visits

Visitor Information

The National Brewery Centre is open to the public and offers a range of facilities, including a gift shop, a café, and event spaces that can be hired for private functions. The centre is a popular destination for both tourists and locals, providing an informative and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.

See Also

• Burton upon Trent
• Bass Brewery
• Brewing
• Beer in England