There's More To Burton on Trent Than Just Beer! - Part 1

Many people around the world will automatically associate the town of Burton on Trent with beer and the brewing industry. There have been many times when I have visited bars in different countries and have seen the distinctive Bass red triangle and the words 'Brewed in Burton Upon Trent' on a beer mat or etched on an ornamental mirror.

Without a doubt, beer and lager is Burton's main export and it's surely true that most Burtonians have met people in far flung corners of the earth who have said "so you're from Burton .... where the beer comes from".

But, as the title of this article suggests, there's more to Burton on Trent than just beer so here, in the first of a series that takes a look at some of the other points of interest of this Staffordshire town, we take a snapshot of a few of the many options for food in the town.

Whether you fancy a curry, a good pub meal or a lavish extravagant treat you can certainly find something for every palate and every wallet in Burton on Trent. Starting with curry, there is an adundance of good Indian restaurants in and around Burton.....

These include Balti Tower on Station Street which has the most extensive choice of Balti dishes in Staffordshire and where a curry will only cost around a fiver. Balti Towers is not licensed and so you're welcome to take your own drinks with you which is also great if you want to keep the cost of your meal to a minimum. If you visit Balti Tower with a few friends make sure you try the Family Nan Bread, it's absolutely gorgeous ....... and about the size of a small duvet!

There's also Jee-Ja-Jee's in Horninglow Street. I'm reliably informed that the translation of Jee-Ja-Jee's is 'brother-in-law' and this is because the four Jee-Ja-Jee's restaurants (in Burton, Tutbury, Littleover and Kegworth) are owned and run by two brothers-in-law. The quality of food at Jee-Ja-Jee's is superb and the specials (some of which don't appear on the menu but the staff will be happy to tell you about) are among the best curries I have tasted.

The Clay Oven on New Street is another Indian Restaurant worthy of note. It is a licensed restaurant but the staff also seem happy for you to take your own drinks. Ideal if your party includes some who prefer a draught pint of lager and others that want to keep the cost down and bring their own. The wine list is also pretty good at The Clay Oven including several very drinkable bottles around ?0„57 which in my experience is a very good price for a bottle of wine in a restaurant. If you're visiting the Clay Oven during the week, take a look at their 'Meal Deal' which for less than ?0„59 gets you popadoms and pickles, a starter of your choice, a curry of your choice along with rice or nan bread and even a coffee and mints thrown in for good measure. Excellent value and excellent food too!

Other Burton curry houses worthy of a visit include George's on Station Street, Bilash Spice in Stretton, Spice of Asia on Station Street and Mombai Blue on the A38 towards Willington.

Chris Towland
www.InBurton.co.uk 2005