The best pub in the UK was named today as a Staffordshire tap house that has claimed the title three times.
Located nearby the River Anker, the Tamworth Tap impressed with its community spirit, charity fundraising and scenic views.
The Tudor watering hole boasts a 16th century shop front, but the character doesn’t stop there. It also has a historic courtyard beer terrace where customers can sip pints while overlooking Norman Castle.
The Tamworth Tap was founded in 2017 and is spread across three floors, with many of its period features still in tact including a Georgian triple frontage and is decorated throughout with brewery memorabilia.
Campaign for Real Ale, also known as Camra, judged the pub on its atmosphere, décor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression and, most importantly, quality cask beer, real cider and perry.
Camra named the Tamworth Tap as National Pub of the Year 2025. Those hoping to visit the award-winning pub will have plenty of drinks to choose from, including eight cask beers from both local brewers and across the UK, as well as ciders, gins, wines and bottled beers.
The win is record breaking as the Tamworth Tap bagged the award in both 2022 and 2023.
The prestigious honour has been around since 1988 and no pub has managed to secure the title as many times before.
Located nearby the River Anker, the Tamworth Tap impressed with its community spirit, charity fundraising and scenic views
The Tamworth Tap was founded in 2017 and is spread across three floors, with many of its period features still in tact including a Georgian triple frontage and is decorated throughout with brewery memorabilia
It’s rightly proud of its honours bestowed by Camra and even has a ‘CAMRA Corner’ where the stairs are decorated as a display of Good Beer Guides.
What’s more, it even has a complete collection of Camra’s pub guidebooks.
Owners George and Louise Greenaway described how they are ‘stuck for words’ over the win.
‘When we won the first time we believed we’d reached the pinnacle of our achievements and were absolutely astounded with our second consecutive win,’ they gushed.
‘To have won for an unprecedented third time is beyond our wildest dreams; we are in awe of this recognition.’
They continued: ‘The pub and its people are at the centre of everything we do.
‘We don’t just pour pints at the Tap, we strive to give a true sense of community and give our beloved Tappers a place they like to call home, with the warmest welcome, great atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.’
The pub hosts a range of events within its community daily including craft clubs, painting nights and faith groups.
George and Louise also support various local charities through the pub such as Royal British Legion Tamworth branch, and make Christmas hampers for St Editha’s Parish Church.
They added: ‘Quality beer comes first, yet the passion, knowledge and friendliness of our incredible “Team Tap” is key.
‘A heartfelt thanks to every single person who has been part of our journey, from day one when we opened a “pop-up” in a shop window, with a make-shift counter and two barrels of beer.
‘Thank you for supporting and believing in us, for turning up to everything we do and for making the Tamworth Tap a place where people want to be.’
Owners George and Louise have also been given the town’s Freedom of the Borough award for the Tamworth Tap’s continued commitment to the town and community.
Andrea Briers, CAMRA Pub of the Year Coordinator congratulated the Tamworth Tap and described the win as ‘history in the making’.
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The win is record breaking as the Tamworth Tap bagged the award in both 2022 and 2023
Owners George and Louise Greenaway described how they are ‘stuck for words’ over the win
Andrea continued: ‘I can’t congratulate George, Louise and their team enough for the trailblazing feat of winning the National Pub of the year award for a third time.
‘What can you possibly say about this fantastic pub that hasn’t been said already?
‘The local community are lucky to have an incredible pub with such dedicated staff on their doorstep. Please raise a pint, or three, to our triple champion!’
The award coordinator urged pub goers to visit their local and said: ‘Even with a trio of national awards, the Tap still faces the same challenges felt by pubs across the UK.
‘Pubs are hanging over a cliff edge with grossly unfair business rates, spiralling high costs and hikes to Employer National Insurance contributions heavy burdens on already tired shoulders.
‘Government gave no support at all in the Budget which was disastrous for the industry, and a swift U-turn is desperately needed on the dangerous rise to business rates bills. I hope everybody can take the time to get out and support your local, especially as January is often such a difficult month for the trade.’
