Everyone thinks that their local pub is best, but residents of Tamworth are actually right. Since CAMRA’s ‘Pub of the Year’ competition started in 1988, no pub has ever won the prestigious award three times, until now. The Tamworth Tap in Staffordshire has been crowned the UK’s best pub for a third year.
The award is the highest honour CAMRA gives to a pub, becoming just the second pub ever to win the prize two consecutive years in a row in 2023. Home to Tamworth Brewing Company, the multi-award-winning pub beat thousands of entries to take home the National Pub of the Year 2025 title.
The Tudor building, with a 16th century shop front and historic courtyard beer terrace (offering stunning views of Tamworth’s Norman Castle), was judged on its atmosphere, décor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression and, most importantly, quality cask beer, real cider and perry.
“This is history in the making,” said Andrea Briers, CAMRA Pub of the Year Coordinator. “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!”
What sets the Tamworth Tap apart from the competition?
You will find a range of eight cask beers from both local brewers and across the UK, along with a wide selection of ciders, gins, wines, and bottled beers, at the Tamworth Tap—this always includes at least one ale brewed on-site, from experimental brews to pale hoppy ales.
The pub’s popular ‘CAMRA Corner’ is also decorated to look like a display of Good Beer Guides, along with a rare collection of CAMRA’s pub guidebooks, while the quirky interiors and courtyard beer terrace make it an extremely popular place to swig a few pints any time of year and day.
But it’s not just a pub for ale-heads. The pub is as much a social hub for the community, hosting daily events from craft clubs, painting nights, and faith groups to sell-out tutored tasting sessions. The owners, George and Louise Greenaway, were even awarded the town’s Freedom of the Borough in recognition.
What did the Tamworth Tap have to say?
George and Louise Greenaway said: “It’s not often either of us are stuck for words, ask anyone, but we really are struggling to express how we feel today. 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.
“To have won for an unprecedented third time is beyond our wildest dreams; we are in awe of this recognition. 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. 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.”
To learn more about The Tamworth Tap, head here.