How did this unused 16th-century Tudor shopfront that formerly served as a tourist information centre become the best pub in Britain? While I love a boozer with a bit of history, The Tamworth Tap only opened in December 2017, but has gone on to win CAMRA’s ‘Pub of the Year’ competition a record three times—can it do it for a fourth?
The prestigious award is the highest honour CAMRA can give to a pub. 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 last year, and is now down to the final four in the 2026 race.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have made the final four again,” said George Greenaway. “It honestly feels just as exciting as it did the first time we became finalists. We were keeping everything crossed, but when you look at the quality of the final 16, we knew the competition was incredibly strong. To have made it through to the final four is something we’re really proud of, and it means a huge amount to the whole team.”
What sets the Tamworth Tap apart?
When The Tamworth Tap first began, it was just a temporary pop-up bar in an empty shop, serving beer from a makeshift counter with only two barrels of beer. It was a huge hit among locals, however, and it wasn’t long before founders George and Louise Greenaway transformed the historic site into a permanent pub.
CAMRA pubs are judged on atmosphere, décor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression and, most importantly, quality cask beer, real cider and perry. And you will find all that and more at the Tamworth Tap, including a historic courtyard beer terrace offering stunning views of Tamworth’s Norman Castle.
You will also find a range of eight cask beers from not only local brewers but also 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.
Then there’s the pub’s popular ‘CAMRA Corner’: decorated to look like a display of Good Beer Guides, along with a rare collection of CAMRA’s pub guidebooks. Plus, the quirky interiors and courtyard beer terrace make it an extremely popular place to swig a few pints any time of year and day.
It’s not just a pub for ale-heads. As much a social hub for the community as it is a pub, it’s also known for 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.
CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year 2026 will be announced in January 2027.
