The Tamworth Tap, in Tamworth, Staffordshire, has retained its title as the Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) National Pub of the Year.
It’s an impressive brewpub located behind a 16th century shopfront, falling within the shadow of Tamworth’s historic Norman castle.
It enthralled judges to become just the second pub ever to win the award two consecutive years in a row. The Kelham Island Tavern, in Sheffield, achieved the feat in 2008 and 2009.
The pub is an elegant building, home to Tamworth Brewing Company, and its tap. The cosy upstairs rooms have Tudor features, the historic courtyard beer terrace to the rear offers striking views of Tamworth Castle, and there is café-style seating to the front.
Eight handpulls usually feature one Tamworth ale, with the rest from near and far. Various snacks are offered, plus a wide range of ciders, gins, wines, and bottled beers. A ‘CAMRA corner’ at the bottom of the stairs includes a rare, complete set of Good Beer Guides.
Themed events regularly take place, including ‘paint and sip’ sessions, film screenings, and its newly introduced Barrel of Laughs comedy nights. The courtyard features regular live music with local performers.
It also hosts events such as bat watch evenings, beer tasting sessions, and an annual Wassailing ceremony, while supporting a wide range of community initiatives across the town. The in-house Tap Times lists local happenings and forthcoming events.
The judges described the pub as “an excellent example of a pub at the centre of its community that supports a wide variety of diverse local activity groups, with knowledgeable, helpful staff to help you find a real ale or cider to suit your taste. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and look forward to returning at some time in the future.”
“Words really can’t express how we feel right now,” said licensees George and Louise Greenaway. “It took a while for the magnitude of the occasion to sink in when we won last year. To have retained it is beyond incredible!
“We vowed to continue to evolve, with the aim of providing the ultimate drinking experience to everyone who walks through our door.
“We aren’t just a pub; we are a hub of the community, and we aim to bring people together. That and the perfect pint is what it’s all about. Thank you to all at CAMRA, from branch to national level, for recognising what The Tap stands for.
“A huge thank you also to ‘Team Tap’ for delivering our vision with such passion, commitment, and enthusiasm — we share this recognition with you. And, to our beloved Tappers, we have such a special place because of you. Thank you for supporting us in all we do.”
CAMRA awards director, Laura Emson, said: “The Tamworth Tap should be incredibly proud of this feat. To be named the best pub in the UK two times on the trot is a remarkable achievement. The pub encapsulates everything that CAMRA aims to promote and protect, and each member of the team deserves the recognition twice over!
“A pub doesn’t have to be a national award winner to be a vital part of a local community, and following a tough few years for the industry, our support is needed more than ever.”
Runners-up in the competition were: the Nelson Arms, Tonbridge; Trafalgar Hotel, Ramsey, Isle of Man; and The Beer Engine, Skipton.
