Staffordshire pub breaks new ground after receiving honour of being named UK's best pub for third time

The Tamworth Tap has won CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year 2025 title, marking the first time since the start of CAMRA’s Pub of the Year competition in 1988 that a pub has won the award three times.

The award is the highest honour the Campaign gives to a pub, helping to showcase quality pubs across the UK that are worth seeking out and visiting. 

Beating thousands of entries, the Tamworth Tap was judged on its atmosphere, décor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression and, most importantly, quality cask beer, real cider and perry.

Home to Tamworth Brewing Company, the multi-award-winning Staffordshire pub boasts 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.

The Tudor building with a 16th century shop front and its historic courtyard beer terrace offers views of Tamworth’s Norman Castle.

As part of the pub’s popular ‘CAMRA Corner’, the Tamworth Tap’s stairs have been decorated to look like a display of Good Beer Guides, along with a rare complete collection of CAMRA’s pub guidebooks.

The pub is the centre of its community, becoming a social hub by hosting a huge range of daily events, from craft clubs, painting nights, and faith groups to sell-out tutored tasting sessions. 

Owners George and Louise Greenaway and their team support local charities, including the Royal British Legion Tamworth branch, and making Christmas hampers for St Editha's Parish Church, while the couple also were awarded the town’s Freedom of the Borough in recognition of their commitment to the town and community. 

Reacting to the win, George and Louise Greenaway said: “It’s not often either of us are stuck for words, 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.”

Andrea Briers, CAMRA Pub of the Year Coordinator said: “This is history in the making. 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." 

“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.”