Staffordshire pub 'honoured' to be in contention for record-breaking national award
The Tamworth Tap has been as one of the final four contenders for the 2026 CAMRA Pub of the Year.
A Tamworth pub could in line to break a record after being named on a shortlist to win a major national pub of the year award.
The Tamworth Tap has been judged as one of the best four pubs in the UK, and will now compete to win the CAMRA National Pub of the Year 2026.
The pub is the only one in the country to have won the award three times, having taken the overall crown home in 2022, 2023 and 2025, and will now enter the race for a record-breaking fourth title.
The Tap, as it is locally known, joins the Turks Head in St Helens, Countryman’s Inn in Hunton, and the Cockpit in Chislehurst to battle it out for the overall crown.
The pub is set in a Tudor building, with its historic courtyard beer terrace offering striking views of Tamworth’s Norman Castle.
Home to Tamworth Brewing Company and its tap, it features eight handpulls, with cask beer from near and far, alongside a wide range of ciders, gins, wines and bottled beers.
George Greenaway, Tamworth Tap licensee, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have made the final four again.
“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.”
Adrian Zawierka, Director of CAMRA West Midlands, said: “The Tamworth Tap is not happy to rest on its laurels, and is always continuing to look for ways to improve on everything from the warm welcome and service from its knowledgeable staff to utilising more of the historic building for the benefit of customers.”
Andrea Briers, CAMRA Pub of the Year Coordinator, said: “I’m so proud of our final four pubs for 2026.
“Despite the well-documented challenges facing our pubs and brewers, these licensees have not just survived, but thrived.
“All four are amazing places that are definitely worth a visit, whether you want a top-quality pint, or just a brilliant community-orientated vibe.”
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