A cosy Midlands pub has etched its name into the record books by achieving a feat never before seen in the history of British hospitality. The Tamworth Tap, located in the historic market town of Tamworth, Staffordshire, has been crowned the Campaign for Real Ale's National Pub of the Year for an unprecedented third consecutive year. This remarkable treble solidifies its status as the UK's premier pub.
A Historic Achievement in Hospitality
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) initiated its prestigious Pub of the Year competition in 1988, designed to honour establishments that demonstrate excellence across multiple criteria. These include atmosphere, décor, customer welcome, quality of service, inclusivity, and overall impression. However, the primary focus remains on the quality of real ale, craft beer, cider, and perry served.
For the Tamworth Tap to emerge victorious from thousands of contenders across the nation for a third time is a testament to its unwavering standards. The pub, situated in a charming 16th-century building on Market Street, adds the 2025 title to a shelf already groaning with regional and national awards from 2023 and 2024.
The Winning Formula: Beer, Views, and Community
What sets The Tamworth Tap apart? Judges praised its exceptional offering, which includes eight rotating cask beers from both local and national breweries, alongside a fine selection of cider, gin, wine, and bottled beers. The pub's layout, spread across three floors filled with nooks and crannies, provides the perfect setting for friends and family to gather.
Perhaps one of its most enviable assets is the stunning view from its courtyard beer terrace, which overlooks the dramatic turrets of Tamworth Castle, a Norman fortress. Inside, a unique feature known as 'CAMRA Corner' houses a rare, complete collection of the organisation's Good Beer Guides, with the staircase creatively decorated to match.
Beyond the drinks, the pub is a vibrant community hub. It hosts a daily roster of events, including tutored beer tasting sessions, craft clubs, painting nights, and fundraising activities for local charities. This community spirit is championed by landlords George and Louise Greenaway, who were awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Tamworth in 2024 for their dedication to the town.
Reaction to an Unprecedented Treble
Upon receiving the historic news, George and Louise Greenaway expressed their astonishment and gratitude. "It's not often either of us are stuck for words," they shared. "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."
They credited their team and customers, stating: "We don't just pour pints at the Tap, we strive to give a true sense of community... Quality beer comes first, yet the passion, knowledge and friendliness of our incredible Team Tap is key."
Andrea Briers, CAMRA's National Pub of the Year coordinator, hailed the achievement as "history in the making." She congratulated the team on their "trailblazing feat" and noted the local community is "lucky to have an incredible pub with such dedicated staff on their doorstep."
John Rowling, Pubs Officer for the Lichfield, Sutton and Tamworth CAMRA branch, added his praise: "This hattrick of wins has cemented the Tap's reputation as the foremost pub in the UK. The success has been built on continuous hard work, dedication and attention to detail to make the Tap a splendid community asset."
The Tamworth Tap's unprecedented triple victory is a story of quality, community, and consistency, proving that a great British pub is about far more than just a perfect pint.
