Pub celebrates being UK's best a record third time

A Staffordshire pub is celebrating being named the UK's best for a record third time.

The owners of the Tamworth Tap said claiming the Campaign for Real Ale's (Camra) National Pub of the Year accolade again was "beyond our wildest dreams".

George and Louise Greenaway sell a range of cask beers from local brewers and across the UK, along with a wide selection of ciders, gins, wines, and bottled beers, Camra said in delivering its verdict.

The Tudor hostelry is also celebrated for its 16th Century shop front and historic courtyard, which offers views of Tamworth's Norman castle, with staff praised for hosting a "huge range of daily events".

The Greenaways admitted that when the first success happened, "we believed we'd reached the pinnacle of our achievements".

"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," they said.

"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."

Camra said since the start of its Pub of the Year competition in 1988, no pub had won the hat trick with its most prestigious award.

The Tap, which took the prize for both 2022 and 2023, is also home to the Tamworth Brewing Co, and beat off thousands of entries.

The pub was "judged on its atmosphere, décor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression and, most importantly, quality cask beer, real cider and perry", Camra said.

The stairs have been decorated to look like a display of Good Beer Guides and the venue features craft clubs, painting nights, faith groups and tutored tasting sessions.

Andrea Briers, who co-ordinates the annual award, said: "What can you possibly say about this fantastic pub that hasn't been said already?"

The other Pub of the Year 2025 finalists were:

• Blackfriars Tavern, Great Yarmouth - a Victorian pub that is Camra's National Cider and Perry Pub of the Year 2025
• Pelican Inn, Gloucester - a Grade-II listed, family-run venue dating back to 1679
• Volunteer Arms (Staggs), Musselburgh - a pub run by the same family since 1858 that was Camra's overall Pub of the Year in 1998

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