A Tamworth pub is in the running to be crowned the best pub in the country for the second year in a row.
The Tamworth Tap is the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA)’s current Pub of the Year and has now been announced as one of the final four in the latest competition.
The title is one of the highest accolades afforded to the UK’s pubs.
Tamworth Tap owners George and Louise Greenaway said: “We’re overwhelmed to have progressed to the final stages of this year’s CAMRA Pub of the Year competition.
“Achieving this for the second year running makes it all the more special.
“It’s testament to the hard work and commitment of our exceptional team and the incredible support of our loyal ‘Tappers’. We raise a dimple glass to you all!”
The Market Street pub is located in a 16th century shop front and is overlooked by the town’s Norman castle.
It is home to Tamworth Brewing Company and its tap, has a ‘CAMRA corner’ featuring a rare, complete set of Good Beer Guides and hosts regular themed events and live music.
John Rowling, Pubs Officer at the Lichfield, Sutton and Tamworth CAMRA Branch, said: “It’s obviously wonderful news that the Tap is once again in the final four – it will be a nail-biting time while we wait to see who comes out on top.
“Last year’s top spot was a marvellous tribute to the passion and effort that owners George and Louise show in making their pub such a fantastic, community-centred place.
“Splendid real ale and cider choices, brilliant staff, events galore, and a beautiful building which is continually being enhanced both inside and out. All this in the six years since it opened!
“The place has a legion of loyal locals – ‘Tappers’ – and the pub has done wonders for the town, bringing in visitors from all over, and lifting the town’s reputation as an ale destination. Let’s see how we get on this year!”
All the pubs in the competition are selected by CAMRA volunteers and judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, value for money, customer mix and most importantly – quality of beer. The overall winner will be announced in January 2024.
The other three finalists are The Nelson Arms, Tonbridge; Trafalgar Hotel, Ramsey, Isle of Man; and The Beer Engine, Skipton.
National Pub of the Year Coordinator Andrea Briers said: “It was a very difficult job this year to whittle entries down to our fabulous four.
“Each finalist was scored against a range of criteria with all strongly demonstrating what a good pub should be; warm, welcoming, amazing service – and all serving a fantastic range of beers.
“I look forward to the next phase as they enter the final stage of their journey and compete to be crowned the best pub in the UK.”
- Read the Daily Focus story about The Tamworth Tap taking this year’s CAMRA national Pub of the Year title here.
