A pub in Tamworth has today been named as the best in the country for a second year in a row.
The Tamworth Tap will today pick up the Campaign for Real Ale’s title of National Pub of the Year – the highest honour the organisation can bestow on a pub.
The pub is just the second one ever to win the prize two consecutive years in a row since the annual competition began in 1988.
The Market Street brewpub, which is home to Tamworth Brewing Company, is overlooked by the market town’s Norman castle and is located in a 16th century shop front.
It features a historic courtyard beer terrace and CAMRA corner including a rare complete set of Good Beer Guides and hosts regular live music and themed events ranging from ‘paint and sip’ sessions to bat watching evenings.
Judges described the pub as: “An excellent example of a pub at the centre of its community that supports a wide variety of diverse local activity groups, with knowledgeable, helpful staff to help you find a real ale or cider to suit your taste. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and look forward to returning at some time in the future.”
On receiving the news of the win, owners George and Louise Greenaway said: “Words really can’t express how we feel right now. It took a while for the magnitude of the occasion to sink in when we won last year; to have retained it is beyond incredible!
“We vowed to continue to evolve, with the aim of providing the ultimate drinking experience to everyone who walks through our door.”
They added: “We aren’t just a pub; we are a hub of the community, and we aim to bring people together. That and the perfect pint is what it’s all about.
“Thank you to all at CAMRA, from branch to national level, for recognising what The Tap stands for. A huge thank you also to ‘Team Tap’ for delivering our vision with such passion, commitment and enthusiasm – we share this recognition with you. And, to our beloved Tappers, we have such a special place because of you. Thank you for supporting us in all we do.”
CAMRA Awards Director Laura Emson said: “The Tamworth Tap should be incredibly proud of this feat, to be named the best pub in the UK two times on the trot is a remarkable achievement. The pub encapsulates everything that CAMRA aims to promote and protect, and each member of the team deserves the recognition twice over!
“A pub doesn’t have to be a national award winner to be a vital part of a local community and following a tough few years for the industry, our support is needed more than ever.”
Pubs in the competition are selected by CAMRA volunteers and judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, community focus and the quality of the beer.
The Tamworth Tap will be presented with an award for its achievement today, 12 February.
