CAMRA National Pub of the Year revealed

The Tamworth Tap in Tamworth impressed the judges with its Tudor features and historic courtyard beer terrace that boasts striking views of Tamworth Castle.

Visits were described as “an absolutely delightful experience” with knowledgeable staff, a friendly atmosphere, attractive décor and strong cask ale selection with real ciders also on offer.

Run by George and Louise Greenaway, the bustling Staffordshire brewpub hosts themed events including beer tastings and ‘paint and sip’ sessions.

Furthermore, the courtyard also features regular live music with local performers, bat watch evenings alongside occasional screening of cult films on a big screen. The pub also produces its in-house Tap Times ​listing local occasions and upcoming events.

Absolutely thrilled

The duo said: “We can’t express how much this accolade means to us. CAMRA values have been at the core of everything we have done since we opened our doors so we are absolutely thrilled to have won this year’s competition.

“Pubs are its people and we are surrounded by the best. We’d like to give a special mention to our amazing customers affectionately known as ‘Tappers’ and to the truly terrific ‘Team Tap’, who make it all possible.”

The town pub also took home the title of Best Pub Garden​ in last year’s Great British Pub Awards.

Pubs officer with Lichfield Sutton & Tamworth CAMRA branch John Rowling said: “I’m absolutely elated at this fantastic news the Tamworth Tap has won the coveted top award.

“For real ale drinkers, the Tamworth Tap is the jewel in Tamworth’s crown. Since it opened five years ago, the Tap has gone from strength to strength.

“There’s always new offerings, changes and innovations every time you visit. It has beer brewed on the premises, fantastic, knowledgeable staff and comfortable old-world décor."

Top award

He added: “Add to this an award-winning rustic outdoor drinking area, overlooked by Tamworth Castle and you have a pub catering to all tastes.

“It’s a friendly, welcoming venue serving ever-changing top quality, real ales. To go from empty premises to this iconic brewpub in such a short time is real testament to the hard work put in by owners George, Louise and their staff.

“This top award is fully merited for a pub that espouses all the aims of CAMRA. It is the pinnacle of achievements to be voted CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year so on behalf of the customers and the local branch, I congratulate George and Louise on their tremendous success.”

A number of pubs were also named as runners up in the competition including the Station House in Durham, the Horse & Jockey in Stapleford and the King’s Head in Norwich.

On the Tamworth Tap’s win, CAMRA awards director Laura Emson outlined how the pub illustrates what passion and creativity can achieve in a short space of time with a great beer offer backing up a wide range of activities in a friendly atmosphere.

She added: “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.”

The pub will be presented with the award for its achievement at 1.30pm today (Friday 13 January).