Britain's best pub announced as cosy 'community' boozer inside 16th century shop
A head brewer says the news is "beyond incredible" after his pub in a 16th century shop was named best in the country for a second year.
The Tamworth Tap has won the National Pub of the Year 2023 gong by the Campaign for Real Ale, the top honour handed out by the organisation. It is a brewpub in the shadow of Tamworth’s Norman castle.
“It enthralled judges to become just the second pub to win the prize two years in a row, following the Kelham Island Tavern in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, which achieved the feat in 2008 and 2009,” stated CAMRA.
George and Louise Greenaway from the Tap 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.
“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.”
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The pub has won the award for the second year on the trot (Birmingham Live)And judges pointed to the community feel to the pub. “It is 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,” they stated.
The Tamworth Tap has cosy upstair rooms with Tudor features, while there is a courtyard beer terrace at the back which has views of Tamworth Castle. At the same time there is cafe style seating at the front and there are eight handpulls that normally offer a local Tamworth ale as well as others from further afield.
The pub is in a 16th century shop (Birmingham Live)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.”
A courtyard beer terrace at the pub (Nick Wilkinson/Birmingham Live)John Rowling, pubs officer for CAMRA's Lichfield, Sutton & Tamworth branch, said: “What a sensational achievement! Just twelve months ago we were toasting the Tamworth Tap being crowned CAMRA National Pub of the Year for 2022. At the time, the owners, staff and customers were absolutely overjoyed and brimming with pride at the Tap’s success. Now here we are again with the Tamworth Tap winning CAMRA National Pub of the Year for a second time in consecutive years.
“The success has been built on continuous hard work, dedication and attention to detail to make the Tap a splendid community asset. Congratulations to George, Louise and the team for another tremendous accolade."
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. R
Runners-up in Camra's National Pub of the Year:
- The Nelson Arms, Tonbridge;
- Trafalgar Hotel, Ramsey, Isle of Man;
- The Beer Engine, Skipton.
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