Best pubs in the UK are named - check if your local is on the list of finalists

13 January 2023 , 15:39

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The Tamworth Tap is CAMRA’s Pub of the Year (Image: handout)

A pub in Tamworth that only opened five years ago has been named the best pub in the country after being picked out from four finalists.

The Tamworth Tap, in the West Midlands, came first in the Pub of the Year competition that was organised by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale).

The pubs were all judged on "atmosphere, décor, welcome, service, community focus and the quality of the beer".

And it is a remarkable rise since the brewpub, located in a 16th century shop, was an empty location less than five years ago and now boasts eight hand pulls with at least one Tamworth ale brewed on site.

Judges said their visit to The Tamworth Tap was "an absolutely delightful experience" with knowledgeable staff, a friendly atmosphere, attractive décor, and great selection of cask ales and real ciders on offer.

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For anyone wondering whether their own local was in contention then the runners-up in the Pub of the Year competition were revealed as the Station House in Durham, the Horse & Jockey in Stapleford and the King’s Head in Norwich.

Tamworth Tap was announced as the winner after only opening five years ago (handout)

George and Louise Greenaway, from the Tamworth Tap, 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’re 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!"

John Rowling, pubs officer with Lichfield Sutton & Tamworth CAMRA Branch, said: "I’m absolutely elated at this fantastic news that the Tamworth Tap has won the coveted top award. For real ale drinkers, the Tamworth Tap is the jewel in Tamworth’s crown.

A view of the Tamworth Tap's pub garden (handout)

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

Themed events at the pub include beer tastings and ‘paint and sip’ sessions. Taking a step outside, the courtyard features regular live music with local performers, bat watch evenings and the occasional screening of cult films on a large screen.

Runners-up in the Pub of the Year final

Station House Durham

Station House has a focus on conversation (camra.org.uk)

A friendly wedge-shaped pub in the shadow of a railway viaduct. There is a back-to-basics approach with an emphasis on conversation. A changing range of beer and cider is served directly through a hatch from the cold-room. Handpumps have recently been installed, with gravity remaining an option. A dark beer is always available, and an extra beer is often added at weekends.

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Co-owners Susannah & Chris Mansfield said: "Our central aims have remained: great beer and cider, great community, and a welcoming space for all. In essence, we want people to come because the beer is excellent and stay because they’ve got chatting to someone."

Horse & Jockey (Stapleford)

The Horse & Jockey serves 13 real ales (camra.org.uk)

It is a split level pub including a main bar area with sofas (camra.org.uk)

Known locally as ‘The Jockey’, it is a welcoming free house offering a choice of 13 real ales, including at least one mild or stout/porter, five of which are LocAle. Split level pub with main bar area featuring sofas and high tables and warmed by a wood burner, the upper seated area has tables and perimeter seating, a fish tank and sports TV.

Horse & Jockey Manager Paul Guilford said: “We are so pleased to have got to the last four in the country again for the CAMRA award, it’s a great chance to show off our little pub. A big thank you should go out to the breweries, near and far, who supply our ales."

King’s Head (Norwich)

The King's Head serves a dozen beers mainly from Norfolk breweries (camra.org.uk)

A traditional two-bar city pub which has been a mandatory stop on the Norwich real ale trail since 2005, serving up to a dozen beers, mostly from Norfolk breweries, plus a few selected guests. There are also two local ciders (one occasionally replaced by a perry) and a large range of bottled European beers, but no keg beers at all.

Stephen George, The King’s Head landlord said that the qualifying for the final round: "Reflects the strong sense of the pub in the heart of our community, the laser focus on serving real ales in perfect condition and the total dedication of our whole team to keeping this beautiful old ale house thriving in a city full of wonderful pubs.”

Tim Hanlon