CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year 2025 title has been won by the Tamworth Tap in Staffordshire, bagging the title an unprecedented three times.

Since the start of CAMRA’s Pub of the Year competition in 1988, no local has ever won the Campaign’s most prestigious award three times – until now.

The award is the highest honour the Campaign gives to a pub, helping to showcase top-quality locals across the UK. Beating thousands of entries, the Tamworth Tap was judged on its atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression and, most importantly, top-quality cask beer, real cider and perry.

Home to Tamworth Brewing Company, the multi-award-winning pub boasts a range of eight cask beers from both local brewers and across the UK, along with a wide selection of ciders, gins, wines and bottled beers.

The Tudor building with a 16th-century shop front and its historic courtyard beer terrace offers views of Tamworth’s Norman castle. As part of the pub’s popular CAMRA Corner, the Tap’s stairs have been decorated to look like a display of Good Beer Guides, along with other Campaign titles.

The pub is the centre of its community, becoming a social hub by hosting a huge range of events from craft clubs, painting nights, and faith groups to sell-out tutored tasting sessions. Owners George and Louise Greenaway (pictured far right) and their team support local charities, including the Royal British Legion’s Tamworth branch, and making Christmas hampers for St Editha’s Parish Church. George and Louise were awarded the town’s Freedom of the Borough in recognition of their commitment to the town and community.

Reacting to the win, George and Louise said: “It’s not often either of us are stuck for words – ask anyone! – but we really are struggling to express how we feel today. When we won the first time we believed we’d reached the pinnacle of our achievements and were absolutely astounded with our second consecutive win.

“To have won for an unprecedented third time is beyond our wildest dreams; we are in awe of this recognition. The pub and its people are at the centre of everything we do. We don’t just pour pints at the Tap, we strive to give a true sense of community and give our beloved Tappers a place they like to call home, with the warmest welcome, great atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. Quality beer comes first, yet the passion, knowledge and friendliness of our incredible Team Tap is key.

“A heartfelt thanks to every single person who has been part of our journey, from day one when we opened a pop-up in a shop window, with a makeshift counter and two barrels of beer. Thank you for supporting and believing in us, for turning up to everything we do and for making the Tamworth Tap a place where people want to be.”

CAMRA Pub of the Year coordinator Andrea Briers said: “This is history in the making. I can’t congratulate George, Louise and their team enough for the trailblazing feat of winning the National Pub of the year award for a third time. What can you possibly say about this fantastic pub that hasn’t been said already? The local community are lucky to have an incredible pub with such dedicated staff on their doorstep. Please raise a pint, or three, to our triple champion!”

“Even with a trio of national awards, the Tap still faces the same challenges felt by pubs across the UK. Pubs are hanging over a cliff edge with grossly unfair business rates, spiralling costs and hikes to Employer National Insurance contributions heavy burdens on already tired shoulders. Government gave no support at all in the Budget which was disastrous for the industry, and a swift U-turn is desperately needed on the dangerous rise to business rates bills. I hope everybody can take the time to get out and support your local, especially as January is often such a difficult month for the trade.”

Lichfield, Sutton and Tamworth CAMRA branch pubs officer John Rowling said: “We are so proud to have the Tamworth Tap as part of our local CAMRA branch. This hat-trick of wins has cemented the Tap’s reputation as the foremost pub in the UK. Visitors can’t help but admire the awesome service you get from the amazing, friendly and knowledgeable staff. The success has been built on continuous hard work, dedication and attention to detail to make the Tap a splendid community asset. Well-deserved congratulations go to George, Louise and the team for this momentous accolade.” 

The runners up were: Blackfriars Tavern, Great Yarmouth; Pelican Inn, Gloucester; Volunteer Arms (Staggs), Musselburgh.

Find out more about CAMRA’s Pub of the Year competition here.