A cosy tap house in Staffordshire has just done something no other pub in the UK has managed before.
The Tamworth Tap has been crowned CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year 2025, marking an astonishing third win for the much-loved local favourite.
It’s a rare hat-trick that has firmly planted this riverside pub in British pub folklore.
Where History, Beer and Views Collide
Set close to the River Anker, the Tamworth Tap isn’t flashy or oversized, but it doesn’t need to be.
The building itself tells a story, with a Tudor-era shopfront and a Georgian triple frontage that has been carefully preserved.
Step through the doors and you’ll find three floors filled with character, from brewery memorabilia on the walls to period details that give the place a timeless feel.
Outside, the historic courtyard beer terrace steals the show.
Regulars can enjoy a pint while gazing out at Tamworth’s Norman Castle, a view that feels more like a postcard than a pub garden.
From Pop-Up Dream to National Champion
The Tap first opened in 2017, beginning life modestly as a pop-up with little more than a makeshift counter and two barrels of beer.
Fast forward a few years, and it has become one of the most celebrated pubs in the country.
Winning the national title in both 2022 and 2023 was already remarkable.
Doing it again in 2025 has pushed the pub into record-breaking territory.
Why CAMRA Keeps Coming Back
The Campaign for Real Ale judges pubs on far more than what’s in the glass.
Atmosphere, décor, service, inclusivity and overall impression all count, but quality cask beer remains king.
The Tamworth Tap ticks every box, offering eight cask ales from local and UK brewers, alongside real cider, perry, gins, wines and bottled beers.
It’s no surprise that the pub wears its CAMRA recognition proudly.
There’s even a dedicated “CAMRA Corner”, complete with a full collection of the organisation’s Good Beer Guides lining the staircase.
Beating Strong Competition Nationwide
The Tamworth Tap faced stiff competition to secure the 2025 crown.
Other finalists included Blackfriars Tavern in Great Yarmouth, the Pelican Inn in Gloucester, and the Volunteer Arms in Musselburgh.
Despite the quality spread across the shortlist, the Staffordshire pub once again stood out from the crowd.
Owners Left Speechless by a Third Win
For owners George and Louise Greenaway, the announcement came as an emotional surprise.
They’ve admitted they thought their first win marked the peak, and the second felt almost unbelievable.
A third? That was beyond anything they imagined.
They say the pub has always been about people first, not just pouring pints.
Their goal has been to create a genuine home-from-home, where regulars—affectionately known as “Tappers”—feel welcome, comfortable and part of something special.
A Pub at the Heart of Its Community
Community life is woven into the Tap’s daily rhythm.
The pub hosts everything from craft clubs and painting evenings to faith group gatherings.
Beyond its walls, the team supports local causes, including the Royal British Legion’s Tamworth branch, and puts together Christmas hampers for St Editha’s Parish Church.
That commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed. George and Louise have also been awarded the Freedom of the Borough, recognising the pub’s lasting contribution to the town.
Praise From CAMRA and a Warning for the Industry
CAMRA’s Pub of the Year Coordinator, Andrea Briers, described the win as “history in the making,” praising the team for a feat no other pub has achieved.
She urged drinkers to raise a glass to the triple champions while also sounding a note of caution.
Despite national recognition, pubs like the Tamworth Tap still face rising costs, steep business rates and increasing pressures from taxes.
January, in particular, can be a tough month for the trade.
Her message was simple: enjoy award-winning pubs, but don’t forget to support your local too.
What Comes After a Triple Crown?
For now, the Tamworth Tap is taking a moment to savour the achievement.
Whether you visit for the beer, the castle views or the sense of belonging, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a pub with trophies on the wall.
It’s a place built on passion, people and pints poured with pride—and that’s a formula worth celebrating.
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