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The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) takes pubs very seriously. For almost 40 years, its volunteers have sunk pints in boozers all over the UK to find out which of them are a cut above the rest, and to name one of them the National Pub of the Year.
Back in October, after two meticulous rounds of judging, CAMRA announced the four pubs that were going head to head for the 2025 title. They were scrutinised on their atmosphere, décor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression and (most importantly) the quality cask beer, real cider and perry, before a final winner was decided. Now, that winner has been revealed.
The Tamworth Tap in Staffordshire is CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year 2025. That name sound familiar? Well, that would be because it’s actually won the title twice before. After winning in both 2022 and 2023, it’s taken back the crown from last year’s victor The Bailey Head in Shropshire, and has become the first pub to win three times.
Occupying a 16th century building, the Tamworth Tap is the HQ of Tamworth Brewing Company. It has eight cask hand-pulls and 20 keg taps with a rotating line up of ales, stouts and lagers, as well as another six keg and four cask in its beer garden right beneath the historic Tamworth Castle.
But having top-quality beer will only get you so far. The Tamworth Tap also earned recognition for being a beloved social hub. It regularly puts on events for the community, like comedy nights, craft clubs, ‘paint and sip’ sessions, beer tastings, live music performances, bat watch evenings and cult film screenings.
Owners George and Louise Greenaway said in reaction to their 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.’
Andrea Briers, CAMRA Pub of the Year coordinator added: ‘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!’
While National Pub of the Year is its flagship award, CAMRA also hands out smaller prizes throughout the year. In the summer it unveiled its pick of the most beautiful pubs in Britain and crowned its Champion Beer of Britain 2025. And last week it revealed the winner of its latest heritage award.
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