Pub 'flabbergasted' by freedom of borough honour

George Greenaway said they felt "proud" to be part of the community

The owners of an award-winning pub were left “flabbergasted” after they were honoured with the Freedom of the Borough of Tamworth.

George and Louise Greenaway, who run the Tamworth Tap, received the honour in recognition of their hard work in attracting people to the town, Tamworth Borough Council said.

Speaking to BBC Radio WM, Mr Greenaway said he and his wife found out about the award back in May.

“I was flabbergasted. I didn’t expect that and being a native of the town," he said, adding: "To get that kind of honour was fantastic.”

The Tamworth Tap Brewing Company began in 2017, taking over a 16th Century former shop in the shadow of the town’s castle.

Since then it was won various accolades, including being named the Campaign For Real Ale’s pub of the year on two occasions.

Mr Greenaway said: “We just feel proud to be part of the community, part of Tamworth. The pub has never been just a pub, it has been a community hub.”

George and Louise Greenaway were told about the honour in May

The Freedom of the Borough of Tamworth is awarded to people who have given the town exceptional services over a significant period of time.

It was first awarded in 1951 to Alderman Frederick George Alton.

Councillor Nova Arkney, of Tamworth Borough Council, said: “Tamworth Tap has taken its success and given back to the people of Tamworth, bringing an old building back to life and attracting locals and visitors to our town.”