Tamworth Tap named best pub in country for the second year in a row

George Greenaway, the head brewer and licensee says the win means "the world"

A pub has been crowned best in the country for the second time in a row.

The Tamworth Tap scooped the National Pub of the Year 2023 award by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) - the organisation's top honour.

Located in a 16th-Century building in Tamworth, the pub is only the second to win the prize twice consecutively.

It follows the Kelham Island Tavern in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, which achieved the feat in 2008 and 2009.

The judges described it as an "excellent example of a pub at the centre of its community that supports a wide variety of diverse local activity groups, with knowledgeable, helpful staff to help you find a real ale or cider to suit your taste".

The pub started as a pop up brewery but grew in popularity

"It's the highest accolade you can achieve as a real ale pub and it means the world to us," George Greenaway, the head brewer and licensee told BBC Radio WM.

Home to Tamworth Brewing Company and its tap, the venue retains the building's Tudor features, historic courtyard beer terrace and views of Tamworth Castle.

The pub, which used to be a tourist information centre, began as a pop-up brewing project on one side of the building, then exploded in popularity.

As well as a pub, a range of events and fundraising also take place at the Tamworth Tap

The real ale enthusiast added: "We won't rest on our laurels, we will pull out all the stops to try and achieve this [again next year].

"We've got an incredible team, they love their job and they love the customers and I think that shines through, especially when people like Camra come and judge, they see that passion and professionalism."

As well as selling beer, the venue acts as a community hub with regular events, cinema screenings and a food bank collection.

Staff at the watering hole also raise funds for a number of charities with customers, known as Tappers, joining in as well.

Camra awards director Laura Emson said: "The pub encapsulates everything that Camra aims to promote and protect, and each member of the team deserves the recognition twice over."