CAMRA pub of the Year 2024: West Midlands pub which hosts bat watch events makes shortlist

From ‘splendid ales’ to bat watching events - a West Midlands pub has won endless praise from beer experts at CAMRA.

It is one of four across the UK to make the shortlist for National Pub of the Year 2024 - one of the highest accolades afforded to UK pubs.

The Tamworth Tap in Tamworth – won the award last year and is the current Pub of the Year 2023 - and is hoping to keep its title amid stiff competition with The Beer Engine in Skipton among the finalists.

What’s so special about The Tamworth Tap?

The Tamworth Tap is an elegant building, home to Tamworth Brewing Company and its tap. CAMRA judges praised its cosy upstairs rooms for their Tudor features, they admired the historic courtyard beer terrace to the rear which offers striking views of Tamworth Castle, and they liked the café-style seating to the front.

Eight hand pulls usually feature one Tamworth ale, the rest from near and far. Various snacks are offered, plus a wide range of ciders, gins, wines and bottled beers. There is a ‘CAMRA corner’ at the bottom of the stairs which includes a rare, complete set of Good Beer Guides. Themed events include beer tastings and ‘paint and sip’ sessions.

Bat watching and other events at The Tamworth Tap

The courtyard features regular live music with local performers, bat watch evenings, and occasional screening of cult films on a large screen. The in-house ‘Tap Times’ lists local happenings and forthcoming events.

The four finalists will be presented with their awards for making the shortlist at local events over the coming weeks.

George and Louise Greenaway, owners of the Tamworth Tap, said: “We’re overwhelmed to have progressed to the final stages of this year’s CAMRA Pub of the Year competition. Achieving this for the second year running makes it all the more special. It’s testament to the hard work and commitment of our exceptional team and the incredible support of our loyal ‘Tappers’. We raise a dimple glass to you all!”

John Rowling, Pubs Officer Lichfield Sutton & Tamworth CAMRA Branch, said: “It’s obviously wonderful news that the Tap is once again in the final four – it will be a nail-biting time while we wait to see who comes out on top! Last year’s top spot was a marvellous tribute to the passion and effort that owners George and Louise show in making their pub such a fantastic, community-centred place.

“Splendid real ale and cider choices, brilliant staff, events galore, and a beautiful building which is continually being enhanced both inside and out. All this in the six years since it opened! The place has a legion of loyal locals – ‘Tappers’ – and the pub has done wonders for the town, bringing in visitors from all over, and lifting the town’s reputation as an ale destination. Let’s see how we get on this year!”

What happens next in the CAMRA Pub of the Year 2024 competition?

All the pubs in the competition are selected by CAMRA volunteers and judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, value for money, customer mix and most importantly – quality of beer. The overall winner will be announced in January 2024. The other three finalists are Nelson Arms, Tonbridge; Trafalgar Hotel, Ramsey, Isle of Man; and The Beer Engine, Skipton.

National Pub of the Year Coordinator Andrea Briers said: “I am delighted to announce the finalists in our National Pub of the Year competition. Each pub holds a special place in their communities and all offer something unique to their customers. Pubs across the UK have faced many challenges, so it is wonderful to be able to recognise and celebrate the amazing pubs we have and to see them thrive.

“It was a very difficult job this year to whittle entries down to our fabulous four. Each finalist was scored against a range of criteria with all strongly demonstrating what a good pub should be; warm, welcoming, amazing service - and all serving a fantastic range of beers. I look forward to the next phase as they enter the final stage of their journey and compete to be crowned the best pub in the UK.”