We visit The Tamworth Tap to discover the secret of its success as it is crowned National Pub of the Year

For a second successive year The Tamworth Tap is the toast of the town as the local pub clinches the coveted title of National Pub of the Year from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). Despite opening its doors only six years ago, the pub has become a cherished part of the community and a beacon of excellence in the industry.

We visited the bar and caught up with Head Brewer and Licensee George Greenaway who attributes this repeated success to relentless dedication and incremental improvements. "There's a lot of hard work gone in. There's that continual improvement, even just one-off little bits, but daily improvements and attention to detail really," he explains.

Originally not intended to be a permanent establishment, the Tamworth Tap has transformed from a temporary pop-up event to receive a full premises licence. Greenaway recalls the beginnings: "We did a pop-up just to sell the beer that had brewed and extended it another day and another day to the point where we went away from a temporary event licence to a full premises licence and haven't closed the door since."

The pub has not only served as a favoured watering hole but has also played a pivotal role in the local community, offering a unique experience to real ale enthusiasts and creating a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. Greenaway takes pride in the memorable experiences provided: "Great beers, great atmosphere, but that attracts a really nice sort of discerning drinker. So when we get a new visitor in, they're sort of embraced by everybody else in here."

Moreover, the Tamworth Tap has shown a firm commitment to supporting local initiatives, including food banks and schemes that aid underprivileged families during festive seasons. "We support lots of local food bank and Easter eggs at Easter and a pamper hamper scheme as well, which collects from our customers, gift sets and things which go to underprivileged families and things and single mums and what have you as well to sort of enjoy their Christmas as well," George shares.

The success story of the Tamworth Tap stands as an embodiment of what a community can achieve through concerted effort and unwavering enthusiasm. With the support of George's wife, Louise, and the knowledgeable pub team, the emphasis always remains on refining the guest experience. As George claims: "It really is a team effort... I'll just continue to keep tweaking and making the experience memorable."

The Tamworth Tap, entrenched in the affections of its patrons, is more than a pub. It is a testament to the power of community spirit and the enduring charm of artisanal beer served with genuine care.