The Tamworth Tap, a pub in Tamworth, West Midlands, has secured a place among the final four contenders for the CAMRA National Pub of the Year 2026 award. The venue, which operates as the tap for the Tamworth Brewing Company, will now compete against three other pubs for the prestigious national title.
Located in a Tudor building, the pub features a historic courtyard beer terrace that offers views of Tamworth’s Norman Castle. The establishment boasts eight handpulls, serving cask beer from local and national breweries, alongside a selection of ciders, gins, wines, and bottled beers.
Final Four Announced for 2026
The other three pubs in the running are Turks Head in St Helens, Countryman’s Inn in Hunton, and the Cockpit in Chislehurst. The winner of the CAMRA National Pub of the Year 2026 will be announced after further judging rounds.
This is not the first time the Tamworth Tap has reached this stage. The pub previously made it to the final four, and its licensee, George Greenaway, expressed his excitement at the repeat achievement.
Licensee and CAMRA Reactions
George Greenaway, licensee of the Tamworth Tap, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have made the final four again. It honestly feels just as exciting as it did the first time we became finalists. We were keeping everything crossed, but when you look at the quality of the final 16, we knew the competition was incredibly strong. To have made it through to the final four is something we’re really proud of, and it means a huge amount to the whole team.”
Adrian Zawierka, Director of CAMRA West Midlands, praised the pub’s ongoing commitment to improvement. He said: “The Tamworth Tap is not happy to rest on its laurels, and is always continuing to look for ways to improve on everything from the warm welcome and service from its knowledgeable staff to utilising more of the historic building for the benefit of customers.”
Recognition Amid Industry Challenges
Andrea Briers, CAMRA Pub of the Year Coordinator, highlighted the resilience of the finalists. She said: “I’m so proud of our final four pubs for 2026. Despite the well-documented challenges facing our pubs and brewers, these licensees have not just survived, but thrived. All four are amazing places that are definitely worth a visit, whether you want a top-quality pint, or just a brilliant community-orientated vibe.”
The Tamworth Tap’s inclusion in the final four underscores its reputation as a destination for cask ale enthusiasts and community visitors alike. The pub continues to draw on its historic setting and diverse drink offerings to attract customers, with the team now awaiting the final judging outcome.
