Snowed-in guests at the Tan Hill Inn, Britain's highest pub, are making the best of their unexpected stay as severe weather batters the UK. Nearly 30 individuals, including two Australians, found themselves hunkered down at the remote establishment situated 528 meters above sea level, located in the stunning Yorkshire Dales. This historic 17th-century pub has gained a reputation for trapping guests during extreme winter weather, and this latest snowstorm is no exception.
Reports indicate the guests have been stranded since Saturday, unable to leave the inn as temperatures plummeted to minus 11 degrees Celsius. With amber weather alerts issued by the UK’s Met Office warning of dangerous conditions, the locals and visitors alike are well aware of the severity of the situation. Paul and Naomi Wright, who traveled from Katherine, Northern Territory, were among the guests anticipating their snowed-in adventure. They had planned to catch Harry Potter on London’s West End as part of their trip, but now find themselves enjoying the cozy warmth of the Tan Hill Inn.
"We were here before the warnings started," Paul said. "We came up on Saturday afternoon, and there were clear skies then. The snow came after, so here we are!" Initially good spirits have remained high, with guests engaging in snowball fights and disco parties to keep entertained. Their resilience punctuated by the jovial atmosphere within the inn, where everyone was determined to make the best of the unusual circumstances.
The snowfall has led to snowdrifts as high as six or seven feet, hampering any attempts by snowplows to clear the roads. Many guests becoming aware of the reality they faced opted to make the most of the situation, supported by the warm hospitality of the inn’s staff. "It’s cold, and the roads are closed, but there are much worse places we could be stuck," Naomi noted, echoing the sentiments of many.
Tan Hill Inn management has assured guests there’s enough food to last about a month and enough beer for two weeks, which is undoubtedly reassuring news for the stranded patrons. According to one guest, there’s plenty to keep busy with, from board games to card games and improvised dance routines performed by the children present. co-manager Nicole Hayes mentioned, "It was a lovely atmosphere. People mingled and gave up worrying about getting home for work. The drinks flowed, and it was all very genial."
The Tan Hill Inn's storied history of being snowed-in is not new, having previously made headlines for similar situations during Storm Arwen back in 2021. Many guests of the pub have learned to embrace the charms and challenges of staying at such a historic establishment, creating cherished memories, and strengthening bonds during their time together. Beans and toast have been swapped out for the hearty full English breakfast service today, as guests are settled for another day indoors.
Despite the weather, the Tan Hill Inn staff has risen to the occasion, with manager David Rowell praising the team’s endurance as they worked from dawn till dusk to keep everyone comfortable. He shared, "The staff have been amazing. They are working so hard, and we want to make sure our guests feel welcome and well looked after." The atmosphere of camaraderie and shared experience among guests and staff has meant any initial worries about getting home for work have been put on the backburner.
For those interested, social media accounts have provided updates on their situation, offering glimpses of the winter wonderland outside and the lively happenings within the pub. From making snowmen to sharing tales from home, the guests find joy even amid the snowstorm. “There’s just something beautiful about being stuck here, surrounded by friends and laughter,” one guest said.
Although guests of the Tan Hill Inn remain snowed-in, with conditions unclear on when they will be able to leave, the bright side is not lost on them. Beyond the snowdrifts lies the comfort of good company, warm food, and the welcoming atmosphere unique to this high-lying pub. Whether or not they will make their travel plans remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the bond created during this snowy soiree will last long after the weather has passed.