Dozens of patrons are snowed-in at Tan Hill Inn, Britain’s highest pub, as severe weather conditions caused by recent Arctic blasts have left them stranded since Saturday night. Approximately 30 people, including six staff members, have been cowed by heavy snowfall at the famous pub, located at 528 meters (1,732 feet) above sea level, deep within North Yorkshire’s remote countryside.
The situation began on Saturday when the Met Office issued amber weather warnings, predicting dangerous conditions due to low temperatures and treacherous snow. By Monday morning, the temperature across parts of the UK had plummeted to minus 11.1 C. This prompted alerts for a “danger to life” and road closures, making it impossible for anyone to leave the inn.
Initially, guests were drawn to the Tan Hill Inn for its lively atmosphere and planned events, but their fun quickly turned to uncertainty as they realized the gravity of the snowstorm. David Rowell, the inn's manager, noted the challenges faced by his staff, saying, “Staff are a little tired, but other than, it’s all right. The staff have been amazing.” He highlighted the fact it’s now the third day the staff have been stuck, working long hours from 5:30 AM to 11 PM to keep the guests comfortable.
Among the guests is Paul Wright, visiting from Katherine, Australia, with his family. He expressed mixed feelings about their predicament, saying, “I think it’s hilarious, I love it. I’ve seen generated snow in snow fields in Australia, but nothing like this concerning white-outs.” Paul and his group had originally planned to be watching Harry Potter on London’s West End, but fate had different plans as they found themselves playing card games and enjoying hearty meals at the inn.
The atmosphere inside the pub remains surprisingly upbeat, with guests engaging one another. A young boy amused the patrons with improvised dance routines, and the sound of laughter fills the space. Paul shared, “There’s a lovely group of people here, the people who run this place are so warm and welcoming and friendly.”
The Tan Hill Inn made headlines previously—in November 2021, when it became the temporary home for 61 customers trapped for three days after attending another gig by the Oasis tribute band No Way Sis. This snow-in situation has almost mirrored the past with the intensity of snow creating familiar scenes at the inn.
Even though the guests have varied plans they wish to get back to, they find solace and camaraderie during their enforced stay. “We have enough food for about a month and around two weeks' worth of beer,” Rowell assured, alleviating fears of running low on supplies. With three open fires providing warmth and the pub powered by generators, patrons have the comfort they need, even if it is of the makeshift kind due to the circumstances.
For the staff, the top priority has been keeping spirits high among those snowed-in. Rowell joked about his experiences with snow-ins before finally conceding, “I’ve managed to avoid it all my life, but it’s caught up with us eventually, so it’s my turn this time.” Despite the tiredness evident among the staff, guests expressed gratitude, even offering to help wash dishes—a gesture the staff gratefully turned down.
With uncertainty about how and when they might leave, people inside the pub shared stories about their lives and backgrounds, creating bonds over their shared experience. Robyn Vinter, one of the journalists trapped with them, shared how she too arrived with clear roads and hopes of enjoying her time before conditions changed drastically.
During the snow-in, many guests, including families, have taken it as suddenly forming friendships under unique conditions. Paul mused, “Driving through Scotland and York, the amount of snow we’ve seen covering everything is unbelievable.” They are united not only by delightful memories created through games and dances but also by their shared longing to step back outside to the white blanket smothering Yorkshire.
Even as snow continues to fall outside, life inside the Tan Hill Inn has embraced the circumstances. Guests have been welcomed to partake in the makeshift pub games and even watch movies together as they gather around the fireplace, transforming the snowed-in spirit to merriment. The next days await with hope of opening roads and the arrival of snowploughs—but it seems for now, they will continue their snowy escapade together.
The unprecedented weather leaves all waiting for answers, but instead of despair, shouting laughter reigns among these snowed-in patrons at the Tan Hill Inn, reminding them of the adventure they are on and the warmth of human connection amid chaos.