Guests at Britain’s loftiest pub have finally been freed thanks to the efforts of two determined snowploughs after being trapped since Saturday.
Farmers came to the rescue of those at the Tan Hill Inn, in North Yorkshire, unfolded on Tuesday afternoon as the pair navigated a windy moorland road to lead the group pub to safety. However some, including a pair of German tourists and a dog named Agatha, chose to remain with the pub’s six employees and not risk the journey down.
Pub owner Andrew Hields expressed relief upon hearing about the successful escort, adding: “We got a call at 2.30pm to say they had made it. The route is still treacherous, the staff will be going home as soon as it is safe for them.
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Cars being dug out from the pub after being trapped since Saturday
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Image:
Paul Wright / SWNS)
“We are very exposed at 1,732ft and although it does not snow as often or as heavy as it used to problems can occur with snow drifts. We are miles away from villages and towns and the roads can be fine there but it only takes one big drift to cut off the road.
“We have bad weather in the past when there is no warning, we have had weather warnings and then it’s been fine at Tan Hill. Often, when the main A66 is closed, traffic diverts and stops at Tan Hill. It might not be the norm or the done thing by some people’s standards but we offer hospitality in the oldest sense of the word and have done for centuries against the weather and we are not stopping now.”
Cars finally leaving the area after farmers dug them out
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Image:
Paul Wright / SWNS)
This development came while 23 customers, featuring three Australians, braced themselves for another day trapped in the inn situated at 528 metres above sea level. Plans had been underway to secure a helicopter to evacuate those marooned, along with the six staff members present since before the turn of the year.
A previous attempt by the plough on Monday was thwarted by snowdrift, and in a different bid, a sheep farmer’s Land Rover couldn’t cut through the wintry blockade either. Despite a good stock of supplies which could last 40 days, the pub ran out of two items – sausages and Malbec wine. Manager Nicole Hayes was among the dedicated staff who stayed behind.
She said: “It was a spicy night on both fronts. We have plenty of supplies, though we have ran out of sausages and the Australians have drank all the Malbec. We are safe and warm, but missing our families.”
A yellow weather warning is in place and the inn’s manager is advising regulars and adventurers not to attempt to reach the inn. Mr Hields commended his staff for providing entertainment, food and drinks for the guests.
The pub, which is completely off-grid, is well-prepared for such emergencies. In 2017 it was chosen for the filming of Waitrose’s Christmas advert, portraying guests being snowed in and making their own seasonal dinner. In November 2021, 61 guests, including an Oasis tribute band, were trapped by heavy snow during Storm Arwen.