A group of 23 visitors and six staff members found themselves unexpectedly snowed in for five days at the Tan Hill Inn, Britain's highest pub, located in North Yorkshire, standing 1,732 feet above sea level. The isolated inn became a temporary haven after heavy snowfall trapped the travelers, including Freddie Swift, 39, his partner, boss, and friends. Guests initially visited the inn for a brief stay but ended up sharing an extraordinary experience.
Freddie Swift described the unexpected adventure as a refreshing escape from the hustle of city life.
“It was nice being stuck and snowed in, back to reality, there’s people everywhere in London,” – Freddie Swift
Despite the harsh conditions outside, the staff at the Tan Hill Inn ensured that guests felt at home. They continued their daily duties, providing warmth and sustenance to those stranded. Guests bonded over shared meals, working through the menu and savoring traditional dishes like Yorkshire puddings and fish and chips. The camaraderie formed over these meals led to an exchange of phone numbers and promises to keep in touch after leaving the inn.
The Tan Hill Inn has a longstanding tradition of never closing its doors to travelers faced with bad weather. This ethos was reaffirmed by Andrew Hields, a representative of the inn.
“These traditions date back to a time when the Tan Hill door was never closed on a traveler in bad weather. It’s not something we are going to start doing now,” – Andrew Hields
As the days passed, the group remained hopeful for an escape. On Tuesday, they received notice of a narrow window for departure. Freddie Swift recounted the urgency of their exit.
“The chef told us we would have a little window where we could be rescued and get out, there were going to be farmers coming up on a snowplow but they didn’t know what time,” – Freddie Swift
The journey from the inn to the A66 road was fraught with challenges. The seven-mile trek took an hour due to icy conditions and winding roads.
“It’s so bendy and windy and obviously underneath the snow there’s ice, so we just had to take it really slowly and be careful, and just follow the tractor really,” – Freddie Swift
The staff, including the owner, remained trapped alongside two remaining guests until Thursday. For some staff members, the extended stay came at a personal cost. Housekeeper Babs Phillips missed the birth of her new granddaughter Amelia, while barmaid Kelly Dunn missed her daughter's 18th birthday.
Despite these challenges, the experience left a lasting impression on those involved. Freddie Swift reflected on the adventure with mixed emotions.
“It was a great experience and a great adventure, but obviously we do need to get back to reality at some point, but it was a bit of a shock to be honest.” – Freddie Swift
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