Storm Irwin: Bar-goers released after days trapped inside Britain’s highest inn due to heavy snowfall in Yorkshire Dales | UK news

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It was a lock on all insurances. Karaoke, board games, drinks and a Sunday BBQ – what more could you ask for when the snow outside is seven feet?

The Tan Hill Inn hosted more than 60 people on a Friday night, all crammed to watch the Noasis, a tribute band perform at Britain’s highest-grossing inn.

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0:58 Gamblers trapped in the bar ‘outside the sausage’ Photo: Becky had to call her work to say she couldn’t attend because she was trapped in the bar

But little did they know when a storm was brewing in the Pennines, that they had been stranded inside, sharing family with strangers all weekend.

On Monday morning, after a snowplow arrived to open the road, some with sore heads from the night before were released.

Speaking to Sky News, General Manager Nicola Townsend said she was nervous about people’s harmony.

Photo: Snow-covered cars are pictured outside the pub Photo: General Manager Nicola Townsend shares her concerns about people getting along

She said: “I looked outside at 9pm on Friday and the snow was so high and the visibility was so poor, that I just knew there was no way to go anywhere.

“At first I was a bit nervous with a lot of strangers together, but once people knew they couldn’t go anywhere, they relaxed and everyone just got started.”

The staff were tasked with keeping more than 50 people entertained over the weekend, so they arranged a karaoke night and quiz at the bar and also cooked up a Sunday roast as guests helped out in the kitchen.

Photo: Liz Jones was one of the stranded guests at the bar over the weekend Photo: The manager said the guests made friends with each other

Becky Keoghan and Liz Jones traveled two and a half hours from Warrington in a coach. Both had to call work to say they couldn’t make it.

Liz said, “I was a bit worried when I saw how bad the weather was, but when we settled in here it was really nice. It felt like a vacation and now I’m 50/50 about wanting to leave.”

“I just had to text my boss and tell them I can’t come because we’re stuck,” said Becky, who works the night shift. “They didn’t sympathize with me because locking them up in a bar isn’t a bad thing.”

Lifelong friends have been made here over the past few days and reunion plans are already being made.

But with more snow warnings on the way, it might not be long before the lodge locks up again.

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