Stranded staff at Britain's highest pub finally allowed to leave
They'd been stranded at the Tan Hill Inn in North Yorkshire because of the heavy snow
Last updated 10th Jan 2025
Staff who were snowed-in at Britain's highest pub in North Yorkshire have been allowed to leave after being stranded for four days.
The bad weather meant 23 visitors and six staff were "snowed-in", but roads near the Tan Hill Inn were finally cleared yesterday.
The guests were allowed to go home a couple of days ago, but now staff have finally been relieved of their duties as Elle Applegarth arrived to clock in.
Ms Applegarth, who works at the pub as a member of the bar staff, had managed to avoid the lock in narrowly.
"I think a lot of them had cabin fever," she told the PA news agency.
"It's all fun at first but then the reality kicks in, you have to keep on going.
"The thing is, the staff have to keep working once they're here.
"I got here about 12.30pm (on Thursday) - everyone was just ready to leave. (Someone) started crying, and I was like 'has it been that bad?' and she went 'no, I'm just tired now!'"
She added:
"I had to leave early so I managed to miss getting locked in.
"The roads have been so bad. There are places where you can see it's near enough four foot. The snow is just so high."
The pub's Facebook page kept the public up to date on their situation, with posts about making snowmen and the plight of the residents and staff earning thousands of interactions.
One post detailed how Aldi managed to deliver supplies to them after a "red wine and banger shortage".
The pub's social media said that a number of guests had been able to leave on Tuesday, but it was not until Thursday that the staff were able to make their own exit.
A video from Ms Applegarth showed her arriving for her shift as staff and a guest left the venue.
She said:
"The atmosphere, everyone (was) dead upset and ready to go!
"Normally when I come in the pub it's busy and full of people, whereas now it's not.
"We've walked in and the pub is spotless. The housekeeping's all been done!
"We've just quickly had a wipe over things, and so me and two other girls have been sitting by the fire having hot chocolate and marshmallows!"
A post from the pub's Facebook page read:
"Well, we're off for a cuddle from our loved ones and a relaxing break. The new staff are in (we've left them some Malbec and a sausage) - and we are still closed!
"We'd like to thank you all for your support during our snow-in, it touched our hearts. And thanks in advance for your future support to Tan Hill Inn."