ReviewNot so much a pub as a national institution. It’s famous for being the highest pub above sea level in Great Britain (1732ft), snowfalls of epic proportions (hence its own snow cat vehicle) and many TV appearances, including ‘Oz Clarke and James May Drink to Britain’. It’s also often rumoured to have featured in the 1981 film ‘An American Werewolf In London’ although that’s not true apparently. However, it didn’t stop ‘Vodafone’ filming a spoof advert there in the early 1990’s.
Potted history aside, we arrived just before twilight, on our visit, having driven up the Arkengarthdale road from Reeth and were immediately blown away by the majestic, isolated setting. The fading light at the end of a beautiful, crisp day provided a wonderful atmosphere.
The pub itself is a very solid looking stone building, quite Tardis like in hiding its surprisingly large interior. There are three rooms, all slightly different in character. The bar area is cosily low-ceilinged and stone flagged with a cracking real fire. The room to the left is smarter, slightly more formal and feels like a dining area. There is also a comfortable lounge with some very inviting sofas to flop into.
Four beers on the go, when we called: Theakston’s Best Bitter & Old Peculier, Black Sheep Bitter and the house beer ‘Ewe Juice’ which is brewed by Dent Brewery. Both the ‘OP’ and ‘Ewe Juice’ were in good nick, but just a little cold unfortunately.
With both the Pennine Way and Coast-to-Coast paths being close by, there are obviously very strong ties to the walking community and that shows in the generously portioned, hearty pub fare and the range of accommodation available. (There’s also a ‘sweetie counter’ to stock up on Mars bars and the like!) You can also purchase T-shirts and postcards, suggesting a real ‘brand Tan Hill’ ethos. However, given the pub’s setting you can hardly blame them for making the most of any commercial opportunity.
Surprisingly busy at 4.45 on a Monday afternoon. However, with it being such a destination pub, I should imagine it’s very rarely quiet. There were several parties drawn from all over the UK, providing an obvious source of banter and a good chatty atmosphere. Staff were friendly and welcoming, one barmaid in particular having a wonderfully mordant wit.
I’ve been to places with better beer, but as a complete package the Tan Hill Inn takes some beating. Without doubt, one of my favourite ever pubs. A must visit.
