DOZENS of people have been stranded at the Tan Hill Inn in the Yorkshire Dales due to Storm Arwen's heavy snowfall at the weekend.
On Friday, 61 people became trapped in the pub and some guests have claimed they “don’t want to leave” after enjoying the 17th-century hotel’s hospitality.
Read more: Storm damage and power cuts force these schools to stay shut today
Many have been sleeping on makeshift beds and mattresses on the floor, but they have been treated to films on a projector screen, a quiz night and a buffet meal amongst other comforts.
Winter weather Feb 10th 2020 The Tan Hill Inn is 1,732 feet above sea level (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Oasis tribute band Noasis has been providing musical entertainment as the musicians have been stranded since their gig on Friday at the pub – which at 1,732 feet (528m) above sea level is the highest in the UK.
The pub’s general manager, Nicola Townsend, 51, told the PA news agency: “It’s just been lovely and everyone is in really good spirits… it’s a really good atmosphere.
“They’ve formed quite a friendship… like a big family is the best way I can describe it.
Some guests have been sleeping on makeshift beds and mattresses on the floor
The deep snow Picture: Nicola Townsend/The Tan Hill Inn/PA
“One lady actually said ‘I don’t want to leave’.”
On Saturday evening, guests thanked the seven members of staff stuck inside with them by presenting them with a jar filled with around £300 in cash.
On Sunday, the pub laid on a traditional lunch before guests and staff work together to decorate the bar for Christmas and prepare for an evening of karaoke.
Ms Townsend, from Leyburn, said she feels many of those stranded – including herself – will stay in touch long after they have been freed.
Guests have been treated to a quiz, a buffet and a karaoke night Picture: Nicola Townsend/The Tan Hill Inn/PA
Martin Overton, 44, travelled to the pub on Friday to watch Noasis and is staying in his campervan.
Mr Overton, a BBC rugby league commentator, told PA: “I feel great… everyone is looking after each other.
“I have learned that when you come to the Tan Hill Inn, you need to take the forecast seriously.
“The place is very exposed… it is what makes it special but in future I will pack a few more warm clothes and a couple of shovels.”
Guests expect to stay in touch long after they have escaped (Martin Overton) Ms Townsend said they first realised they were trapped after a blizzard on Friday.
“The blizzards were horrendous, how the snow was drifting, it was going all the way up to almost the bedroom windows,” she said.
A tunnel has since been dug out of the front door of the pub, but nearby roads are not yet usable in part due to fallen power cables.
The snow drifted as high as the bedroom windows at the pub Picture: Nicola Townsend/The Tan Hill Inn/PA
Ms Townsend said mountain rescuers had made it through the snow to attend to one guest who requires medical attention for an ongoing condition.
Forecasters have warned the “coldest night of the season” was set to hit parts of the UK on Sunday evening, with temperatures dropping to as low as minus 10C (14F).
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