Landlord of Britain’s Highest Pub Shares Challenges and Joys

The Tan Hill Inn, reputed to be the highest pub in Britain, faces significant operational challenges as it relies entirely on off-grid resources. Landlord Andrew Hields, who has owned the 17th-century establishment since June 2018, revealed that it now costs approximately £100,000 annually just to maintain basic operations, including lighting. The pub is located at an elevation of 1,732 feet in Richmond, within the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, and is accessible only via winding single-track roads, with the nearest town, Kirkby Stephen, situated 11 miles away.

The Tan Hill Inn gained media attention in the winter of 2021 when around 60 patrons found themselves snowed in for several days. Hields, who previously had business experience in renewable energy and marketing, viewed the pub’s unique challenges as an opportunity to apply his skills. He also manages another establishment, The Green Dragon Inn in Hardraw, noted for being near Britain’s highest waterfall.

Hields explained that the operational costs would be crippling for many other pubs, but the Tan Hill Inn attracts approximately 1,000 visitors each week, which helps sustain its operations. The pub features six staff bedrooms and 11 guest rooms. Many staff members stay for three to four nights each week, and those who do not drive often carpool or receive assistance from the pub to commute. Plans are underway to introduce a bus service to further facilitate staff transport.

The living arrangements for employees have evolved over time. Initially, staff members lived full-time at the pub, but Hields has found that a part-time live-in model is more sustainable. He noted the intensity and busyness of the location, especially during peak seasons, which can involve up to 50 staff members across both pubs during busier periods.

Manageress El Applegarth, 26, emphasized the familial atmosphere among the staff. Commuting from Newcastle, she balances her time between the Tan Hill Inn and the Green Dragon Inn. “We’re like a family. It’s a bit like a uni house,” she said, adding that the camaraderie among staff fosters a strong sense of community. Her father, John, introduced her to the pub two years ago, leading to her mother, Alex, joining the team as well.

Applegarth described the pub’s ambiance as “magical,” highlighting how patrons engage with one another in a way that feels reminiscent of a bygone era. “People actually talk to each other as they know they’re going to be stuck together,” she said. This sense of connection is a key part of the Tan Hill Inn’s charm, setting it apart from more conventional pubs.

Behind the scenes, operating such a remote establishment poses unique difficulties. Hields emphasized the importance of effective marketing, particularly because the pub does not benefit from high foot traffic typical of urban settings or nearby attractions. He advised that treating customers and staff well is essential for success. “Don’t try to be anybody else. Every pub has its own quirk, which is usually represented by the owners,” he stated.

The Tan Hill Inn requires relentless dedication, operating every day of the year with little downtime. Hields concluded that passion is the driving force behind the establishment’s success, stating, “It’s got to be a labour of love because they’re tough businesses to run, especially nowadays.” The commitment from both Hields and his staff underpins the inn’s ability to thrive in its challenging environment, blending historical charm with modern hospitality.