To spot the Northern Lights, you’ll need clear skies, but in recent years Tan Hill has made headlines for its exceptionally snowy skies. In November 2021, 3 feet of snow fell outside Tan Hill Inn during Storm Arwen and left those enjoying an Oasis tribute act stranded for three days. The story made national news and a reunion of snowy guests is planned for this year. The hostel is adept at handling such disasters, and stranded staff and guests simply spend the night in the upstairs hostel rooms. However, this creates logistical and personnel challenges, and the team must think quickly and creatively to deal with harsh weather conditions. One of those nights, Hayley did.
“I said my husband had experience in the bar – [just] not here, she laughs, but the bar experience all the same. We ran the barn together for over 100 people attending a tribute party.”
Understaffing is all too common in the hospitality industry, especially with the rising cost of living squeezing profit margins. Tan Hill Inn is experiencing these issues much more acutely, with harsher conditions, colder rooms to heat up, and the underlying fear that staff aren’t managing their journey. When I arrived Hayley’s teenage daughter was helping work the tables after another employee couldn’t get in.
According to Tan Hill Inn manager Nicola, running such a remote pub requires strict organization. Example: The pub depends on diesel deliveries for electricity. “As long as we order on time, we have no problem,” she said. “The owner has upgraded the system and he is able to check online how much is left in the tank.”
