Tan Hill Inn: Revellers freed from Dales pub reveal their biggest worry was beer running out

The first revellers freed after spending three nights snowed inside Britain’s highest pub after an Oasis tribute concert compared the experience to I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here.

But far from facing gruelling trials, Becky Longthorp, 36 and Gary Bimpson, 42, said their only concern was if the beer had ran out.

The pair, who had planned to camp by the Tan Hill Inn for a night, were among 61 people that have hunkered down on its floors since becoming trapped on Friday night (Nov 26).

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Punters at the Yorkshire Dales pub, situated 1,732ft (528m) above sea level, was left stranded after storm Arwen brought down cables lines on roads and dumped 3ft of snow.

Trying to shovel their way to freedomTrying to shovel their way to freedom
Trying to shovel their way to freedom

But speaking before they left today (Nov 29) Becky and Gary said that the mood among punters was good and their main worries were the boozer running dry.

Becky said: “To be honest, I think the main worry was if the beer ran out really. We just sit on random tables with whoever – it’s like we all just know each other now. It’s like 'I’m a celebrity', but at the Tan Hill Inn pub.”

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Tan Hill Inn: 61 guests and Oasis tribute band spend THIRD night at remote Dales...

The intrepid couple from Hull said they arrived at the Tan Hill Inn on Friday to see an Oasis cover band and had pitched their tents by the early afternoon.

Revellers in the Tan Hill InnRevellers in the Tan Hill Inn
Revellers in the Tan Hill Inn
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Gary said: “We brought our tents because my campervan blew up last week. We thought: ‘Do you know what, it’s one night! Sod it! We’re taking the tent. What’s the worst that could happen?’”

But during the evening, as the concert was in full flow, sports masseuse Becky realised that their accomodation was not going to be viable.

She said: “In the night, just after the Oasis gig, I went to check on the tent and it was flattened – it was ripped into shreds.”

Gary added: “You couldn’t see it – it was just like arctic conditions in a blizzard. At 2 am in the morning, we were trying to dig all the stuff out. It was absolutely crazy. We’ve been camping on the floor in the Tan Hill ever since then.”

Becky LongthorpBecky Longthorp
Becky Longthorp
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While admitting to some “anxiety” during the following three days, the couple said they’ve also been embracing their unique situation.

Gary said: “I think in the morning, there has been anxiety. You go through moments in the day where you feel a bit of anxiety, a little bit like cabin fever. You can’t really walk anywhere as you’re knee-deep in snow.

“But then you get to a point in the day where you think, “Let’s just embrace it” because you’re never going to do this again in your life, are you?

“We had a bit of a sing-along, and everybody got their guitars out last night, which has been a good bit of fun. It’s just been a good atmosphere really – good old British spirit and all that.”

Gary BimpsonGary Bimpson
Gary Bimpson
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While some have enjoyed the snowy conditions, Becky said most trapped punters have been playing “drinking games”.

She said: “There was somebody who built a snowman, but if I’m honest, it’s been more like drinking games. There was a girl with a mini skirt and high heels and, she’s had them on for three days. So a lot of people who are here don’t have the gear to go out in the snow because they only came for a gig.”

The couple were able to leave the pub today, but architect Gary added they were extremely thankful to Tann Hill Inn’s owners for their hospitality.

He said: “To be honest with you, the owners of the pub have been absolutely unbelievable. They deserve a bloody medal. There’s been quite a lot of responsibility on their shoulders – there's been quite a few people with an inability to get out, and they just took to it really, really well.

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“Everybody in the pub feels very grateful for the hospitality that we’ve been shown.”

Fellow reveller Vicky Hogson posted to Facebook: "After the highs of being told we were going to be rescued yesterday morning… then the lows of being told .. nope, rescue ain’t happening we actually had a really good night last night.

"We had a delicious Sunday dinner with the biggest Yorkshire puddings I’ve ever seen, we were entertained by some impromptu acoustic singers.

"The gritters have finally made it up to us so we have attempted to drive home… we’ve already had to help push a van out a ditch so this could well be another adventure."

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