The Tan Hill Inn, August 1998

The Tan Hill Inn is the highest pub in England, some 536m (1732ft) above sea level right on the border of North Yorkshire and Durham with the border with Cumbria just a few hundred yards to the west. The pub offers commanding views to the north of County Durham and Cumbria and you can see why Ted Moult tested Everest double glazing here as it always seems to be windy here. Strictly speaking the pub is in County Durham following the 1974 reorganisation of counties, however in 1991 the pub was defined as being in North Yorkshire.

Although the pub was full of tourists (postcards of the pub are available) we were very impressed by its general atmosphere. Large open fires burning sometimes even in Summer, flagstoned floors, old photographs and a beamed ceiling with postcards from all over the world. Very well kept Theakstons Best, XB and Old Peculiar as well as Black Sheep Riggwelter, a very dark, strong (abv. 6.3%) rich beer that is bound to warm you up especially if you're walking along the Pennine Way which runs past the pub. Had 2 pints of Riggwelter one lunchtime and it took us about half an hour to work out which way up the map should be!

They offer a wide range of food from sandwiches to main meals which were very reasonably priced. They offer accommodation too though be warned that the pub doesn't have mains electricity and uses an electric generator instead.