A NEW high-quality illustrated coffee table book documenting the history and heritage of Britain’s highest pub has been published this month.
New owners of Tan Hill Inn Mike Kenney and Andrew Hields called on former owner and author Neil Hanson to help produce the book, simply titled Tan Hill – The Story of the World Famous Pub.
Mr Hields said: “He has collaborated with us and helped put it all together.
“He was the guy who started it, he got (double glazing firm) Everest in and got his own beer.
“It seemed like the natural thing to get him involved.”
A limited edition, only 1,000 copies have been produced in hard cover, with each individually numbered and signed by the owners.
It took the authors about four months to research and gather photographs which depict the pub at its best, with the cover photograph carefully selected for its mood, with the inn warmly coloured, but with ominous dark clouds gathering overhead.
Mr Hields said: “We went for the cover because is beautifully moody and picturesque.”
The pub has seen significant changes since it came under new ownership in June last year when the owners set about implementing a variety of improvements, which included replacing the ageing electrics.
Mr Hields said: “Some £100,000 has been spent behind the scenes that no-one can see.
“We spent £50,000 on the rooms and £50,000 on the communal areas.”
Another £45,000 has gone into the planning and design of another £500,000 development of the pub, which will involve removing the old shipping container that housed the pub’s generator and installing a rustic spa, enlarging the kitchen and adding luxury rooms.
Mr Hields said: “We are replacing the unused ugly areas with an area that people can come and enjoy.”
Also on the cards is a star-gazing conservatory, which is significant as the inn is situated in a designated Dark Skies area.
The landlord said: “People can dine under the stars or, when it is snowy, view the snowy landscape.”
Big names line up to perform
FAMOUS for hosting concerts by the likes of the Arctic Monkeys and Mark Ronson, Tan Hill Inn is bringing a host of top artists from the 1980s to the region next year.
Among those booked to perform so far are Kim Wilde, Big Country and From The Jam.
All have been welcomed by the inn’s 35,000 Facebook followers.
Pub landlord Andrew Hields said: “Kim Wilde sold out in the first week so that really opened our eyes.
“We are looking to open up an extra 200 tickets.”
Mr Hields and fellow owner Mike Kenney are currently working on a planning application for a giant marquee to host events which can house up to 1,000 fans.
As for the future, the owners will be back stage at Glastonbury next year recruiting more acts to perform at the world-famous inn.
