It was a lock-in of all lock-ins. Karaoke, board games, drinks and a Sunday roast – what more could you ask for when the snow is seven feet-high outside?

The Tan Hill Inn was host to more than 60 people on Friday night, all packed in to watch Noasis, a tribute band performing at the highest inn in Britain.

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But little did they know as a storm was brewing on the Pennines, they’d be stranded indoors, sharing beds with strangers for a whole weekend.

On Monday morning, after a snow plough arrived to clear the path, some with sore heads from the night before were finally free.

Speaking to Sky News, general manager Nicola Townsend said she was nervous about people getting along.

She said: “I looked outside at 9pm on Friday and the snow was so high and the visibility was so poor, that I just knew there’s no way we’re going anywhere.

“At first I was a bit nervous with so many strangers together, but as soon as people knew they couldn’t go anywhere they became relaxed and everyone just got on.”

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The staff were tasked with keeping more than 50 people entertained over the weekend, so they arranged a karaoke night, a pub quiz and also cooked a Sunday roast where guests helped out in the kitchen.

Becky and Liz travelled two and a half hours from Warrington in a camper van. They both had to call work to say they couldn’t make it in.

Liz said: “I was a little bit worried when I saw how bad the weather was, but when we settled in here it’s been really lovely. It’s felt just like a holiday and now I’m 50/50 about wanting to leave.”

Becky who works night shifts, said: “I just had to text my boss and tell them that I can’t come in because we’re stuck. They had no sympathy for me because being locked-in a pub is not a bad thing.”

Friends for life were made here over the last few days and plans for a reunion are already being set.

But with more warnings of snow on the way, it may not be long before another lock-in at the inn.

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