Bradford-born businessman Andrew Hields, owner of Britain’s highest pub ‘the world’s famous’ Tan Hill Inn, has recently added the Green Dragon Inn, Hardaw, near Hawes, to his portfolio of businesses
Something in Yorkshire that makes you smile?
There have been many positive and welcome steps in the changing world of acceptable language but there are some things which are timeless and remind me that I’m very much in Yorkshire. So, it makes me smile when a Yorkshireman calls me ‘love’. It happened recently in a shop and my son looked very puzzled. It made me smile when I explained to him that it’s just a ‘Yorkshire thing’.
We’re spoiled for choice in this part of the world. For special occasions it has to be The Ivy in Leeds. Then there’s Three’s a Crowd in Harrogate, another family favourite. When I’m in Wensleydale on business I often eat at The Stone House Hotel near Hawes. It has a relaxed atmosphere and offers excellent food.
A place to make friends?
I’m biased, of course, but the unofficial tag line for the Tan Hill Inn is ‘the pub where strangers become friends’. The place has that special vibe, for want of a better word, and it’s one of the things that attracted me to the inn in the first place. I feel the same way about the Green Dragon. It’s an almost intangible thing, but it’s a core part of the businesses plan.
A childhood memory?
I grew up in Bradford and for years did a seven-day-a-week paper round. There wasn’t much time or money for holidays so when the school took some of us on a residential trip to the Dales it had an impact on me. I remember those days fondly, staying at Buckden House in upper Wharfedale or Inglebrough Hall in Clapham. For a council estate boy who did not get out much those trips were absolutely wonderful.
A cultural go-to?
I enjoy the historical culture of Yorkshire’s ruined abbeys and castles but my go-to is pub culture. Not the fruit machine and bright lights kind, but the traditional and historic country pubs. I like places with character. My favourites are the Lister Arms, Malham, the Stansfield Inn, Apperley Bridge, Dick Hudsons, Bingley, and the Cow and Calf, Ilkley. They are the places where I stop at the end of a country walk and have what I call a ‘victory pint’.
Inspiration outdoors?
After the inspiration of those school residentials, which showed me a world outside of Bradford, I struck out on my own once I was old enough. I have continued since those first forays into the Dales and still enjoy the experience of walking, cycling and driving through the national park, experiencing not only the countryside, but the huddled stone houses of the villages. Family days out – with my wife Danielle, children Hugo, aged eight, Darcy, aged four, and Cocker Spaniel, Lady – often find us in Skipton, Settle or Hawes.
A place for indulgence?
Fatherhood is a real joy, and my great indulgence is watching my son playing football. He plays for Wyke Wanderers, a real community-based club which supports several children’s teams. Wednesday evenings are training nights and Sundays are match days across the junior league, so there are a lot of indulgent parents like me on the sidelines.
A Yorkshire view that inspires?
It is a panorama following a stretch of the Pennine Way which rises slowly as it crosses the moors north of Swaledale. It’s a hard uphill slog then there’s a moment when one gets over the brow of the last hill and a wonderful view unfolds at the centre of which lies the Tan Hill Inn. For the tired and hungry walker it’s a Yorkshire oasis sitting among stunning moorland.
I’m never happier than when I’m...?
Surrounded by people, whether they are loved ones, friends or strangers – as long as there is a positive and friendly atmosphere, preferably in a characterful location. Music is often at the centre of these gatherings. So, ‘peak happiest’ often finds me with my family in a traditional pub, making friends and listening to an acoustic guitarist.
Three words that sum up your best Yorkshire life?
People. Views. Pubs.
