A visitor to a village named among the ‘coolest postcodes to move to in 2023’ by The Times, summed up her experience in three words
A tourist has been left puzzled after visiting a village listed amongst the trendiest locations in the UK.
Potto in North Yorkshire is likely not the initial destination you’d consider when thinking of hip spots. Boasting a population of 324 and a moniker stemming from the Old English term for ‘pot’, its main draws include a Victorian-era village hall and the original outlet (from eight) of Tomahawk Steakhouse.
The settlement once boasted a railway connection that launched in the 19th century, yet its distance from the village centre and the arrival of bus services that could travel roads straight to Middlesbrough resulted in its shutdown in 1954. It lacks any retail outlet and the primary school shut down when student numbers dropped to merely 14.
During the 1950s, the Dog and Gun’s publican gained infamy for his practice of observing patrons from his window before choosing whether to admit them if they appeared ‘respectable’ – earning the establishment the moniker ‘The Pub That Never Opens’. All of this – or more precisely, an absence of much alternative – secured Potto an unexpected spot on the Times’ ’11 coolest postcodes to move to in 2023′.
The publication stated: “Looking for more from life? And by that we mean “moor”. The beautiful, blustering plains of the North York Moors are the perfect place for burnt-out city folk to disconnect from the world. It’s no wonder the quaint village of Potto, on the edge of the national park, is such a well-kept secret. It has just 120 houses, no shop, not even a main pathway, so it feels as if you can properly hide away here. Take a walk to Whorlton Castle on the edge of the moors, or if you want a longer adventure head out to the Cleveland Hills, which can be seen from Potto. Have a meal at Tomahawk Steakhouse, the only restaurant for miles (luckily it has great reviews, with locals raving about its Himalayan-salt dry-aged steaks).”
ExaminerLive’s Megan Banner chose to visit Potto, having been raised in nearby Darlington and as an “admirer of all the picturesque spots in Yorkshire.” Following her trip to the village, her assessment can be summed up in three words ‘is this it?’
“This tiny Yorkshire village, celebrated as the ideal sanctuary for those ‘seeking to truly escape the hustle and bustle’, houses the first branch of Tomahawk Steakhouse and several appealing glamping pods and camping sites. Yet, considering its absence of a shop or main walkway, I found myself wondering, ‘is this all there is?’,” she wrote.
“The homes were idyllic, but beyond the 120 residences and a single pub, there wasn’t much else. The Tomahawk Steakhouse, a renowned steakhouse restaurant and bar, is known for its exceptional Himalayan salt dry-aged beef. It’s a hit across the North East, but I anticipated more from this coveted postcode.
“Despite boasting only one pub, no shops, and a church, the breathtaking views are worth noting. The sweeping, picturesque vistas that envelop this quaint village make it a sanctuary for countryside strolls. However, in my view, an appealing postcode should offer more than just scenic walks. Its proximity to the North York Moors enhances its allure for outdoor enthusiasts, and it’s certainly a hotspot for Instagram aficionados. But for me, a village needs to provide more. I can see why people might be drawn to relocate here; it’s a charming little village, but I believe it doesn’t offer much beyond its natural beauty.”
