Top News

A visitor was left scratching their head after a visit to a village that's been dubbed one of the UK's coolest spots.

Potto, nestled in North Yorkshire, might not be the first place that springs to mind when considering hip locations. With a modest population of 324 and a name derived from the Old English word for 'pot', its main attractions are a Victorian-era village hall and the inaugural branch of the Tomahawk Steakhouse chain.

The village once boasted a railway line established in the 19th century, but its distance from the village centre and the advent of buses offering direct routes to Middlesbrough led to its closure in 1954. The village lacks a shop, and the local primary school shut down when enrolment dwindled to a mere 14 pupils.

• Unspoilt English town with cobbled streets is like stepping back in time
• Inside the airport hotel where the Traitors contestants actually sleep - not the castle

Back in the 1950s, the landlord of the Dog and Gun became infamous for his practice of scrutinising patrons from his window before deciding whether they appeared 'respectable' enough to enter – earning the pub the moniker 'The Pub That Never Opens'. This unique character - or rather, the absence of much else - surprisingly landed Potto on the Times' list of '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'sMegan Banner chose to visit Potto, having been raised in nearby Darlington and describing herself as an "admirer of all the picturesque spots in Yorkshire."

Following her trip to the village, her assessment can be captured in three simple words: 'is this it?'

"This tiny Yorkshire village, praised as the ideal getaway for those 'seeking to truly escape the hustle and bustle', houses the first branch of Tomahawk Steakhouse alongside several appealing glamping pods and camping locations. Yet, considering its absence of a shop or main thoroughfare, I couldn't help but wonder, 'is this all there is?'," she noted.

"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."

She added: "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."