Tinpickle And Rhum
The air in the Tinpickle and Rhum bar was thick with the scent of aged leather and unspoken stories. This wasn't merely a place of refreshment; it was a beautiful, historical edifice, its very stones whispering tales of opulence and, perhaps, darker currents. Inside, the modern elegance was almost jarring – sleek lines and polished surfaces, a stark contrast to the historical weight it carried. Yet, it was precisely this blend of old and new, this trendy veneer, that drew in the unsuspecting. The selection on tap was commendable, a good array of libations, each a potential catalyst for loosened tongues or blurred memories.
But the true stage for clandestine observations was the expansive veranda. From its vantage point, with the sweeping, unforgiving views over the moors, one could almost imagine a desperate chase, or a body discovered amidst the heather. Every whisper carried on the wind, every fleeting expression, was magnified under the vast, watchful sky.
And then, the subtle, chilling detail: the discreet information area about Agatha Christie. Not just any writer, but the Queen of Crime herself, who, they say, penned her very first novel within these walls. A chilling thought, considering the labyrinthine plots and fatal deceptions that sprang from her pen. It begged the question: did the very atmosphere of this place, the shadows cast by its history, seep into her narratives? And more importantly, what new mysteries were currently unfolding, unseen, unheard, amongst the clink of glasses and the murmured conversations of its unsuspecting patrons? For in a place so steeped in the dark arts of deduction, one could never be too careful. Every face, every gesture, was a potential piece of a puzzle, waiting for the right eye to connect the dots before it was too late.
P&P
Background....
Early Years (1887 onwards): The Moorland Hotel was initially built in 1887. It was intended to cater to the increasing number of tourists visiting the picturesque Haytor Rocks and the wider Dartmoor area, which was gaining popularity due to the expanding railway network and the Victorian era's focus on rural tourism. Its architecture is typical of the period, featuring stone construction, slate roofs, and large windows to take in the landscape.
Agatha Christie Connection (1916): One of the most famous aspects of the hotel's history is its connection to the renowned crime novelist, Agatha Christie. In 1916, she stayed at the hotel for several weeks and wrote her very first novel, "The Mysterious Affair at Styles," during her time there. This makes the hotel a significant landmark for fans of her work.
Wartime Hospital (1914-1920): During the First World War (1914-1918), The Moorland Hotel (then known as The Forest Park Hotel) was requisitioned by the government and served as a military hospital for wounded Imperial troops. Initially, it cared for soldiers from northern India, and later, from New Zealand. Notable visitors during this period included King George V and Queen Mary in 1914, and the New Zealand Prime Minister, William Massey, in 1918. After the war, the hotel underwent a complete refit and reopened as a luxury hotel in March 1920.
Evolution and Modernization: Over the decades, the hotel has undergone various phases of expansion and renovation to adapt to changing visitor needs while striving to preserve its original character. In 2018, the hotel underwent a significant multi-million-pound makeover, including the complete renovation of its 36 bedrooms. This modernization project aimed to blend contemporary and traditional styles, enhancing the guest experience.
Tinpickle & Rhum: The name "Tinpickle & Rhum" refers to the hotel's in-house brasserie and restaurant. This dining establishment offers delicious, locally sourced foods and ales, contributing to the hotel's reputation for quality hospitality.
Current Ownership: The Moorland Hotel is now part of the Coaching Inn Group of historic hotels, chosen for its outstanding location in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within Dartmoor National Park.
Today, The Moorland Hotel, with its "Tinpickle & Rhum" brasserie, continues to be a popular destination for travelers, offering a blend of historic charm, modern comfort, and breathtaking views of the Dartmoor landscape.
