The Grapes is a 19th-century pub in Wrea Green, located on the village green, dating at least as far back as the 1860s – the exact opening date has not been specified. Historically known as the Dumpling Inn, it is a prominent local feature, overlooking the largest village green in Lancashire, which also has a duck pond and cricket pitch.
Lucky B’s Hot Chicken has expanded to Blackpool, marking their first venture outside of Scotland. The new restaurant, located at 53 Whitegate Drive, was set to open on July 20th 2025, and it did – of a fashion. But customers had to be turned away as the restaurant had some problems with its electrics. The weather was much better the following day and it seemed half of the town was there. There were plenty of staff on hand to keep the food flowing and the customers happy. This expansion of the restaurant franchise has been spearheaded by Ross Fairbairn, a… Read more »
The Royal Oak pub in Blackpool has a history dating back to the late 1890s. It was acquired by the C&S Brewery in 1893, extensively refurbished, and renamed the Royal Oak. The rebuilding included salvaged brick from Whinney Heys Hall and a glazed terracotta facade. The pub reopened on July 12, 1930, with a fireplace believed to be the work of Robert Thompson, featuring hidden carved mice and celebrating its earlier life dating back to 1651. The Royal Oak is located on Waterloo Road, a street known for its architectural mix of old and new. It stands opposite the Civic… Read more »
A six-figure funding deal from Royal Bank of Scotland has supported businessman and former Blackpool Mayor Robert Wynne, to open his £350,000 pub and micro-brewery in one of the town’s best known buildings. The Brew Room is housed in what was formerly known as The Blue Room, the building where Blackpool Football Club was originally…
The Taps pub in Lytham has a history dating back to 1839, originally serving as ostler’s cottages where horses were changed for nearby hotels. It’s now one of Lytham’s oldest and most well-known pubs, known for its selection of real ales and traditional atmosphere. The building was originally used as cottages for ostlers, who were responsible for changing horses for travellers using nearby inns. Over time, it evolved into a pub and became known for its well-kept real ales. The Taps has become a central part of the Lytham community, with sports teams, fundraising events, and a strong connection to… Read more »
Lytham railway station has a history marked by multiple expansions and changes, reflecting the growth of both the town and the railway network. Originally, a terminus for the Preston & Wyre Railway branch line from Kirkham, it opened in 1846 on Station Road. This original station was later replaced by a new terminus on Ballam Road in 1863 for the Blackpool & Lytham Railway. Finally, a connecting line was built in 1874, transforming the station into a through station and leading to the closure of the original Station Road location for passenger service, though it continued as a goods yard… Read more »
The Railway Hotel in Lytham is a well-known historic pub that has stood for over 175 years, witnessing the transformation of the town from a quiet coastal settlement into a bustling seaside resort. Purpose-built in 1847, it was constructed adjacent to Lytham’s first railway station—known as Lytham Station (Station Road)—which had opened the previous year, on 16 February 1846. The original station was designed in a grand classical style, built from Longridge stone, featuring a striking façade and an octagonal booking office topped with a domed roof. The Railway Hotel was intended to serve travellers arriving by train, offering refreshments… Read more »
The Steamer Hotel in Fleetwood, named after the Ardrossan to Fleetwood steamer service, was the third public house established in the town and opened in 1840. It is located in one of Fleetwood’s oldest areas, Queen’s Terrace, and was originally built with stables and an ostler’s workshop at the rear. The hotel’s original design mirrored the neighboring houses, with ornate signage above the gutter line. The Steamer was a key part of Fleetwood’s development as a stopping point for travelers heading north by train and then by boat. The area’s growth likely contributed to the pub’s success. The building’s original… Read more »
Born in Blackpool in 1927, Ray Allen originally aspired to study medicine, as he enjoyed physics and chemistry at secondary school. However, he changed his mind after failing the compulsory language component of the university entrance exam. His future plans were further delayed when he was called up to serve in the Second World War, joining the Royal Navy at the age of 18. Owing to his scientific background, he was trained as a radar technician and stationed at the naval base at Lossiemouth in Scotland, rising to the rank of Petty Officer within a few months. After leaving the… Read more »
In May, 1875, there wasn’t a brick house in St. Annes, though the hotel was in course of erection, and the first permanent house tenanted was occupied by Mr. Clement Rawstron in August, 1875. That house was in St. Andrew’s Road South. It has yielded to the march of progress, and is, along with its neighbour, being turned into shop premises. With this house is associated much that tells of the progress of St. Annes. Dr. Andrew Wilson said St. Annes had been created as “if by rubbing an Aladdin’s lamp,” and to many who live in the town St…. Read more »