Tag: Hospitality

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 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 »

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 »

The Talbot Hotel in Lytham was a landmark building built between 1850 and 1870, located on Clifton Street. Originally a popular inn, it later became a shopping complex after significant refurbishment in the 1980s. The building featured a Bath Street entrance that served as an order office and later became a recreation room. Notably, a rare cobble-walled stable located behind the hotel, possibly part of an earlier farm, was also a significant historical feature. For many years Leonard Dews (see image below) occupied this space as well as other sites in the Isle of Man and Blackpool. Unfortunately, a robbery… Read more »

The Clifton Hotel in Blackpool has a rich history, originally opening as the Clifton Arms in 1780. It was partially demolished in 1865 and rebuilt by John Talbot Clifton, reopening in 1874. Over time, it has been known by various names, including the Ibis and Forshaws Hotel. John Harling took over the Clifton Hotel in 1889; the Blackpool Opera House also opened around this time. The hotel has been known as the Ibis and is currently operated as Forshaws Hotel. In 2021, a project to replace the failing render on the exterior of the building was completed, restoring it to… Read more »