5 Hidden Treasures Near the Dolly Blue Bar

The Backbarrow Ultramarine Works was a significant contributor to the village’s economy and became a landmark for the region’s rich industrial heritage. Today, it continues to live on in the various landmarks, establishments, and narratives that commemorate this unique aspect of British history.

Located in the former Dolly Blue pigment factory, Whitewater Hotel & Cascades Spa offers a unique blend of modern luxury and historic intrigue. Experience our exquisite lake district retreat with 38 luxury en-suite bedrooms and first class dining options that showcase local ingredients and culinary creativity.

1. The Whitewater Hotel & Cascades Spa

Located in Haverthwaite, the Dolly Blue Bar is a short distance from Grizedale Forest and offers a fitness center, an indoor pool and outdoor tennis courts. It has a sauna, spa and massage services, as well as comfortable rooms with free tea and coffee making facilities.

The hotel’s Riverside Restaurant features an exquisite menu that showcases the finest local produce. The menu is updated regularly to reflect the changing seasons. The bar and grill also feature a range of light snacks, such as cakes and sandwiches.

There are plenty of dining options nearby The Dolly Blue Bar, including the family-friendly Yer Flowers, which serves country and rock music with an edge of punk flair. The Dolly Blue is also home to a large screen TV, and the bar hosts frequent live entertainment events, such as comedy nights and performances by local bands.

Guests of the Whitewater can enjoy the luxurious Cascades Health Spa and Leisure Club, which boasts a wide array of facilities, such as a hot tub, steam room, large gym and squash court. There is also a treatment area with six individual rooms, an experience shower and a relaxation room. Those looking for an extra special treat can indulge in one of the many luxury spa treatments, which use Elemis and Jessica nail products.

The hotel has 38 luxury en suite bedrooms, all of which are stylishly furnished and offer a host of modern amenities, such as flat-screen televisions. The onsite riverside restaurant is a great place to savour the best of local cuisine, while the Dolly Blue Bar is a relaxed spot for a drink after dinner. Guests can also enjoy drinks in the Riverside garden, which overlooks the beautiful River Leven.

2. The Backbarrow Ultramarine Works

In the Dolly Blue Bar, guests can enjoy a range of cocktails, beer and wine. The drinks here are made with a variety of premium spirits and ingredients. For example, the bourbon-based Old Fashioned is a delightful blend of Michter’s bourbon, maple demerara syrup and orange bitters. Other popular choices include the Kikori Japanese whisky and Woodford Reserve cocktail. The Dolly Blue bar also serves a selection of light bites including the sweet bourbon baba, which is a yeasted cake soaked in bourbon, honey, orange and cardamom syrup.

While Dolly Blue may no longer be a household name, its legacy lives on in the many landmarks, establishments and narratives that continue to celebrate this unique chapter of British history. From its production at the Backbarrow Ultramarine Works to its enduring impact, this pigment is a testament to the ingenuity of an era and the evolution of household products.

The village of Backbarrow was once home to the Lancashire Ultramarine Company, a factory that produced the blue pigment known as dolly blue until 1981. The company’s presence shaped the landscape of the village and contributed significantly to the local economy. Today, the site of the former factory is home to a luxury four-star hotel and features an extensive display of machinery used in the production process.

The hotel’s onsite museum contains recreations of scenes from the factory using dressed mannequins, hundreds of samples of the product and equipment. Visitors can also see the original carton filling department, which was moved from Reckitts’ Kingston factory in 1941 when Hull was bombed during World War II. This exhibit is open to the public and free of charge.

3. Lancaster City Football Club

During the 19th century, Dolly Blue was a household staple that gave white fabrics a hint of blue to counteract yellowing and make them appear brighter. The iconic dye was sourced from the semi-precious mineral lapis lazuli until researchers developed synthetic ultramarine in the early 1900s. Today, the color is still available through online marketplaces and specialty shops catering to enthusiasts of vintage household items.

Lancaster City FC is one of the Lake district’s most notable hidden treasures, a historic football club with a storied history and a passionate fanbase. The team has a long list of success, including several league titles and reaching the FA Cup first round proper on four occasions. Sadly, financial problems forced the club to fold in 2006-07, but they have since reformed and been accepted into Division One of the Northern Premier League.

The team has been managed by many talented individuals, including former Sheffield United and Manchester City midfielder Graham Brown, who guided the club to a top six finish and a narrow penalties defeat in the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy final against Chorley. However, he left the club early in 2021-22 after an unimpressive start to the season.

In addition to its illustrious history, the team’s stadium is an incredible sight to behold. A wide array of breathtaking scenery can be seen from the ground, which is home to a main grandstand, social club, and a covered terrace. It also features a number of unique attractions, such as the 450-seat Back Porch theatre and the popular Kinsfolks Show, as well as the Smoky Mountain River Rampage, a thrilling white water rafting adventure ride. The Dolly Blue Bar is a great spot for visitors to enjoy drinks and pub food while soaking up the stunning views of the River Leven.

4. The Dolly Blue Bar & Restaurant

The Dolly Blue Bar & Restaurant is an ideal spot for those looking to indulge in delicious pub food and drinks in a riverside setting. The venue pays tribute to the history of the Backbarrow Ultramarine Works with a menu that features dishes that reflect the site’s legacy. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining, so guests can enjoy a meal while taking in stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The restaurant is also home to an impressive collection of artifacts, including a life-sized sculpture of Dolly Parton. This statue is a beautiful addition to the restaurant’s décor, and it’s sure to capture the attention of visitors. The Dolly Blue Bar & Restaurant is the perfect place to grab a quick bite or to relax with friends over cocktails.

Although Dolly Blue may be considered a tourist trap, it is a fascinating piece of history that celebrates the ingenuity of an era and the evolution of household products. The bar, which is located on the site of the original factory in Backbarrow, is a popular attraction for those interested in learning more about this important chapter in British history.

Dolly Blue was a colorant that was used to dye clothing and fabrics. It was made from a pigment called ultramarine, which was originally extracted from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli. However, a breakthrough in the early 19th century allowed for the production of synthetic ultramarine, which significantly reduced costs and made this pigment more widely available. It was then mixed with other ingredients to create Dolly Blue.

Today, Dolly Blue is still manufactured, though the product’s popularity has dwindled due to modern advances in laundry products. It is still available for purchase online and in specialty stores that cater to enthusiasts of vintage household items.

5. The Dolly Blue Stores

Located on the site of the original Dolly Blue factory in Backbarrow, The Dolly Blue Bar is an exceptional dining experience that combines contemporary cuisine with a nod to the area’s heritage. The restaurant’s atmosphere and decor are thoughtfully designed to complement the historical narrative, creating a truly immersive experience for guests. The menu features a variety of dishes that showcase culinary creativity and local ingredients, making this a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning about Dolly Blue.

Dolly Blue was a popular laundry dye in the 19th century, used to give white fabrics a hint of blue to counteract yellowing and make them appear brighter. The pigment was derived from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli, which was considered a rare and valuable commodity at the time. In the early 1900s, however, scientists developed a synthetic version of the pigment that was less expensive and just as effective. This cheaper alternative became the cornerstone of Dolly Blue production, and is still widely used today.

A visit to The Dolly Blue Stores is a fun and educational way to explore the rich history of this legendary lake district region. The establishment offers a variety of products, including a range of Dolly Blue pigments and a wide selection of clothing items and accessories related to the town’s colorful past. In addition to its retail offerings, The Dolly Blue Stores also has a coffee shop and restaurant.

Dolly Blue is a fascinating chapter in the history of British industry and culture, and the town of Backbarrow is home to a number of unique attractions. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a scenic lake cruise or test your detective skills in a fun escape room, there’s something for everyone in this picturesque lakeside village.