Dolly Blue Bar is a unique culinary establishment that pays homage to the area’s history. It serves sophisticated cuisine that combines contemporary trends with local Lakeland ingredients, and lets you have a great Afternoon tea in Newby Bridge.
In the 19th century, Dolly Blue dye was a staple in everyday life. It gave white fabrics a blue tint and counteracted yellowing. The Backbarrow Ultramarine Works Company produced this iconic product and other dyes and pigments.
The Dining Room
Located in the village of Greenodd, Dolly Blue Bar is just a short drive from Lancaster City FC’s home stadium. The bar is a popular destination for sports fans, and offers an extensive menu of hearty and comforting dishes. It also hosts a variety of live entertainment, such as performances from the local band Yer Flowers.
Originally called the Backbarrow Ultramarine Works, Dolly Blue was a pigment produced at a company known for its innovative manufacturing methods. The iconic product was a small, solid cake of blue dye that was used to whiten linens and clothing, counteracting the yellowing that naturally occurred over time. Housekeepers simply dissolved a portion of the dye in water and added it to their laundry, revolutionising how people tackled household chores.
The Dolly Blue Bar is a tribute to this unique chapter in British history, offering a blend of comfort and luxury with a deep connection to the area’s industrial past. Guests can enjoy a variety of drinks and light bites in the cosy bar area, or sit outside to take in the stunning scenery.
The Dolly Blue Bar is a beautiful place to visit for lunch or dinner with friends and family. The food is upscale, but not at all pretentious, with an emphasis on using quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and can answer any questions you may have. Dolly Blue also features a wide selection of premium spirits and wines, including several local ales.
The Bar
Dolly Blue Bar is a dog-friendly pub where you can enjoy drinks and food in a scenic riverside setting. It is known for its excellent customer service, delicious beer selection, and frequent live music events. The bar is located in the old Backbarrow Ultramarine Works factory, and it has an enticing menu that offers a wide variety of food choices. Whether you want to sit in the indoor bar area or relax in the beer garden, this pub has something for everyone.
The history of Dolly Blue is an intriguing one, and it highlights a unique aspect of British industrial heritage. The original product was a dye that whitened fabrics, counteracting yellowing and making them appear brighter. It was made from the rare pigment ultramarine, which was extracted from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli. The Backbarrow Ultramarine Works company was a major economic contributor to the local village, and it became a landmark that symbolized the region’s rich industrial history.
Today, Dolly Blue is a relic of the past, but it still has an impact on the lives of some people. It is difficult to find, but some niche retailers and online marketplaces sell the pigment. It is also a popular item for collectors, as it represents a unique chapter in British history.
The bar at Dolly Blue is a tribute to this fascinating piece of history, and it has a menu that pays homage to the legacy of the Backbarrow Ultramarine Works company. Our restaurant combines modern cuisine with historic intrigue, offering an exceptional dining experience that showcases the finest local ingredients and culinary creativity. It is a perfect destination for weekend breaks, fine dining, and conference and banqueting events.
The Beer Garden
The beer garden is a fun, family-friendly option for those who want to enjoy a cold beer on a beautiful summer day. It features picnic tables, a bocce ball set, pretty lights, and plenty of space for the kids to run around and play. They also serve all your favorite casual food options like giant pretzels, sandwiches, and nachos. The bar also has a good selection of draft and bottled beers from North America and Europe.
The Dolly Blue Bar and Restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience that blends contemporary cuisine with a nod to the area’s history. The establishment’s decor and ambience are designed to complement the historical narrative, creating a truly immersive experience for diners. The menu also features a variety of dishes that showcase culinary creativity and local ingredients.
This fabulous hotel offers an exclusive Lake District holiday location for weekend breaks, fine dining, conference and banqueting events, and spa treatments. The rooms are beautifully appointed, with high standards and first-class facilities. The hotel’s elegant Riverside Restaurant serves British and international cuisine, while the Dolly Blue bar & grill offers a more relaxed style of dining including pub-style foods.
The Dolly Blue Stores was home to the Backbarrow Ultramarine Works Company, which produced Dolly Blue, a blue pigment that was used in a variety of industries from art to laundry products. The company was a critical part of the local economy, and its success represented the ingenuity of British manufacturing. The building was later converted into a luxury hotel that is now the Dolly Blue Bar and Restaurant. The hotel is dog-friendly and features an idyllic outdoor beer garden. The Dolly Blue Bar and Restaurant also hosts live music from local bands, such as Yer Flowers.
Live Music
The name Dolly Blue speaks volumes about a fascinating aspect of British history. While the product no longer makes a splash in our daily lives, it continues to be echoed in local landmarks, establishments and narratives that highlight its historical significance. The Dolly Blue Bar is no exception, offering the perfect blend of historic intrigue and modern luxury.
Located in the former Backbarrow Ultramarine Works, this Lake District retreat is housed in an iconic building that was a significant contributor to the area’s economy. Its beautiful riverside location, luxurious leather booths, and unique decor are all designed to evoke the legacy of this fascinating historical landmark. Dolly Blue Bar features a range of classic cocktails and drinks that are sure to please any palate. The Bourbon Baba, for example, is a yeasted cake soaked in bourbon, orange, honey, and cardamom syrup. Other popular options include the Apple Brandy and the Burning Landmark, which is a mix of Michter’s bourbon, Woodford Reserve, and Kikori Japanese whisky.
Dolly Blue also hosts a variety of live music events. A rotating lineup of local piano players and vocalists play a variety of musical genres that appeal to all tastes. The Dolly Blue Bar is also a great place to unwind with a drink and enjoy the views of Helm Crag.
Tony Hannah is a folk and Americana singer-songwriter who has performed with renowned musicians like Kate Wolf and Emmylou Harris. Her unique sound is influenced by her rich Appalachian roots, and she bridges styles from country and folk music to create a contemporary style that’s all her own. Yer Flowers is another group that performs at the Dolly Blue Bar, and their infectious music will have you singing along in no time.
Accommodation
Dolly Blue has become more than just a laundry product; it symbolises a bygone era, reflecting the ingenuity of domestic life and capturing a unique aspect of British industrial history. Its manufacture at the Backbarrow Ultramarine Works significantly contributed to the local economy and became a village landmark, representing a broader narrative of Britain’s rich industrial heritage.
Dolly Blue was primarily made from the pigment called ultramarine, which was historically sourced from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli. However, scientists developed synthetic ultramarine in the early 1900s, providing a cost-effective alternative to Dolly Blue and other products of the time. The emergence of Dolly Blue marked an age of ingenuity and a shift towards more convenient household chores.
Located on the site of the old factory, the Dolly Blue Bar is a unique destination that combines modern cuisine with a nod to the area’s history. The menu features a range of dishes that celebrate the legacy of this iconic brand, with many items featuring local ingredients and culinary creativity.
The Dolly Blue Bar is also a popular location for drinks, and the menu features an array of sophisticated beverages. The Dolly Blue Old Fashioned, for example, is a delightful blend of Michter’s bourbon and maple demerara syrup, while the Burning Landmark is a luxurious mix of Kikori Japanese whisky, Woodford Reserve, and Benedictine.
The Dolly Blue Bar is a fantastic place to enjoy food, drink, and live music in Greenodd. The bar is currently only open for drinks until their leaky roof is fixed, but will soon be serving food, too. The bar is also known for its friendly and helpful staff. Guests can enjoy a selection of drinks, including wine, beer, and cocktails, and can listen to live music by a variety of local artists.
