In the 19th century, Dolly Blue dye was a staple in domestic life. It gave white fabrics a hint of blue, counteracting yellowing and making them appear brighter.
This iconic blue pigment was sourced from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli. But in the early 1900s, scientists developed synthetic ultramarine.
What Makes The Dolly Blue Bar Special?
Dolly Blue is a unique chapter in the annals of British domestic history. The iconic product, a small, solid cake of blue dye, was used to whiten linens and clothes, counteracting the yellowing effect that naturally occurred over time. Housekeepers simply dissolved a portion of the cake in water, creating a solution to soak their laundry. This simple method was revolutionary in its era, reflecting the societal move towards more efficient and practical solutions for household chores.
Dolly blue was primarily made from a pigment known as ultramarine, historically sourced from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli. However, the early 19th century saw a breakthrough with the invention of synthetic ultramarine, significantly lowering production costs and making this blue pigment more widely available. Dolly Blue was then mixed with other ingredients such as china clay and rosin to create the final pigment.
The Backbarrow Ultramarine Works Company was established in the early 20th century to manufacture this iconic product and other dyes and pigments. The factory significantly contributed to the local economy and became a village landmark, symbolising the region’s rich industrial heritage. Today, the legacy of Dolly Blue lives on not only in its enduring impact but also in the various landmarks, establishments, and narratives that continue to celebrate this unique aspect of Britain’s social and industrial history.
The Dolly Blue Bar, located at the award-winning Whitewater Hotel and Cascades Spa, is an ideal base for those seeking to explore this fascinating chapter in British history. The hotel building itself was formerly a Dolly Blue pigment factory and offers a perfect blend of modern luxury and historic intrigue. This exquisite Lake district retreat features a stunning riverside location, 38 luxury en-suite bedrooms, and first class dining options that showcase the finest local produce. Book your stay today to discover a truly unique experience.
The Atmosphere
The Dolly Blue Bar is housed in a historic building that once served as the Backbarrow Ultramarine Works. It was a significant contributor to the local economy and is considered an important chapter of British industrial history. Its story is a fascinating one that highlights the ingenuity of an era and the evolution of household products.
The Dolly Blue Bar is a testament to this legacy, and it serves as an immersive experience for visitors. The interior is a study in contrasts, with luxurious leather booths and armchairs cleverly juxtaposed against the exposed brick walls and pipe-laden ceiling. The decor is further enhanced by a collection of art deco-inspired fixtures, as well as playful wall sconces featuring iron monkeys that grip umbrella-shaped lamps.
Visitors can enjoy a selection of cocktails, beer and wine at the Dolly Blue Bar, and the menu also includes light bites such as a sweet bourbon baba (a yeasted cake soaked in bourbon, honey, orange, and cardamom syrup). The drinks here are made with a range of premium spirits and ingredients, including bourbon, apple brandy, maple demerara syrup, and creme de menthe.
As a result, the cocktails here are both delicious and sophisticated. The bourbon-based Old Fashioned, for example, is a delightful blend of Michter’s bourbon, maple demerara syrup, and orange bitters. The Burning Landmark is another popular choice, and it features Kikori Japanese whisky, Woodford Reserve, and Benedictine.
The Dolly Blue Bar is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring Lancaster City FC’s home stadium, or to watch the game on the big screen. It is also a great option for those seeking a night of entertainment, as the bar frequently hosts live music events. Yer Flowers is a Knoxville-based band that makes country and rock ‘n’ roll music with an edge of punk flair.
The Food
The Dolly Blue Bar isn’t just a place for food, drink, and nostalgia—it also offers an insider view into the workings of a former factory. The bar’s menu is a celebration of the history and legacy of the Backbarrow Ultramarine Works, featuring a range of dishes that pay tribute to the product’s heritage. The cuisine is modern, but it also includes nods to the past in the form of a number of classic dishes like fish and chips and fried chicken.
Dolly Blue was a household staple in the early 1900s, a period that saw significant advancements in household products and a shift towards convenience in domestic tasks. The invention of Dolly Blue reflected this ingenuity and the desire for less time-consuming ways to tackle laundry.
Today, the Dolly Blue Bar is a destination for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Bar features a cosy atmosphere and an extensive drinks menu, including a selection of local ales, wines, spirits, and cocktails. Its menu also boasts a number of hearty and comforting dishes perfect for sharing with friends.
There’s also an outdoor beer garden overlooking the river and the beautiful countryside, making it the perfect setting for a leisurely meal or drinks with friends. The Dolly Blue bar is open every day and serves a wide variety of meals and snacks, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
During my visit to the Dolly Blue Bar, I had the pleasure of meeting with the team behind the innovation process. Twelve chefs in lab coats were huddled around a Formica table sampling new ingredients—chopped tomatoes, ribbons of lettuce—to ensure metrics stayed consistent. The team is tasked with improving the quality of existing Dolly Blue products while adding new flavours and colours to the line-up.
The resulting innovations are an ode to the history and legacy of the Backbarrow Ultamarine Works, and the product itself. Dolly Blue remains a fascinating piece of industrial history, and the Bar’s menu celebrates this unique aspect of British culture.
The Drinks
Our bartenders are experts in bespoke cocktails. They work to create drinks that are not only delicious, but that also complement the aesthetics of our space. They take the time to consult with each customer, and are dedicated to making the drink experience as enjoyable as possible. They also offer a wide variety of wines and beers to pair with their delicious drinks.
The sultry vibe of this bar is the perfect spot to relax after a day in the Lake District. Whether you enjoy a drink indoors in our cosy bar area or outdoors in our beer garden, you can be sure that you will have an unforgettable experience. This is a great place to spend a romantic evening or to catch up with friends over drinks.
The staff at Drinks with Dolly are experienced in catering to a range of events, from weddings to corporate events. They have received high praise from customers for their responsiveness and professionalism. The team is also praised for their ability to handle difficult situations and ensure that all events are running smoothly. In addition, they are able to provide their services at a very competitive price. This makes them the ideal choice for any event.
