Blackpool Pubs


Book Description

This fascinating selection of photographs and informative text charts the history of pubs in Britain's most famous seaside resort.




The Pub and the People


Book Description

Mass Observation was founded in 1937 with the aim of researching the everyday lives of ordinary people in Britain. One of its best-loved publications is The Pub and the People (1943), a unique study of one of Britain's best-loved pastimes, describing how people behaved in pubs, what and how much they drank, and the decor and layout of the average pre-war alehouse. Alongside sociological interest it offers amusing insights into an era when supping pints was only for the roughest customers, and beer was considered helpful not only to general health ('There is no bad ale, so Grandma said') but also (contra the porter in Macbeth) to the act of love. 'The authors of this book have unearthed much curious information.' George Orwell, Listener 'Anyone with an interest in the history of beer and pubs in Britain ought to read it.' Boak and Bailey's Beer Blog




Blackpool Travel Guide


Book Description

Blackpool, a seaside town on the Lancashire coast of England, has been a beloved destination for tourists and locals alike for over a century. Known for its iconic landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural history, Blackpool holds a special place in the hearts of many who have experienced its unique charm. This UK travel guide aims to set the stage for a deeper exploration of Blackpool, delving into its past, its present, and the elements that make it a distinct and enduring location. Blackpool's allure lies in its ability to blend the nostalgic with the modern. From its early days as a humble coastal village to its transformation into a bustling resort town, Blackpool has continually adapted to the changing times while preserving the essence that makes it special. The town's famous landmarks, such as the Blackpool Tower, the Pleasure Beach, and the Illuminations, draw millions of visitors each year, creating a dynamic atmosphere that is both welcoming and exhilarating. The town's history is rich with stories of growth and innovation. The development of the railway in the 19th century made Blackpool accessible to the masses, transforming it into a popular holiday destination. The creation of amusement parks, theatres, and other attractions helped to solidify its reputation as a hub of entertainment and leisure. Over the years, Blackpool has faced various challenges, from economic downturns to changing tourism trends, but it has always managed to reinvent itself and remain relevant. Today, Blackpool continues to be a symbol of British seaside culture. Its annual events, such as the Blackpool Illuminations and the Blackpool Dance Festival, attract visitors from around the world. The town's commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing modernity ensures that it remains a vibrant and exciting place to visit. In the following chapters, we will delve deeper into the specifics of Blackpool's development, exploring its rich history, significant landmarks, and the unique experiences it offers. By understanding the journey of this remarkable town, we can appreciate the factors that have contributed to its lasting appeal and enduring popularity. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-time admirer, there is always something new to discover in Blackpool.




Blackpool in 50 Buildings


Book Description

Explore the rich history of Blackpool in this guided tour through its most fascinating historic and modern buildings.




Worktowners at Blackpool


Book Description

Gary Cross publishes the findings of this largely forgotten study by the Mass-Observers who followed the annual pilgrimage of labourers to Blackpool, hoping to discover what attracted workers to this centre of Victorian culture.




The Blackpool Rock


Book Description

To the police he was Public Enemy Number One. To drunken gangs of yobs intent on trouble, he was a nightmare come true. Steve Sinclair was the toughest doorman in the wildest resort in Britain - and if you crossed him, payback was swift and certain. Blackpool, once a byword for cheeky family fun, was by the 1980s a violent town plagued by lager louts, drug dealers and villains intent on muscling in on the lucrative club trade. Sinclair worked the biggest clubs and the roughest doors. He and his associates fought hundreds of battles against football hooligans, gang members and rival hardmen. They were also branded gangsters and were blamed by the police for serious unsolved crimes. Described by On The Doors magazine as 'a compelling, gripping and fascinating tale', THE BLACKPOOL ROCK is a candid insight into the dangerous world of the modern doorman and of the extreme methods he sometimes employs to defend himself and his customers and uphold his hard-won reputation.




The Search for the Perfect Pub


Book Description

Inspired by George Orwell, Paul Moody and Robin Turner take a nostalgic road trip around Britain in search of the perfect pub. 'A deeply satisfying travelogue' Stuart Maconie In 1946, George Orwell, a man fond of a pint, wrote about his favourite pub, The Moon Under Water, in his EVENING STANDARD column. But it didn't actually exist. It was Orwell's vision of a perfect pub. Today, Wetherspoons have fourteen Moon Under Waters, and the nation is awash with identikit, high-street lounge bars competing for a dwindling clientele. Paul Moody and Robin Turner's road trip around Britain, therefore, is not just a search for the perfect pub. It is a deeper investigation into what has happened to British pub culture, once the toast of the world. In fact, it is a search for a kind of life-force kindled by the British public, something the powers-that-be are forever trying to extinguish. Along the way, such luminaries as Pete Brown ('the King of Beer'), Tim Martin (Wetherspoon's boss), Iain Sinclair, James Dean Bradfield and Paul Kingsnorth are consulted - along with a host of micro-brewers, landlords, politicians, bloggers and barroom philosophers. What emerges is a picture of the country as seen through a pint glass, a vision that goes to the heart of what it means to be British.




Celebrating Blackpool


Book Description

A celebration of Blackpool’s rich heritage and identity – its special events, achievements, people, industry and landmarks.




Peace!


Book Description

The story of British brewing between WW I and WW II. The brewing techniques, ingredients and beer styles of the period are described in more detail than you could possibly want. More than forty home brew recipes and the grists of hundreds of beers are included. If I had to describe I'd say: dead good. But I'm biased. Oh, and I've added a section on 1930's pubs. As seen by Mass Observation.




Becoming an Anthropologist


Book Description

Mars’ graphic and often vivid narrative can be read simply as the anecdotal memoirs of an anthropologist. The experiences he recounts are sometimes hilarious, touch occasionally on the dangerous, and are always sensitively and expertly explored. But for those who want to know more, the book’s expansive footnotes and references to key sources also offer a stimulating introduction to social anthropology, its theories and its methods. Mars begins by describing his childhood life in a tightly structured working class community during World War Two. He then contrasts this with an account of the hidden underlife of an entrepreneurial, crime-prone seaside resort, Blackpool, where he worked as a spieler (barker). Two years’ experience of National Service provides an account of the social organisation of the RAF, followed by discussion of aspects of the organisation of Cambridge University. What follows then is a lifetime spent living and working in different cultures around the world. The results are continual insights gained by comparison and contrasts that illuminate aspects not only of other cultures, but, also, of our own.