The Dolly Blue Bar is more than just a place to grab drinks and food, it’s a celebration of the legacy of the Backbarrow Ultramarine Works. The menu showcases modern cuisine with nods to the factory’s heritage.
Discover this wonderful little village with a trip on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway or by taking your teamwork skills to the test in one of the escape rooms.
1. Traditional Afternoon Tea
A traditional afternoon tea is a British tradition that combines delicate foods, a selection of fine teas, and good conversation at The Dolly Blue Bar in Newby Bridge. The menu varies, but it typically features four sandwiches, two scones, and two cakes (of different varieties) per person. The food is served on small plates, and a three-tiered tea tray is often used. The scones and cakes are typically cut into small pieces that can be eaten with a fork, while the sandwiches are usually open faced.
The tradition of afternoon tea was started by the Duchess of Bedford in the 1800s. She was often famished between lunch and dinner, and she requested that her servants bring her tea and a few light snacks to help tide her over until her next meal. The tradition took off from there, and today it is a much-loved ritual that many people indulge in for special occasions or to relax with friends.
When dining at a restaurant that offers afternoon tea, it is important to know the proper etiquette. For example, when you are ready to drink your tea, it is important to hold the strainer over the cup so that the leaves stay in the strainer and not on the tablecloth. You also need to be careful not to spill any tea on yourself or others, as this is a sign of bad manners.
At the Dolly Blue Bar, we offer a traditional afternoon tea that is perfect for guests looking to relax and enjoy themselves. We have a wide selection of teas and delicious food, and our location on the former Backbarrow Ultramarine Works helps to bring a sense of history to the experience. The restaurant combines contemporary cuisine with a nod to the area’s heritage, and its design and setting are thoughtfully planned to complement this narrative.
2. Chocolate Afternoon Tea
The Dolly Blue Bar isn’t just a place to enjoy drinks and snacks. This unique Lake District spot also commemorates the rich history of the Backbarrow Ultramarine Works, which once operated on the site. Its menu celebrates the legacy of this fascinating chapter in British industrial heritage with dishes that pay tribute to the iconic product.
Dolly Blue was a blue dye that was once used in the laundry to whiten fabrics, counteracting yellowing and making them appear brighter and cleaner. Housekeepers would dissolve a small, solid cake of this powder in water before soaking their linens and garments. This simple solution revolutionised the way people approached their washing and became a cornerstone of household life for many.
This historic pigment was primarily made from a natural compound known as ultramarine, which was historically sourced from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli. However, in the early 19th century, scientists developed a synthetic version of this pigment that was much more affordable and widely available. It was then mixed with other ingredients, such as china clay and rosin, to create Dolly Blue.
Located in the heart of the beautiful village of Backbarrow, the Dolly Blue Bar is an ideal destination for guests who are eager to learn more about this intriguing aspect of British history. Its charming riverside setting and first class amenities make it the perfect choice for a luxurious weekend break, romantic escape or relaxing retreat in Cumbria.
During your stay, you can take advantage of our elegant Riverside Restaurant and the more casual Dolly Blue Bar & Restuarant, both of which offer superb dining options that showcase local Lakeland produce and culinary creativity. In addition to this, you can choose to dine indoors or outside in the scenic beer garden overlooking the River Leven and surrounding countryside.
3. Smoked Salmon Afternoon Tea
These easy Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches are quick, elegant and a perfect appetizer for a light lunch or afternoon tea. They also make great party snacks or wedding shower and baby shower appetizers. All you need is a handful of ingredients and a little time to whip up this tasty treat!
The Dolly Blue Bar serves an extensive selection of pub food and drinks in a picturesque riverside setting. Guests can dine indoors in the cozy bar area or outside in the beer garden. The bar frequently hosts live entertainment from local artists such as country and rock ‘n’ roll band Yer Flowers.
Located on the banks of the River Leven, Dolly Blue is an ideal choice for casual pub dining in a scenic location. Its menu features a wide variety of pub classics, from sandwiches and soup to pies and stew. The Dolly Blue is also known for hosting a weekly quiz night with prizes for winners.
This charming property in the village of Backbarrow was once home to the renowned Dolly Blue pigment factory. The historic building still stands today, offering a perfect blend of modern luxury and historical intrigue. The hotel features 38 luxurious en-suite bedrooms and first-class dining options that showcase the finest local produce.
Throughout Britain and many of its former colonies, afternoon tea is a beloved tradition that usually takes place in the middle of the day. The tea ceremony includes an assortment of delicate teas, finger sandwiches, pastries, and other small delicacies. It’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy a cup of tea with friends or loved ones. These delicious smoked salmon and lemon cream cheese finger sandwiches are perfect for your next tea party. They’re made with a refreshing citrusy secret ingredient and topped with dill for a delicious herbaceous flavor.
4. Strawberry Afternoon Tea
Afternoon teas are not only a delightful treat, but they’re also an excellent way to celebrate special occasions. The Dolly Blue Bar in Backbarrow offers an array of delicious teas perfect for a romantic evening or a relaxing afternoon with friends. The Dolly Blue Bar also features light bites and signature cocktails that are perfect for a casual meal or a night out with someone special.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Dolly Blue dye was widely used in many households and became a household staple, symbolising a significant shift in domestic practices. The Backbarrow Ultramarine Works was the main production center for Dolly Blue and other dyes and pigments, contributing greatly to the village’s economy and becoming a major landmark in the area. Although Dolly Blue is no longer available in stores and the product itself is a rare find, its legacy lives on in various landmarks, establishments, and narratives that continue to celebrate this unique aspect of British industrial history.
The Whitewater Hotel and Cascades Spa is a Lake District retreat offering a variety of luxury rooms, spa treatments, and dining experiences. The hotel is located in the picturesque village of Backbarrow near the historic market town Ulverston and just one mile from the world famous Lake Windermere. The hotel is also home to the Dolly Blue Bar and Beer Garden, a restaurant that offers a range of drinks and food in a beautiful riverside setting.
The Dolly Blue Bar offers a range of teas and other drinks in a dog-friendly environment. Guests can enjoy their drinks indoors in the cosy bar or outside in the beautiful beer garden, where they can enjoy stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape. The Dolly Blue Bar and Beer Garden is the perfect place to relax after a long walk or to spend a weekend enjoying the tranquility of the Lake District.
5. Chocolate Afternoon Tea
The Dolly Blue Bar offers a wide variety of delicious teas, sandwiches, scones, and pastries. It also has a cosy atmosphere and plenty of space to relax in. You can enjoy your tea with friends or family while enjoying the picturesque views that surround you.
The history of afternoon tea is largely attributed to Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, who began serving it in her own home around 1840. She enjoyed the social aspect of the tradition as well as the break in between meals. Having a light meal in the middle of the day helped her avoid the “sinking feeling” that was associated with long gaps between meals.
Originally, the Dolly Blue pigment was extracted from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli, and was expensive to produce. However, the 19th century saw a breakthrough in synthetic lapis lazuli production, dramatically reducing its cost and increasing accessibility. It was this innovation that led to the invention of Dolly Blue, which was a household staple in the early 1900s and signified a shift towards convenience in domestic tasks.
Today, Reckitts Benckiser produces a multitude of household products including Calgon, Dettol, Vanish, and Harpic. The company’s heritage is reflected in the building that once served as the Backbarrow Ultramarine Works. The Dolly Blue Bar continues to serve a range of quality drinks and food in a beautiful setting, while paying tribute to the history of the building.
The Dolly Blue Bar & Restaurant is part of the Whitewater Hotel, which is ideally located in the heart of the Lake District. The hotel offers the ultimate Lake District retreat with fantastic menu offerings paired with stunning location. The hotel is a great choice for weekend breaks, fine dining, conference and banqueting events and spa treatments.