Aside from being a historic landmark, the Dolly Blue Bar offers a unique experience for both locals and tourists. Located near the original factory in Backbarrow, it boasts an ideal combination of luxury and historical intrigue.
Tourist traps can be hard to spot. But once you’ve spotted one, it can be worth the trip. The Dolly Blue Bar in Backbarrow is not one of these.
What Is Dolly Blue?
As the name suggests, Dolly Blue was a laundry dye that once played a key role in household practices. It was used to whiten fabrics by adding a subtle blue tint, counteracting the yellowing effect of age. The dye was made from ultramarine, a pigment traditionally extracted from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli. However, in the early 19th century, a synthetic version of the pigment was developed, significantly reducing its cost and increasing its availability.
The new dye was manufactured by the Bolton-based company Edges, whose main line of products included laundry starch and other chemicals such as drummer dyes for home use. The company was renowned nationally and its name and famous slogans—Dolly Blue, Dolly Cream, and Drummer—became synonymous with household tasks for generations of housewives.
Dolly Blue was sold as a solid block or cake of blue powder that was dissolved in the final rinse water for laundry. It was an easy-to-use product, making it popular with household cleaners. The dye was effective for a wide range of fabrics, from curtains to socks, and it could even be used as a skin-whitening agent.
Although modern laundry methods have rendered Dolly Blue obsolete, its legacy has endured. It symbolises a pivotal era in industrial history and marks the transformation of domestic life. The Dolly Blue bar and restaurant is located on the site of the original Backbarrow factory, showcasing this important chapter in British history.
Visitors to The Dolly Blue Bar and Restaurant can indulge in delicious pub food and drink in a picturesque riverside setting. They can also enjoy afternoon tea or a relaxing beer garden experience with friends and family. The bar is a hidden gem for locals and visitors alike, combining contemporary cuisine with an appreciation of the area’s history.
The Dolly Blue Bar & Restaurant is the perfect spot for weekend breaks, fine dining, conference and banqueting events and spa treatments in Cumbria. The hotel is situated in the heart of the Lake District, one mile south of the world famous Lake Windermere and close to the historic market town Ulverston. Its 38 luxury en-suite bedrooms nearly all overlook the beautiful River Leven.
Can You Still Buy Dolly Blue?
Dolly Blue is no longer a household item, as it has been replaced by modern laundry detergents. However, it remains a symbol of an important time in British history, representing the Industrial Revolution and its influence on everyday living.
Before the age of modern washing machines and powerful laundry whiteners, a small solid cake of Dolly Blue was the go-to product for whitening fabrics. It was made from the pigment ultramarine, which was traditionally extracted from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli and highly prized for its vivid blue hue. In the 19th century, however, this pigment was synthesised to provide a cost-effective alternative. This is where the name “Dolly Blue” derives from – it was named after the stick used by housekeepers to dip the blue into water, which looked like a doll’s peg and reminded people of Dolly, the namesake of the village in Cumbria where the factory was located.
The bluing was added to the final rinse of washing, as it counteracted the yellowing effect caused by soap and helped to whiten fabrics. It was widely used in the UK and US until the mid-twentieth century. Until then, it was a common sight in kitchens, with Mrs. Stewart’s liquid bluing popular in the US and Dolly Blue popular in the UK.
One brand of Dolly Blue was even sold in a cute little bundle, with a stick peeking out of the bottom to be used as a dip handle. The name of the brand, Edge & Sons’ Dolly Blue, is also associated with two legal battles over patents in 1900 and 1911, which are still referenced by English lawyers when discussing intellectual property law.
Today, you can buy Dolly Blue in various online marketplaces and specialty shops, catering primarily to enthusiasts of vintage household items. It is a popular item for collectors, as it represents an important part of British history and cultural heritage.
Moreover, the Dolly Blue works is a historic site and museum that commemorates an era of innovation in manufacturing. As such, it is a valuable asset to the town of Backbarrow and the surrounding Lake District, and should be preserved for future generations to enjoy.
What Was Dolly Blue Made From?
The ingredients used in Dolly Blue were derived from a pigment called ultramarine. This deep blue pigment was originally extracted from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli, and was highly prized for its vivid color. However, in the early 19th century, a synthetic version was developed, which greatly reduced its price and made it widely available. This pigment was mixed with baking soda and other ingredients to create the final product.
Until the advent of modern washing machines and powerful laundry whiteners, Dolly Blue was a popular laundry additive. It was typically sold in 1oz paper-wrapped cubes and referred to as Reckitt’s Blue, Bag Blue, Paris Blue, Crown Blue, or Laundry Blue. The product was originally manufactured by Isaac Reckitt of Hull, England and later became part of the Reckitt Benckiser company.
Today, the company still manufactures Dolly Blue, though its popularity has dwindled with modern advances in laundry products. It is not available for purchase at mainstream retailers, but can be found online and in specialty stores that cater to vintage goods. It is often regarded as a relic of a bygone era, and it symbolizes the ingenuity and evolution of domestic life in Britain.
Aside from the Dolly Blue Bar, the Dolly Blue Experience also includes an elegant restaurant and hotel. Located on the site of the original factory in Backbarrow, this gorgeous Lake District destination offers an immersive experience for visitors looking to discover the legacy of Dolly Blue. The hotel provides a perfect blend of comfort, luxury, and history, and features dining options that reflect the area’s rich industrial heritage.
The Dolly Blue Bar is a great example of how you can incorporate a sense of history into a modern space. The bar features a high-low design, with pink Dolly Parton statues lining the walls and glitzy chandeliers hanging above the bar. This juxtaposition of high and low elements gives the space a unique feel that is sure to impress guests.
Is The Dolly Blue Bar a Hidden Gem or a Tourist Trap?
Dolly Blue may be a tourist trap, but it’s also a unique and fascinating piece of British history. It’s not just a laundry product, it’s a symbol of a bygone era, and it captures the ingenuity and evolution of domestic life. Whether you visit the site of the original factory in Backbarrow or one of the many Dolly Blue bars, restaurants, and attractions that have popped up around the country, you’ll find that it offers a different perspective on a time when Britain was a manufacturing powerhouse.
Roadside attractions like the Dolly Blue Bar might seem to be a tourist trap, but they’re often worth the trip. They can teach you about the country’s history and culture in a way that a guidebook or museum exhibit can’t. Plus, you can get a delicious meal and take a few souvenirs without breaking the bank.
According to a recent analysis of TripAdvisor reviews, there are many tourist traps in the world. Some of them are iconic landmarks that people might center their entire trips around, such as the Eiffel Tower or Niagara Falls. Others are more off-the-beaten path attractions that attract large crowds and charge steep prices for entrance tickets or souvenirs.
The Whitewater Hotel is an example of a hidden gem that has a rich and complex historical background. While it might be a tourist trap for someone from Michigan, it’s a treasure for anyone who wants to learn about the fascinating story of British industrial and social history.
To help travelers avoid tourist traps, Insider recommends avoiding those with long lines and crowded areas and dining where locals recommend instead of following the crowds to the most popular spots. It’s also important to shop around for discounts and visit during off-peak times if possible.
To celebrate the historic heritage of Dolly Blue, the Whitewater Hotel offers a range of dining and drinking experiences that are ideal for visitors looking to connect with the past. Book your stay today to see how this exquisite hotel blends comfort, luxury, and a deep connection with the local area’s historic journey.