The Dolly Blue bar is more than a place to dine and drink. It represents a unique chapter of British history and the evolution of domestic life.
The dye itself was made from synthetic ultramarine, which replaced the original pigment derived from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli. It embodied a pivotal era in laundry practices and a changing cultural landscape.
The Decor
In the days before automated washing machines and fabric softeners, Dolly Blue was a ubiquitous household item used to whiten clothes. It took the form of a small, solid cake of blue dye that added a subtle tint to fabrics, counteracting yellowing and giving them an illusion of brilliant whiteness. Its popularity soared throughout the 1900s as a result of its effectiveness and ease of use. Housekeepers simply dissolved a portion of the cake in water to create a solution for soaking laundry and linens.
The presence of the Dolly Blue factory in Backbarrow is a testament to the town’s role in the broader narrative of British industrial history. The development of this iconic product reflects the changing needs and expectations of domestic life at the turn of the century, when household chores were laborious and time-consuming. Its popularity also coincided with a shift in social attitudes toward embracing convenience.
Dolly Blue was primarily made from a pigment known as ultramarine. This deep blue pigment was traditionally sourced from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli, but was synthesised in the early 19th century to provide a more cost-effective alternative. It was then mixed with other ingredients such as china clay and rosin to produce the final product.
Today, Dolly Blue has largely become a relic of the past. Although it can still be found in some niche retailers and online marketplaces, its popularity is dwindling due to modern advancements in laundry products. However, its historical significance makes it a sought-after collector’s item among those with a penchant for nostalgia.
The Whitewater Hotel, which was formerly Dolly Blue’s factory, offers the perfect blend of comfort and luxury for those looking to experience this unique aspect of British history. The restaurant on site serves as an ideal complement to the historical journey, with a menu that combines contemporary cuisine with a nod to the area’s rich heritage.
The Music
Whether you’re looking to get some work done or simply want to sit back and relax, The Dolly Blue Bar has the perfect soundtrack. With a variety of artists and genres, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, with the wide selection of drinks, you’ll be sure to find your favorite drink no matter what mood you’re in!
As one of the most popular country music singers, Dolly Parton has many hits to her name. Some of her most famous songs include “9 to 5,” which was made into a movie and is now considered to be Dolly’s best song. Another one of her famous songs is “I Will Always Love You,” which was covered by Whitney Houston and made into a huge hit.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back song, check out “From Here to the Moon and Back,” which is a sweet, romantic tune about finding love again. This song also showcases Dolly’s ability to crossover into pop music. It would make a great song for a first dance.
Another one of Dolly’s top songs is “Why’d You Come in Here Lookin’ Like That.” This song was a number-one hit for her and is a fun tune about reuniting with an old flame. This song is a good example of Dolly’s wit and sense of humor.
Dolly has a knack for telling a good story, and this song is no exception. This song is based on a real person that Dolly knew growing up in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. The character in the song is a clairvoyant who uses her bag of bones to tell people their fortunes. This is a fun song that would be great to sing along to at a party.
Dolly has recently been making headlines in the music world. She’s been releasing re-mastered versions of some of her earlier albums, including the 1974 album Dolly. She’s also been working with a new start-up company that collects royalties on YouTube videos using Dolly’s music. The company is called Audiam, and you can read more about it in this article from Billboard.
The Food
Located on the site of the original ultramarine factory in Backbarrow, The Dolly Blue Bar and Restaurant is a modern culinary establishment that pays homage to the area’s rich history. Guests can enjoy sophisticated cuisine that blends contemporary trends with local Lakeland ingredients in a luxurious atmosphere, all while taking in breathtaking views of the river and surrounding landscape.
The history of Dolly Blue is intertwined with the evolution of laundry practices and the industrial revolution in Britain. Developed in the early 1900s, Dolly Blue was a revolutionary product that simplified and streamlined household chores. The colorant worked by adding a trace amount of blue to white fabrics, a trick that hid the yellow or grey hues caused by repeated washings. Eventually, the traces would wash away over time, leaving a clean white cloth that looked freshly washed.
Dolly Blue was primarily made from a pigment known as ultramarine, which was historically derived from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli. But in the 19th century, a synthetic version of this pigment was produced, which reduced the cost of production and dramatically increased accessibility. It was then mixed with other ingredients, including china clay and rosin, to create the final product.
Today, finding Dolly Blue can be difficult. Although the demand for this product has declined, some niche retailers and online marketplaces still sell it, mainly to people with a keen interest in historical household items. The Whitewater Hotel serves as the perfect base for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating piece of British history.
For those who want to experience the era of Dolly Blue for themselves, the Whitewater also offers tours of its historic grounds. Visitors can see examples of machinery on display in the main factory building, as well as smaller objects dotted throughout the property. A tour of the carton filling department is also available, and is a great way to learn about the history of the plant.
In addition to being a unique and beautiful hotel, the Whitewater is also a premier destination for dining in the Lake District. The elegant Riverside Restaurant and stylish Dolly Blue Bar & Grill offer guests a variety of food options, from traditional dishes to more casual fare such as bar snacks. The restaurants are open for both lunch and dinner, and they are the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing meal or drink while admiring the stunning scenery of the Lakes.
The Drinks
The drink menu here pays homage to the history of Dolly Blue, with many cocktails featuring its iconic color. The Dolly Blue martini, for example, uses gin and pear vodka alongside dry vermouth and a sprinkling of blue curacao. Similarly, Hpnotiq’s fruity tropical flavor is showcased in the mad-eye martini, which pairs the liqueur with lychee and a simple vodka base. For thematic events, you can even add a glow stick “garnish” to make your beverage extra creepy.
Dolly Blue was a laundry dye that emerged during the industrial revolution in the UK. Originally made from a pigment called ultramarine, this product was highly prized for its vivid hue and rarity. However, the 19th century saw a breakthrough with the creation of synthetic ultramarine, which dramatically reduced the cost and increased accessibility. While modern advancements have rendered this product obsolete, it has remained a fascinating piece of history.
Today, finding original Dolly Blue can be challenging, though some niche retailers and online marketplaces occasionally stock it for collectors. Its significance is not just a reflection of the evolution of domestic products, but also the ingenuity of a bygone era. The Dolly Blue factory in Backbarrow was a prominent example of this, and became a local landmark that symbolised the area’s rich industrial heritage.
The Dolly Blue Bar is a unique culinary establishment that celebrates this history of ingenuity. Located on the site of the original factory in Backbarrow, this restaurant serves a wide range of dishes that combine contemporary culinary creativity with a nod to historical context. Guests can enjoy their food indoors in the cosy bar area or out on the scenic riverside terrace.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening out or a fun night with friends, The Dolly Blue bar is the perfect place to unwind. Its cozy atmosphere, excellent music selection, and delicious food and drinks are sure to leave you satisfied. So why not come on over and experience the magic for yourself? You won’t regret it. Book your stay at The Whitewater Hotel to take advantage of our gorgeous location and a bespoke blend of comfort, luxury, and historic intrigue.
