Postcard From Blackpool - Number 1

A digest version of "Best Kept Secrets" suitbale for syndication, basically an audio diary of "our" week in Blackpool including:

Opening of the new Victoran te Room on Northpier, including intevriew clips from North Pier manager David Staveley, Blackpool Town Cryer Barry McQueen and comedian and promoter Tony Jo.

Final of Miss Fylde Coast Competition: interviews with contestants, regional organiser Mark Jones and winner Kerry Capoverde.

Bill Barrow Trio play for Cancer Care.

Telephone preview of Colin Fry - TV medium - on North Pier.

New Victorian Tea Room On Blackpool's North Pier

We were lucky enough to be invited to the opening of the new Victorian Tea Room on Blackpool's North Pier on Friday afternoon - and what a treat it turned out to be!

There were exquisite sandwiches, scones and cakes to try out and the Tea Room has had its very own "North Pier Tea" blends developed by J Atkinson & Co. of Lancaster. There will be also be a guest coffee every month to try out.

The Tea Room was officially opened by Blackpool Town Cryer Barry McQueen and the opening was attended by around 60 invited guests.

We had a chat with Barry McQueen, Tony Jo and Elaine Fossett and took tea and cakes with top performers Tony Martin from the "Kings Of Swing" and Leanne Fury.

The walls of the tea room have been furnished with photos of Victorian views in the town and will transport many visitors back to a bygone era. There is seating inside the tea rooms for up to 100 guests and an outside seating area to make the most of the sea views.

North Pier has long been regarded as the pier with the most historical significance with its cast iron railings and traditional carousel ride. The tea rooms will be a great addition to the end of the pier and provide a real haven for visitors.

Paul Fairclough, Six Piers operations executive said: “This is a natural development for the pier which already has so much history attached to it. We already run a very successful Victorian tea room on one of our other piers in Eastbourne and we know that visitors enjoy the relaxing surroundings and tasty treats on offer.”

The tea room is open daily from 10am and will also be licensed to serve selected wines and beers - we would definitely recommend a visit!