Dolly Parton’s ability to appeal, Christ-like, to a fractured America has engendered hysterical adoration and, lately, a slow backlash. But is it justified?
Historically, the dye was sourced from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli. But the 19th century saw a breakthrough with synthetic ultramarine, dramatically lowering production costs and making Dolly Blue widely available.
1. It’s a Dive Bar
In this dimly lighted bar, the aroma of spilled booze and cigarettes permeates the air. There’s a small TV in the back corner, and a handful of people are huddled around it. They’re drinking cheap beer, chatting, and watching the game. The place doesn’t look like much, but it seems to be the hangout of choice for local country music artists. This is The Dolly Blue Bar in Newby Bridge.
The Dolly Blue Bar is located in a former textile mill, and it’s an excellent spot to enjoy drinks with friends. The menu is short, but includes tasty options like a Woods (a muddled mix of Yellow Chartreuse, Vida Mezcal, Martin Miller’s Gin, and Ancho Reyes) and a Wisconsin old-fashioned. There’s also a selection of wines and spirits, and the drinks are affordable.
Dolly Blue was a pigment, originally derived from the precious stone lapis lazuli, which was used in a variety of industries, from art to laundry products. It was a symbol of a bygone era, and it was important in the history of manufacturing.
The Whitewater Hotel is the ultimate Lake District getaway. It offers a luxurious experience with an intimate connection to the past. The hotel has an elegant Riverside Restaurant and Dolly Blue bar & grill, both of which feature delicious food. Guests can also relax in the spa, which features Guinot Paris and Elemis treatments.
The Dolly Blue Bar is a great place to relax and socialize, but it’s not for everyone. The bar has a dive atmosphere, and it’s not for those who are looking for a classy night out. However, it’s the perfect place to go for a casual drink or dinner with friends. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the drinks are affordable. You can even bring your dog along to the Dolly Blue Bar! It’s a great way to unwind after a long day.
2. It’s a Party Bar
Until recently, most people knew Dolly Blue as the small, solid cake of blue dye that made laundry an easier task. The pigment, originally sourced from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli, was synthesized in the 19th century, which dramatically reduced its cost and expanded its availability. Housekeepers dissolved the powder in water, pouring it over their whites to keep them looking bright and fresh. Dolly Blue was a staple of American households for decades.
Today, finding original Dolly Blue is difficult. It’s a relic of a bygone era, with most consumers turning to modern detergents and bleaches for their laundering needs. A few collectors and nostalgics, however, still seek out the pigment as a memento of a fascinating piece of industrial history. Those interested in experiencing the original can visit the Dolly Blue Bar and Restaurant at the Whitewater Hotel. The establishment offers an intriguing combination of historic intrigue and luxury accommodations.
The bar’s menu has a nod to Dolly’s early career, featuring dishes like fried chicken and mashed potatoes. But the real reason to stop by is the bar’s location in the historic Backbarrow Ultramarine Works. The facility was a major contributor to the village economy and became an iconic landmark. It also represented a unique aspect of British industrial history and has an important place in cultural memory.
Guests can enjoy a relaxing stay in a converted mill overlooking the River Leven. The venue is a perfect destination for romantic weekend breaks and business events, while offering upscale dining in the Riverside Restaurant and more casual fare at Dolly Blue. Special discounts are available for local residents.
The bar is run by a staff that prides itself on keeping things authentic. For example, the bar’s aioli is swapped for homemade garlic confit, which adds a subtle note of flavor to the buttery potato wedges that are a favorite on the menu. These details help to make the bar feel more personal and authentic, especially during high-volume events like bingo night. Despite this, the bar is not for everyone. For some, the idea of Dolly Parton as a secular pop saint is jarring, especially as she embraces controversial themes and practices. Whether it’s her refusal to talk politics in public or her decision to replace Confederate statues with ones of Dolly, her desire to appeal, Christ-like, to all is a turn off for many.
3. It’s a Late Night Bar
In a time where it’s common to find people indulging in self-pity, Dolly Parton offers hope. She doesn’t pretend to be anything she isn’t, and her success in a difficult economy proves that hard work pays off. Her refusal to talk politics and her willingness to be ambiguous about what her love for everyone means mean that, in a world of rising racism and antisemitism, she’s a secular pop saint who knows how to speak to all sides.
The Backbarrow Ultramarine Works Company produced Dolly Blue and a range of pigments and dyes that helped democratise color across industries from art to laundry products. The Backbarrow factory was a critical chapter in the history of British manufacturing, exemplifying an innovative approach to production that contributed significantly to local economies and society at large. The company also played a vital role in promoting gender equality and empowering women by giving them opportunities to advance in the workplace and develop their skills.
Today, the former industrial building is a thriving business that offers a unique experience of Lake District culture. Visitors can dine at the elegant Riverside Restaurant or enjoy a more casual meal in the Dolly Blue Bar and Beer Garden, both of which feature stunning views of the River Leven. The restaurant also features a selection of afternoon teas and serves British and International cuisine.
While a visit to The Dolly Blue Bar may not be for everyone, it is an interesting place to explore the rich heritage of the region. With its unique location and stunning surroundings, it is the perfect place to relax with friends, indulge in a delicious meal or grab a drink in an inviting atmosphere. So why not pay us a visit and see what all the fuss is about for yourself? We guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
4. It’s a Place to Hang Out
Dolly Blue dye became a household staple in the 19th and early 20th centuries, marking a pivotal era in the industrial history of regions like Cumbria and highlighting the change in domestic practices. Today, it is a reminder of an important and fascinating chapter in British history, one that still has a lasting influence on the cultural identity of communities like Backbarrow.
Located on the site of the original Backbarrow Ultramarine Works, The Dolly Blue Bar and Restaurant offers a unique blend of historical intrigue with contemporary luxury. We welcome you to join us for a relaxing pub meal or afternoon tea at our picturesque riverside location.
Our menu offers a wonderful selection of drinks and delicious food in a comfortable, dog-friendly setting. Enjoy a leisurely lunch or an evening with friends over cocktails in the beer garden by the River Leven. We are also proud to offer exclusive discounts for local LA and CA postcode residents.
