Hidden Secrets of the Imperial Hotel, Blackpool

[@simongee8928]

Let's hear it for volunteers. If it wasn't for folk such as them, all this would be totally forgotten or lost forever.

[@AdventureMe]

So true

[@simongee8928]

@@AdventureMe It makes you wonder how many other similar architectural treasures around the country are similarly boarded up awaiting rediscovery. 🤔

[@heavyt749]

They give up their time to allow us to see what would otherwise be lost , due to expense too many original features remain hidden

[@garysimpson3900]

Stunning building. You can tell it is not a Britannia owned hotel. It shows just what can be done if the owner is willing to spend money on a classic building.

[@mrlister2000]

It doesn't bear thinking about what would've happened to that hotel if Britannia had got their grubby hands on it.

[@jeffdayman8183]

Amazing to see the tile and floor mosaics in the baths. Glad it's being restored. Stunning atrium roof glasswork, bar, and ballroom too. Another great one Darren, thanks for sharing it. Cheers!

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@OldDavo1950]

The modernisation Philistines covering over all that Tile work with Gyprock plasterboard. Mind boggles.

[@jeanrozanski7264]

Beautiful

[@MalcolmKerr1963]

Another cracking historic post mate I’ve been visiting blackpool since 1974 and I had no idea this hotel existed hopefully over the coming years it can be restored to its original design and architecture 👍 really enjoyed the video

[@kevinseymour8793]

So good to see inside there again - we were lucky to visit several years ago on a Heritage open day. Thankfully looks like Fragrance group are taking reasonable care of the hotel. Thank you Darren, and to all involved with the restoration

[@richardhalliday6469]

ACDC did indeed play at the Imperial Sunday 20th February 1977. They were supported by the Jenny Darren Band. ( Your name sake Darren !)

[@anthonyhiggins3135]

Absolutely brilliant video.

[@AdventureMe]

Many thanks!

[@grahamshaw4686]

Fantastic Darren - The Light fittings that you showed in the Palm Court were designed for The Washington Suite and were removable for functions on pulley systems. I remember AC/DC performing there, the night before they appeared at the Mecca Locarno Blackpool. and was seconded to be a roady in transferring there equipment the following day, because supplies on the stage were not big enough. so needed a large mobile generator sited in the illuminations Dept workshops that was directly behind the stage. It was definitely a case of who you knew in those days, very nearly cancelled by the group but by arrangement with Arthur Elliott Head of Blackpool Electrical Services the Gig was saved.

[@kieranewton5631]

Great video i like the way you describe things too its insightful

[@Mr_Spliffy]

Wow. That was stunning. Jaw dropping actually. Thankyou for this

[@nicktatters7523]

I have stayed at this hotel a lot of times, and it never fails to amaze me. If your visiting Blackpool book into the Imperial, it’s relatively cheap to stay and the staff are so welcoming. You won’t be disappointed 👍

[@AdventureMe]

Sounds great!

[@davidnorman7761]

Some history in one place Darren.unblock the windows some cleaning should bring it up to scratch.another superb content and details.

[@liesl7617]

Brilliant video! You honestly should be making TV documentaries!

[@darrenhaynes865]

Great video again would never have known all still exists tks for showing us

[@AdventureMe]

No problem 👍

[@davidmills636]

Absolutely amazing. Thank you.

[@stevewalters4845]

Wow amazing to find the Turkish baths,well done to everyone involved,great episode Darren !

[@martinmarsola6477]

Thank you for todays tour of the Imperial Hotel. A walk back in time for sure. Appreciate your labors in these video. Enjoy the week ahead, and see you on the next. Cheers Darren! ❤😊

[@AdventureMe]

Our pleasure!

[@hyperballadbradx6486]

Especially like the Churchill Room. Knowing a dome behind that ceiling is exciting!! The baths are amazing. Its making me want to watch Life & Death of Colonel Blimp!

[@AdventureMe]

Haha. Glad you liked

[@terriewheatley-ward729]

Your photo fades are brilliant. All power to the Blackpool volunteers. Blackpool here I come!

[@AdventureMe]

Hope so!

[@shirleylynch7529]

Amazing. What a fantastic documentary. Turkish baths something else. Wow Darren you have a special gift. You draw us in and we are there with you. Thank you.

[@gordonwebster3809]

last week i ent with my son and the dog to lytham st annes have not been for 25 years drove through blackpool were totally surprised at how clean and tidy the plce was this hotel looks great good video cheers .

[@AdventureMe]

Oh wow!

[@douglasthompson296]

Hi Darren, great presentation this week, top notch. All the tile work is great and so reminiscent of the Victoria Baths (Hathersage Rd) here in Mancs. My childhood doctors surgery in Batley was a glazed tiled one too. Maybe in the intervening years it could have had plasterboard coverage done, who knows. Cheers DougT

[@waynepaxford7263]

A awesome video Darren that was a lot of history in imperial hotel the tiles look great thanks for the video I can't wait for next video I hope you and your family and friends are well and safe

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍

[@lindseykaine-walley6339]

Stunning Hotel inside and out! Something I probably wouldn't see myself, this is one of the reasons why I watch your videos because I see and learn so much from you. It amazing what hidden beauties are all around us. Thanks Darren 😊👍

[@AdventureMe]

Wow, thank you!

[@naarahjanemorris3121]

Thanks for sharing this beautiful historic hotel in the UK the Turkish baths were beautiful 😍 God bless all the volunteers who are helping to recover & restore the Turkish baths amazing work helping to renovate this hotel would be exciting & well worth it when it's completely uncovered amazing tile work also.

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

Really interesting explore of some of the hidden rooms of this resplendent hotel. The costs of restoration to the high standard elsewhere in the hotel must be very considerable, not least for the period fittings. Presumably the Turkish Baths will one day be open for business?

[@jennifers8223]

yay another blackpool video i love your blackpool videos they make me very happy and bring back a lot of happy times from my child hud

[@christelbraune4530]

Ein Prunkstück von einem Hotel. Wunderschöne Aufnahmen. Danke Darren 👍😘

[@russellb1212]

Wonderful volunteers, there’s something magical about uncovering these boxed in secrets, good luck, hope they become baths again

[@AdventureMe]

I hope so too!

[@a11csc]

never heard of those tiles before darren but i will be looking into it, great vid

[@lynneleverton8825]

It's hard to believe anyone would think covering such beautiful features with plasterboard would be any kind of improvement at the time! They knew how to build an architectural masterpiece back in the day. Not like the concrete rubbish they throw up these days!

[@Kevs1974]

Love your videos bud, so informative and the way you show how things where in the past compared to now is fantastic 😍

[@lorrainehunt1077]

So interesting - fantastic video. Love how you fade the photos - gives a real sense of history

[@lindat2009]

Yout videos are top notch. Cyrstal Palace, Butlins etc, loved them

[@dianeshepherd7913]

Loved this one, what a gorgepus hotel, love the old decor, so much charactor, you can transport yourself to another time, and leave the present day behind 😊 Thanks for sharing this, and of course the info and photo fades.😊😊

[@jennybates]

I've had lunch at the Palm Court, at the Imperial Hotel. And at the Savoy, not very far from there. Both were excellent. Nice to see that the old baths have been found.

[@rontanser9369]

Beautiful building and thank you for going round it. It was lovely to see, It’s a shame the windows in the ceiling of the ballroom can’t let the light in now

[@johnlaw3323]

Another fantastic video. Love the history which is really enhanced thanks to your wonderful attention to detail and brought to life with your fade ins of how it was years ago. Many thanks for making and sharing.

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@paulharvey9149]

I half-expected to see you mincing around wearing only a hand-towel there, Darren - better luck when - as one of those famous people you mention, they invite you to sample the finished goods! Turkish Baths is one of those things that have all but disappeared during my lifetime - my first such experience was in a council-run establishment in Bethnal Green, followed by another at Whiteinch, Glasgow - and the old Empire Pool in Cardiff even had a modern one. Of the few that now remain, we are fortunate enough to have one in Edinburgh (at Portobello Baths), and although it's not that much to write home about in terms of its decoration, it is perhaps yet another reason that you should visit us again, soon!

[@dieselfan7406]

Happy nights in Trader Jacks! You can just see the beginning of the stairs down to the club at 2:29, Another great video - thanks.

[@juliec70]

Wow what a beautiful hotel , the ballroom is stunning thank you for a great video Darren very interesting 😊

[@Dan23_7]

Blooming brilliant Darren, like you I love the old tile work in places, I thought of the winter gardens before you said it. There’s an old pub in hull just off Hessle road called the Alexandra that’s got these brown tiles on the outside (near the docks). I drive past it when I’m delivering over there.

[@AdventureMe]

Yeah I've seen that many times on passing through

[@Dan23_7]

@@AdventureMe Did you see Martins video about Hull fish docks a few weeks ago ? Very interesting 👌🏼

[@leash11]

Back in my town again. Thank you, these are always my favourite!

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you like them!

[@kkrispy2009P]

Lovely update . Major blackpool big hotel

[@brianscales9912]

Another interesting video Darren. Thank you for sharing! 👍

[@HaveCamera_WillTravel]

Thanks for this. We visited the Imperial a few years ago now, probably in 2018 for a conference. Your video was shared to a facebook group "For the Love of Blackpool" where I found you. I shall be having a good old mooch through your channel.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate. Loads of Blackpool icons on the channel.

[@lainydepp]

Wow! So beautiful. Very interesting Darren. It must be awesome to go behind the scenes and get up close to these places ❤

[@shirleysmith1713]

Fantastic history of the imperial Hotel. Never been there myself. Thanks for showing Darren 👍🏻☀️😎☔️

[@AdventureMe]

My pleasure

[@nickthomas181]

Totally loved this just brilliant from start to finish. My dads masonic lodge used have ladies evenings there in the ballroom many years ago.When he was worshipful master ( the boss) the family accompanied him I was in a crushed velvet tuxedo at 13 1984 nice.I used the underground swimming pool which was like the bat cave..lol. Great work Darren I wish you the best!

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Nick

[@christinehodge3608]

Amazing video ,good History of the Hotel,

[@jeffallinson8089]

Wow, what a place! Thanks for a great insight and tour of this magnificent hotel. If I ever do get to visit Blackpool, this will have to be where I stay.

[@AdventureMe]

You should!

[@Stinny88]

Cracking video! Love the detail in these old hotels.

[@notwenjohn6852]

Cracking video buddy. Very much enjoyed it. I have stayed at the Imperial some years ago, but was unaware of its hidden past. Keep up the good work 👏

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍

[@rachelwalker7091]

Glorious tiles. So interesting, thanks for the tour.

[@evzman7745]

Fascinating watch! Great videos! And love the photo fades, keep up the awesome work!

[@AdventureMe]

Thank you very much!

[@sitcorocket]

Used to do security there in the 80s and 90s when political parties came for their conference at the Winter Gardens. It is indeed a beautiful building but my recollection was that it was a bit run down and in need of tlc. Looks better now. Great video again sir 😊

[@mrlister2000]

Another top-notch video Darren. I especially like the fade in pictures from yesteryear, and how you get the position virtually spot on to take your photo to match up with the original. That takes some doing!

[@AdventureMe]

Many thanks! It does take some doing

[@kevinparkes9068]

Brilliant really enjoyed that thank you for sharing it with us 👍🏻

[@paulsimister-ng5nx]

What an absolute amazing video, i love your videos ❤

[@AdventureMe]

Thank you so much!!

[@TravelHonestly]

Brilliant vlog as usual. Thank you!

[@danielkettle9991]

Another great video Darren I like watching your videos of the history of old buildings what they used to be, look forward to the next video

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍

[@hoyhoytoo6772]

Absolutely fascinating, many thanks for this tremendous insight into the Imperial.

[@_jaymusic_]

Another great video Darren! 👍🏻

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks again!

[@heavyt749]

Fantastic as always Darren! I really do love it when original features are discovered and restored

[@AdventureMe]

Many thanks!

[@angelcoops511]

Thanks for this, I hope they can restore the baths and spar and put it to use again. Wouldn’t that be amazing. Thanks again.

[@AdventureMe]

I hope so too!

[@hollimurray8856]

Amazing video! I knew it was a posh hotel but now I see it even more posher and beautiful! So much history 😊

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ronnievenhorst9873]

Another nice video. And nice that those Turkish baths. Reappear

[@dcallan812]

Very interesting, its nice to see they didnt just smash the tiles and only plastered over them. Be great to see it put back as a spa, but would it get any use. We used to go to the hotel often when staying in Blackpool. We only had one weeks holiday staying in it.

[@rich_edwards79]

Wow, having only ever stayed in grotty B&Bs in Blackpool, i had no idea this existed. I wish the same people who are restoring this hotel could get their hands on somewhere like the Grand in Scarborough, that could be absolutely stunning in the right ownership. For all its well-documented problems, the town does have a lot of classic Victorian seaside architecture but it just doesn't seem to be appreciated - a pity as it could be a real selling point and a draw for tourists who aren't interested in getting drunk. The Turkish baths remind me of the ones on board the Titanic, they were tiled and decorated in a similar style and are still virtually intact even after a century at the bottom of the Atlantic and whilst the rest of the ship and her lavish interiors have crumbled away to nothing.

[@buttonworld77]

Its hard to believe that these architectural gems got covered over at some point. What were they thinking!?

[@catonehere]

Worked there for three years, 20 years ago and never knew this and I explored every inch of it!

[@AdventureMe]

It was the old offices apparently

[@catonehere]

Yes, it was reservations, HR (personnel as it was called then, and the book keepers! Top vid, I might go back to view and stay in 408 although 225 is where all the prime minister’s stayed@@AdventureMe

[@pollyanne234]

You missed something. Look at (I think it's the second floor corridor) it is shorter than the rest. Some rooms were partitioned off due to a fire in which six people were killed including a young girl who was lifted out of the window onto the roof and fell off. There is a small door at the end of the corridor that leads to these rooms, still as they were in the 1800s when this happened

[@AdventureMe]

Which wing is this?

[@pollyanne234]

I can't remember, it's up the stairs in the main reception area but can't remember if it's the first floor or second but there is a small door in the wall at the end of the corridor and the corridor is shorter.than the others. A security guard showed it to me. We went in and it's really.spooky.and dark and the rooms are still there

[@RAFchurchlawford4469]

Great story. Very odd that it's STILL sealed off. That has to be a future video! Also very odd is the picture of the Great Wheel (1896-1928) with a modern-looking helicopter flying towards the tower. Bizarre! 0:44

[@sami2056]

It's the fourth floor south wing. It's meant to be haunted

[@Foxstar1387]

Stayed at the imperial in 2017. The place was amazing. Never knew of the Turkish baths down below.

[@litz13]

The ballroom spaces are so small by modern standards, with most big hotels at 2000+ capacity and convention centers many times more. But none of them can touch the elegance of a space like this. As for ACDC, I can only imagine the loudness of that concert!

[@andrewdale6856]

Incredible, thanks for sharing. It's unbelievable how they cover up all that beauty with something so stale and boring. Oh, and your cute too 🤗

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks haha

[@charlesstanmore]

Hi Darren brilliant vlog on the Imperial hotel one of the better hotels in Blackpool don’t live far away from here have been inside it many times for various functions but never stayed.

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@cyberleaderandy1]

Stunning Turkish baths and rooms in that hotel. Those tiles are very reminiscent in style of the ones in the Blackpool Tower 😊 Ive a Burmantoft glazed brick from a demolished mill local to us, as it was tiles, pipes and brickwork that they produced before they went on to make the decorated pots that they are more famous for. That said they originally started mining coal in Leeds and only made ceramics after they found useable clay. Keep up the great work, love these Backpool videos with the discovery of hidden secrets, be they baths, fireplaces or mabe even tunnels 😊🤔😉

[@anthonyellis987]

I love that the original tiles are still there.

[@lynnballington8467]

Hello Darren how are you fancstic vidio of the Blackpool impresl hotel very interested lovely veiw of the Blackpool prom and were the Darby baths use to be much love and best wishes take care stay safe xx ❤😅

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@pyrodoll2422]

Brilliant!!!!

[@mrsgenehunt48]

It's like finding treasure

[@andyrichardsvideovlogs8835]

Ah, many happy days spent in the Imperial over the years. A family friend was actually the manager of the Imperial back in the 60's.

[@dirtywaterpj_dj]

Coincidentally, your video was uploaded around the same time as Robs London uploaded a video on Russell Square in London, including the Imperial Hotel which had its own Turkish baths.

[@SirKenchalot]

Amazing tot think that the great gifts bequeeved to us by our forebears are still there, we just do a great job of covering over them and pretending they're not. Doesn't just apply to architecture, in case the metaphor wasn't obvious.

[@Ashethetics]

I’ve never been there but having historical features like this would definitely influence my decision on booking a hotel. Next time I go to Blackpool I’ll be glad to give a place like this my money. E: I’ve actually been in parliament a few times for work, the bar in there is really similar.

[@matthewgriffiths8423]

Amazing 👍

[@leightongoss6147]

Fabulous ,and many thanks for this. Blackpool has so much rich heritage that it really does not advertise, There should be organised tours of all these places. My recollections of this hotel stretch back to the late 70s and 80s. Trader Jacks nightclub which was in a lower level and nest to a swimming pool. I am trying to picture where that was. I also recall the George Formby society used to hold regular weekends at the Imperial. I wonder if they are still going. :-)

[@AdventureMe]

Yes I believe they are

[@leightongoss6147]

@@AdventureMe They were a fine bunch when i met up with them. Blackpool stalwarts. :-)

[@oddsandwindsocks5905]

Beautiful find Darren, hope you go and do a finished video when it's finished, but seeing the date 2017, it probably be some years to wait.

[@AdventureMe]

Yeah could be a while

[@rachelforrester2333]

Love this❤

[@dandare2829]

This is what Darren is all about, uncovering the secrets and history of Blackpool and other places that have been forgotten for many generations until discovered to show the splendour and craftsmanship and womanship of these fabulous places. Always interesting to watch. Does womanship exist? If it doesn’t then it should because a lot of women contributed to what we know now.

[@ste.h9825]

Srilliant,a great video.Thanks Darren.😂

[@devans7891]

We got married in this hotel in 2021, it really is beautiful. Thank you for showing us the history.

[@AdventureMe]

You're welcome

[@popitinpete]

Very interesting. I’m wondering if Trader Jacks appears in these clips.

[@santorini8423]

Always used to stay in the Imperial hotel when in Blackpool, never realised there was so much more to it, it’s a shame the owners didn’t use this history as a selling point, do remember twice in a row having to gather in the car park due to a fire alarm in the early hours! Do remember Bill Clinton stating there, might be wrong. Another class offering mate, seeing our history takes away the problems we are seeing everyday in our, once great country.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate

[@Mark-yk1ny]

£1.50 🤯😁 great video as always thanks Darren 👍

[@pixusphotographic]

Stayed there a few times over the years and will be back in September 2023.

[@jetsons101]

Question: Is that the same hotel where some of the movie Quadrophenia was filmed? In some of the photo fades it looks like the hotel lost a few of it's chimneys. If I make it to Blackpool I'll have to spend one night at the hotel as that's all I could probably afford. LOL A phone on a wall, how quaint. The tile work in the Turkish bath is amazing to see after all these years, what a discovery. For the Ballroom with the skylights, they should have said "Where you can dance under the stars on a rainy day and not get wet." Mike

[@AdventureMe]

Im not sure. Could be

[@nbvhoho2738]

Can u do ripleys and louis tussauds golden mile Always great content