Central Drive Blackpool: Is it all that bad?

I take a walk along Central Drive in Blackpool, which has a reputation for being run down & rough.
2023 Blackpool Calendar stephencheatleyphotography.co...

[@paulmollart8639]

Hi Stephen, we owned that chip shop on Grasmere Road in the early seventies, hasn't changed much. Now living in New Zealand but inspired by your videos to visit Blackpool next year, 50 years since leaving. Thanks and keep doing what you do.

[@delinquent6241]

dont you will be ashamed.

[@dan1660]

@@delinquent6241 second that

[@tactixtv3864]

Hi Paul 👋🏽 How do I go about owning a building & setting it up as a business in Blackpool ?

[@bozcoustics5448]

Me and my mates used to get scraps from you guys for 20p haha. I used to hate it but my my boys would love it!! x

[@bozcoustics5448]

Devona Avenue

[@moonagedaydream4489]

Thank you Stephen, I always love your night time walks. It's great to get away for a while, from the bright lights associated with Blackpool. It's so important to show these other areas of the town, the parts where everyday life goes on. Your videos paint a very honest, and often gritty picture of life on the other side of the glitz and sparkle of the Golden Mile and the promenade etc. I'm sure that local shops, businesses, pubs, hotels & restaurants must benefit greatly from being mentioned on your channel. You always show Blackpool in such a positive way, it's very obvious how much you love your home town. Speak to you later xxx

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Moonage xx

[@davidnm21]

Enjoyable walkabout in a run down area of Blackpool. Looked absolutely chilly so you were brave filming this one, probably the only one out doing so, that’s dedication for you👍

[@jen6251]

Nice to have a wonder around central drive in Blackpool it's nice to visit different parts of Blackpool it's interesting I'm learning a lot more of Blackpool good video

[@kevinparkes9068]

Keep these great videos coming Stephen, love them 👍

[@kevinbarrett2653]

Back in the 60s growing up in Blackpool there was a notorious street called Ibbison Street, off Central Drive. As I remember there was the King Edward pub on the corner and King Edward Cinema opposite so I suppose it was all built in about 1910. Does anybody remember this?😄 I think it has all been redeveloped now. I am just retired and recovering at home from major surgery but as soon as the medics allow it I will come and bring my suitcase of nostalgia. These vlogs are very good and bring back so many memories. Thank you.

[@joekerr6685]

I remember Ibbison street being demolished around 1972/73 closely followed by the row of shops on Central drive at the side of the George pub.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

It’s called Ibbison Court now and you can see a video I made there a few months back.

[@dombooth86]

The king Edward isn't a bad pub to be fair been in there quite a few times

[@mwalsh5757]

Watching this was painful for me. I was a student at Revoe and got my foreskin irreversibly caught in my zipper when I went to the bathroom. I walked all the way from school down to Chadwick street with it that way, rather than the embarrassment of seeing Matron, and arrived home to a bloody mess.

[@michaelmage9627]

I was born in a little house with those bay windows and a little wall up front. For all of its dangers, Central Drive is not all that bad. We have places in Toronto that are the equal or worse than that. Cheers mate. Carry on Stephen. Great job.

[@catwomanh3603]

Another great video Stephen, some interesting places. Keep yourself warm, take care xx Christine

[@andymullaney1594]

Thanks everyone , 🙏,have a lovely weekend 🤗 🎅🎅🎅🎅 enjoy ,🙏

[@CanonPaulHamilton]

Good to see progress being made in my old home town. I wonder what else is needed to help Blackpool thrive. I doubt it’s ever going to be a holiday town again and wonder if all those B&Bs need some sort of re designation. They would be prime for housing and could really help the economy.

[@richardmcdougall233]

If ever there was an area that needed regeneration it's Central drive Blackpool. It's like WW2 finished there last week

[@melin1969]

thats what makes blackpool blackpool )

[@basylpeterjones]

It wasn't full of Eastern European food stores and Turkish and Kurdish barbers, post-War.

[@zidoolan]

Great video. I'm generally not a fan of regeneration with a wrecking ball but honestly Central Drive needs flattening. I was once told a lot of it was bought up cheap by business-types anticipating the super casinos, leading to generous compulsory purchase orders. Might just be local nonsense though :)

[@jacquelinemccann1493]

Another great and informative video Stephen thankyou 👍 😀

[@VicHockeyFan]

Great video, Stephen. Stay warm!

[@kathleenmccarroll3755]

Great video Steven love your night walks very good

[@leequane7786]

Another great video from Stephen 👍 amazing ❤ have a fantastic weekend 🙏

[@brianhiggins3090]

Good evening Stephen nice fresh walk, have a good weekend.👍

[@juanman75]

Great video as always Stephen, fantastic views of the tower. 🗼

[@karengill8234]

Super video Stephen. Thank you. …..

[@jimmyparr4493]

Hello Stephen a nice look at central drive it always looks wonderful

[@johnlishman4946]

hi Stephen they must have been changing the colors over just when you spoke about the tower look's mint i was only in Blackpool last week end i was plastered it was great not a single bit of bother seen my relatives who still live there got your woollies on i see it's cold here it the north east also we have snow about 2 inch's stay safe keep well

[@tootsy1100]

Brilliant Stephen I love it when you do these

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks pal 🙏

[@eugenemcgeever2719]

It is a very good blog today of your chili out walks around Central Drive blackpool a walk on the wild side

[@WunnSEN]

Mother owned the Much Box Cafe that used too be next too the now demolished King George Pub. Take it from someone who grew up in Salford and moved here, i've seen some CRAZY stuff happen on Central Drive.

[@brianman6788]

Hi Stephen loved latest video very informative know central drive well just be careful stay safe👍

[@fionacrockatt5614]

Just watched your video stephen looks cold there you better wrap up well its cold up in scotland been snow up here good video

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

A little bit warmer this weekend Fiona. No snow for us.

[@junelaw4162]

Brilliant video till the next one 😊

[@robertwright9238]

Hi Stephen.. yet again you pulled it off. A most enjoyable, entertaining walk on the wide side. Have a wonderful Christmas and happy new year.. From the snowy Yorkshire Dales.. Best regards Robert

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Robert 🙏

[@wendyjones2351]

Hi Stephen thank you for another great video as always the tower looks stunning as always there's plenty of shops on central drive I've walked down there so many times it has its not to great spots I suppose like anywhere have a great evening xx

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Wendy x 👍

[@dombooth86]

When I'm over in Blackpool I stop over in the central drive / palentine road area nice in the daylight but after dark quite scary when wandering around

[@ianbenson21]

fantastic filming fella... Commented on a couple of your short vids....

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks 🙏

[@elizabethhackett4133]

The Tower looks great,thanks for video Stephen as always xx

[@juliejackson8167]

Hope you keep safe and nice and warm it's minus 10 here in Yorkshire 💙

[@annem5899]

Great video Steven .

[@pea-dub]

My grandad had a flat on the street with the chippy on the end,also the family home was just off the roundabout by revo library,its a shame to see it so run down,my childhood was fantastic round there.

[@karlclemmy2054]

If I remember rightly, there used to be loads of second hand shops, selling old books, videos etc, all change now

[@karenfoster149]

Many happy memories of the Mecca on central drive in the 70s ... thanks for the memories ❤️

[@karenfoster149]

Knock 3 times and ask for joe 😂 ..

[@Mystic_hazza]

it has to be the worst street to be on in Blackpool. Especially at night I always try avoid it.

[@Spottedapnaviral]

Absolutely fantastic video and your right there are plenty of places to visit

[@markcornwell9158]

Lived on Wyre Grove in the 90s. Used to booze in the George and Central club. Wasn't a fancy area but it was a good laugh tbh 🙂

[@neilcunningham3280]

Only time I go down Central Drive is when I'm on a 17 going to and from The Shovels pub where I go watching football near there or when I go into The Castle pub

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Best to observe from a bus.

[@tennysonfordblackbird2087]

Good objective review of Central and how do all those mini markets survive?

[@steveshakespeare8492]

Great video Steve 'great commentary '

[@AnimalMagnetism1965]

Without even watching I can say from experience..yes, it is that bad. I found it pretty scary. I was approached by some youths who wanted me to get alcohol for them in a store as they were under age. They were fuming when I refused lol

[@philipcroft9857]

Love these night videos

[@viola2281]

I used to go to Peggy's Pantry with my Mum and Dad when I was little in the late 70's early 80's when I was little have lots of good memories round Blackpool x

[@basylpeterjones]

Bognor Regis has underground toilets, opposite the pier.

[@dizzydevil547]

Even though it was COLD glad you were brave enough to go out in it Stephen and good job you did it when you did ..not sure if you got snow after filming but my Mum did back in Manchester and I woke up to snow in Bristol this morning 11/12/2022! On the subject of Turkish / Kurdish barber shops, they are on the rise not just in Blackpool, AND TBH I quite like them as they do a proper old-fashioned beard shave with a cutthroat razor and the hot towel, etc just like a traditional barber shop used to do originally way back in the day I had one done being a bearded person most of the time ( only had it done when I went home as MUM HATES ME WITH A BEARD just to keep the peace and save my ears from the constant moaning! (Always do as mum says as she knows best lol) But it was really good and with the hot towel, etc made my skin feel really refreshed AND it was done with a cutthroat razor it was the smoothest shave I ever had (electric razors don't touch my whiskers still leave stubble and leave my skin dry) ....IF you have never had one done I do recommend you do it at least once you will definitely notice the difference from an ordinary shave at home!I also saw adventure me's vids on the central station as I follow his channel they were great and saw your joint visit to tram town too! also saw a vid on the central development and updates on nodrogs channel and I mentioned in my comments!

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Sean.

[@lancslass8]

Glad you didn't get the barber called Sweeney Todd

[@waynecheshire7878]

It does look a mess glad the pub and apartments have been saved cheers Stephen 🍻

[@MrEtonmess]

Excellent video.

[@darren253]

Councils need to do more on Bordered up shops . Make places look untidy

[@johnearle1394]

Staying at the castleton hotel on Trafalgar road for 3 nights over new year do you know anything about it my friend? Got v good reviews + owner seems v nice

[@nigelwilletts389]

Good evening from we both Steve we was up last year for Christmas we loved it not on the star flyer in the cold

[@richardhinchliffe1678]

Evening Stephen hope you are well

[@hancecrawford]

Hi Stephen get well wrapped up the tower looks well all lit up Stephen you do a better Job than tourist office Stephen you not scared walking along central drive When we used to come to blackpool the coaches would go to turners coach park. Stephen we came to Blackpool it was 1997 the day after the princess of Wales was tragically killed always remember that day, we are thinking of coming to Blackpool again been a very longtime we have mostly stayed in Charnley Road, maybe sometime you could do an up to date video of Charnley Road we stayed at No35 it was known then as Seedley House and today it is The Springfield it is like memory lane for us Stephen stay safe keep well John

[@stephenfarmer8693]

The building to the right of the library used to be a B&B years ago,myself and my mates stopped there in the early 90’s,man was it rough 😂 all the windows were screwed down.Health and safety at its very best 😂

[@Andy-we5og]

I remember it sure it was called The Dolphin?? In the 90s it used to £8 a night

[@bobbobby9798]

Central drive has everything you need in a dystopian landscape, prostitutes, shabby property, every kind of drud dealers, illegal tabakko sales and a shop that will always short change you or overcharge you. Watch your back, front and sides.... Its always been rough I never realised it could have got even worse. RIP morals, ethics, decency, and standards

[@tootsy1100]

Yes it's great

[@bobbobby9798]

@@tootsy1100 a throughly sensory experience.

[@tootsy1100]

@@bobbobby9798 that's one way of putting it. I'm a people watcher so it's pure gold for me

[@bobbobby9798]

@@tootsy1100 I'm with you, but probably more of a people avoider at heart.

[@blastithenry]

Born in Loftos Avenue in '50s. Family moved dahn sarf. Never been back. Did have a few drinks in the 'Merrie England' pub during one of their 'Talent Shows' late 70's. What has happened to Blackpool perhaps reflects what has happened to the UK. Finally, it is possibly time to knock on my old front door one last time?

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

I did a little drive down Loftus a while back on a wet day, if you want to check it out.

[@blastithenry]

@@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool Thank you. House where I was born still there of course. Have some pictures. Me in back garden. My birth certificate proves. Want to see Illuminations again. Perhaps 2023? Send the Calendar, leave your email. Just another story, I am nobody though. Keep up the good work if not. PS: ... suspect Blackpool hotels might soon be a goldmine again?

[@tinniswood2577]

Nobody can doubt your dedication! Its brass monkey's out there.

[@grovesy333]

When I was on a trip here I walked through Blackpool during the day and night I never had anyone bother me I never seen any bit of bother either and this was in 2018 I think

[@mikebryan7060]

Good video Stephen. Can you do a fish and chip review of the Stevonia please ?

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Will see Mike.

[@DianneMorrison]

Remember when Stevonia was the local "rock n'' roll venue. Front stairs led down to dancing area and coffee bar upstairs.

[@TheBorzoilover]

In parts the drive did not look too bad which surprised me.

[@leeandrew8987]

Shout from Fleetwood

[@streamsofconsciousness8651]

It's bloody awful and needs demolishing. They got £1 million from the Lottery to do something with it and it was given to a bickering group of locals who did nothing remotely useful with it.

[@williamjohnson4111]

Good evening everyone

[@juliejackson8167]

Good evening ❤️

[@bozcoustics5448]

Great video mate. Brought back a lot of memories from when I was a child. Fucking Stagebobox is still there!!

[@bozcoustics5448]

*stagebox

[@ianbentley7276]

does anyone remember CHARLIE'S BAR, somewhere near Central, had some great times in there, just wondered if still open, talking 70s.

[@ianbentley7276]

@TWO EIGHT FOUR good grief, thanks anyway.

[@ianbentley7276]

@TWO EIGHT FOUR YES i gathered that.

[@Just_Phil_]

When you do these nighttime walks, would it be possible to mention the time you are filming. Thanks

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

This was 19:30 at the start.

[@rominava7835]

Watching from California....hi....🤗

[@Andy-we5og]

Great video, unfortunate not to get any interaction with the local wildlife 🙃😋😇

[@johnowen5686]

Which door to knock on which light is on,Stephen don't tell us anymore what you do at leisure 😜😜😜😜😜😜😜Love the night, videos🤒🤗

[@samaracuthbert3718]

Been up and down there a few times while on holiday an only encountered friendly drunks

[@markabbott4786]

Take care Stephen

[@SSJPENGUIN]

Don't think I'm the target demographic for your channel but always love your videos!! Exciting to see how all the development plays out in the coming year!!

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks. My main demographic is 55-65 yrs.

[@lynnballington8467]

Good evening Steve how are you I have sent a Christmas card for you at chris higgot one pound burger bar in dale street merry Christmas love your vidio best wishes stay safe xx

[@colinfielden7738]

Your Doin good out to tonight chilly

[@stevengold6380]

Omg just shows how poor and run down Blackpool really is when they can't even afford a bus station or coach station kind of makes me realise how lucky I am being a londoner

[@lynngertrudeclark6531]

Brilliant

[@tonyfox7439]

Lived in the area for 22 years and never had a problem. Yes it needs investment and has its fair share of social problems. However, the vast majority of people are decent folk. Many people live here because it's the only place they can afford to live. Dig a little deeper and you find a very good community. Proud of my neighborhood.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

I never had any trouble when I knocked around here in the early 90's

[@johnalexander9120]

I live on grasmere and i love it lived here for nearly a year now came from stockport

[@leegorman8322]

You clearly have a love of Blackpool, it's just the night would relatively obscure things, are it's better days behind it? 🤔

[@racheljohnson9687]

I think that the Central Development will hopefully help Central Drive & you never know it might actually attract more businesses to open around there 😉

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

The artists impression of the new development doesn't contain any beer monsters & junkies.

[@racheljohnson9687]

@A Walk on the Wild Side hahaha very true but this development has got to have some sort of positive impact on the area after all it couldn't get any worse 😱🤣

[@lianekerr650]

Nice hot doner with chilli sauce is needed.

[@mikemoreno4469]

Is that a lady of the night at 2:35?

[@kevinparkes9068]

Wow not one mention of a massage parlour yet 😉😜😂

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Apart from the one above Athertons Carpets.

[@nigelwilletts389]

There is a old church made in to flats over-the-Road from peekabooz

[@theagunton3811]

Hi sweetie.i lived 20 years xx

[@johnalexander9120]

U walked past mine 😁

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Kewl

[@X-GamerPro-HD]

I think it definitely is. Because it’s not a nice place. You’ve got abandoned ruined buildings everywhere. That’s one place you want to avoid if you come on holiday to Blackpool.

[@jayoneill1533]

A night ride on the Star Flyer would be very very cold in this weather, I doubt if the queue is very long! 🥶 🥶 🥶

[@robbflynn4325]

Ha, not that I do any of that, every man says that yet they somehow manage to stay in business 😂 Mmmm I wonder if there are loads of traditional English barbers in Kurdistan, doubt it. Reminds me of a Bernard Manning joke, said he once went to Pakistan on holiday, he came back because no one was there.

[@sarahillingworth2718]

I assume they shut the underground bogs down due to vandalism and drugs.. I dare Stephen to have a pint in the king Edward lol

[@neilcunningham3280]

He could join me for a few pints in The Castle on a Saturday afternoon

[@tastewithjase]

I grew up there in the 80s, I honestly don't recognise it

[@stuartmiller6492]

What about Central Working mens club?

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

It’s been closed for years.

[@stuartmiller6492]

@@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool Had many a good night in it with lads off the Blackpool Lifeboat crew as i was on the Fleetwood crew at the time. Cant believe its gone but must 25 years since i was in it

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

@@stuartmiller6492 The Brunswick Club nearby is still open.

[@louanne17]

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@adub8190]

Just at start of video I'm shure there was a grave yard

[@angelinanicholson9300]

Do you live in blackpool

[@jamesjones7138]

Yes it is.

[@andymoore9977]

The only store not operating as a cover for drug dealing is Tesco........

[@tootsy1100]

The crackheads climb over that fence easily