Bispham Hotel, Bispham, Blackpool

Unusual-looking Sam Smith's pub, now some way from the tram that features on its cantilever sign (although there used to be a depot adjacent). Inside, there is one large bar with a 'U'-shaped gantried counter and two small lounges, one on each side of the entrance. There is another smaller bar at the back and the Red Bank Suite upstairs providing further seating for few older customers who seemed to find the general chatter down below too much. Most notable, though, were the numerous interior notices exhorting support for Humph's 'no swearing' policy. Just OBB available from the four handpumps, of course, but I went for the Dark Mild (still remarkably priced at £1.34).

This is an attractive two bar Sam Smiths pub, close to Bispham tram stop and the promenade. Entering through the front door, you find yourself in a carpeted lounge bar with a striking U shaped servery opposite, underneath an impressive glass cupola. The room has been filled with plenty of standard and low stool seating, which is supplemented by additional seating in two recesses either side of the entrance porch. Each of these has been fitted with long, fixed upholstered banquettes which arguably make them the comfiest and cosiest spots in the pub. The front and side windows have obscured glass with stained glass inserts similar to those in another nearby Sam Smiths pub - the Victoria Hotel in Cleveleys. The décor is fairly restrained, with a few old pictures and black and white photos dotted around the place as well as some cheques denoting the pub's charity fundraising achievements. A door to the left of the servery leads through a passageway into the rear public bar which has some basic banquette seating and wood panelling, bar access and a pool table. The passageway also leads to a rear beer garden. I visited at around 9:30 on a Saturday evening and was a little surprised to find quite a diverse range of customers, so thankfully I wasn't left with the same impression as the previous reviewer. There are no TV screens in the pub and there was no music playing, so there was that nice buzz of conversation about the place, aided in part by the very friendly bar team who engaged in idle chat with their customers. Cask Old Brewery Bitter was available, but having already had one pint of this elsewhere that evening, I opted for a pint of the keg Dark Mild which to my astonishment, came to just £1.34 and had notably more flavour than the OBB. I only managed a flying visit to this interesting pub, but my initial impressions were very favourable and I think it would be a good spot to relax over a few beers, assuming Sam Smiths brews are to your taste. Worth the short tram or bus ride from Blackpool to visit.