Hotel Review
Offshore is a newly opened hotel located in St. Anne’s-on-Sea, on Lancashire’s Fylde Coast. Two former seafront hotels have been remodelled and completely refurbished to create Offshore, the newest addition to the Inn Collection Group’s portfolio.
Location:
The hotel is located in a prominent position on the seafront just a few minutes walk from St. Annes Pier. If arriving by car, follow the M55 motorway into Blackpool then take the scenic route along the promenade south to St. Annes, a distance of five miles. Guests arriving by train should change onto the Blackpool South branch line at Preston and alight at St. Annes-on-Sea station, just a ten minute walk from the hotel.
Arrival and check in:
It was approaching 4.30 p.m. when we arrived at the seafront hotel and although there is a car park to the front this has limited spaces and they were all taken. Thankfully this didn’t pose a problem as Lytham St. Annes is kind to motorists offering free parking both along the promenade and neighbouring side streets enabling us to park just around the corner from the hotel.
The entrance lobby was warm and welcoming with a dedicated reception desk to one side of the bar. We were requested to use one of the three self check-in screens which were simple to operate but it was pleasing to note that receptionists were on hand to complete the check-in process for guests not wishing or able to perform the task themselves.
The Room:
We’d been booked into a premium sea view room up on the second floor and on stepping out of the lift into a corridor adorned with vintage photographs of the Fylde Coast, we were soon tapping the keypad to enter the room.
As the hotel had been open for only a few weeks everything was in pristine condition and well presented with our super-king bed being extremely comfortable. A pair of green leather armchairs had been perfectly positioned by the window for us to enjoy views across the promenade to the Ribble estuary and of the town’s award winning beach huts in the distance.
A hospitality tray positioned on a side table contained a selection of teas, coffee and delicious biscuits and with a large screen television and ample power and USB charging points we had everything at hand for a relaxing stay. The newly installed en-suite shower room was of a good size, had a powerful shower and came supplied with a pile of thick, fluffy towels and fragrant Sea Kelp toiletries.
Dining:
The open-plan bar restaurant has a tasteful seaside vibe with a mix of seating options from cosy booths to window tables. Food is available throughout the day and available to both guests and non-residents.
It was approaching 7.30 p.m. by the time we had freshened up and were ready for dinner. After studying the menu I popped to the bar to place our orders. The friendly bartender then brought over our glasses of Merlot which we sipped whilst awaiting our starters. These were a tabbouleh salad and smoked mackerel with a poached egg which were both very appetising and of a generous size.
After a little rest between courses our mains were brought to us by a friendly waiter who told us that he had started working at the hotel since its opening day and was enjoying the experience. I’d selected fish pie from the specials board which was loaded with seafood and I savoured every last forkful of the creamy sauce topped with potatoes. Across the table Mr. C feasted on the pie of the week which was chicken and bacon and came with thick cut chips, gravy and seasonal green vegetables. This was also declared delicious and I couldn’t resist pinching a few of his chips and dipping them into the tasty gravy. For once we passed on desserts deciding to linger over cups of freshly brewed coffee instead followed by a late evening stroll along the promenade.
Breakfast is served each morning in the bar/restaurant with a cold buffet of fresh fruit, yoghurts and cereals with hot dishes made to order. We both settled on poached eggs with me choosing Eggs Benedict and Mr. C. opting for Eggs Royale. We then made ourselves slices of toast from the buffet bar where there was also a pancake maker for guests use.
The Facilities:
Offshore has a total of 98 rooms born out of a total refurbishment and remodelling of the former Carlton and Lindum hotels. With a newly built full size lounge bar across the front and a lift at each end, the buildings have been seamlessly joined together.
There’s a large outdoor terrace on which to unwind, sip a cocktail and/ or enjoy a delicious meal overlooking the sea.
With a selection of rooms on offer ranging from premium seafront, to family, standard and dog friendly there’s something for the entire family and budget. Dogs are warmly welcomed into the bar and restaurant with treats behind the bar ready and waiting for our furry friends.
Out and About:
St. Annes Pier
I suggest starting with a stroll through the town with its high quality small shops and cafes along to the seafront. Facing the Square is St. Annes Pier which has been welcoming visitors since Victorian times. To one side of the pier is an attractive cafe that’s popular with locals and visitors alike. Look out for its foot long chocolate eclairs, perfect for sharing with a pot of freshly brewed tea.
Take a stroll along the promenade
Enjoy a wander along the seafront looking out across the long sandy beach which goes back as far as the eye can see. With distant views across the Ribble estuary and the Irish Sea, soak up the sun on a deckchair or rest awhile on one of the many promenade benches.
Ashton Gardens
Located one road back from the seafront on Clifton Drive north lies the award winning Ashton Gardens, another tranquil spot to while away an hour or two. Boasting a sunken rose garden, narrow winding paths and small bridges, the gardens are a delight. Towards the centre stands the Ashton Pavilion Cafe which has been painstakingly renovated to its former glory and the perfect lunch venue with both indoor and courtyard dining. The park also offers a children’s playground and bowling green.
Fairhaven Marine Lake and Gardens
A little over a mile from St. Annes lies Fairhaven Lake which is a lovely place to enjoy spending some time out on the water. With rowing boats, canoes and motor boats not to mention a pair of oversized swan pedalos, there’s a water activity to suit everyone. The gardens are also home to a splendid 18 hole Adventure Golf course depicting local landmarks, tennis courts, a bowling green and cafe.
Lytham Green and its Windmill
Lytham’s best known landmark is its large open space known as Lytham Green which runs the full length of the promenade and is a delightful place for a stroll or a picnic. This unique parkland is located on the edge of the Ribble Estuary
Another famous landmark is Lytham Windmill which was built by the Squire of Lytham in 1805. It was in use for many years producing stone ground flour but ceased operating after a devastating fire in 1919. Years later, after falling into a state of disrepair the windmill was renovated and re-opened as a museum in 1989. The exhibition galleries focus on the history of milling, the wider history of Lytham and the Clifton family’s long association with the town. Admission free Lytham Windmill.
Lytham Hall
Lytham Hall is the finest Georgian house in Lancashire and was once the ancestral home of the Clifton Family, spanning over four centuries. Take a guided tour of the house and explore the formal gardens and surrounding parkland amounting to 78 acres.
There’s a gorgeous cafe in the west wing which opens onto a charming outdoor area with attractive borders and picnic tables set in the heart of the estate. Afternoon teas are a speciality of the Hall and are served in the delightful period setting of Lilibet’s afternoon tea emporium. Pre-booking essential. Lytham Hall
Spend an afternoon shopping
Shopping in Lytham is an absolute joy especially during the summer months when its many cafes and wine-bars spill out onto the pavements and across the Square. The town has a vibrant high street with a large number of independent shops including the wonderful Stringers department store which is family owned and has been serving Lytham for almost 170 years.
Lytham Gin
Take part in a gin tasting event at the award winning Lytham distillery. Established by Sara and her husband in 2018 and initially located in their garage, they are now based on the edge of the town. Learn about the distilling process before going up to their attractive mezzanine bar to sample a range of their gins from Lytham Gin with coastal notes of samphire to Bee’s Knees Old Tom sweetened with honey or Positively Purple infused with blueberries, blackberries and butterfly pea flowers. Lytham Gin
Overall:
This new hotel on St. Annes seafront is already proving popular as evidenced during our mid-week stay with couples, business travellers and a group of men on a golfing holiday, all enjoying the laid-back style of Offshore. Another superb addition to the Inn Collection Group.
