Tucked away in the heart of Blackpool, The Mitre holds a distinctive place in the town’s social and architectural history. Often described as Blackpool’s smallest pub, this modest building represents more than just a curiosity of size; it is a surviving fragment of the town’s earlier streetscape, linking modern visitors with the character of nineteenth-century Blackpool.
The structure stands on land once known as Dobson’s Row, an area that can be traced back to the late eighteenth century, when Blackpool was still developing from a small coastal settlement into a recognised seaside resort. By 1863, the premises were recorded as being occupied by John Crabtree’s grocers and confectioners, reflecting the mixed commercial nature of the area during that period. Like many buildings in the rapidly expanding town, its function evolved in response to changing economic and social demands.
In July 1898, the building was granted a full licence and began trading as a public house under the colourful name “Ye Old Glue Pot.” The choice of name was typical of late Victorian pub culture, which often favoured humour and tradition in equal measure. Just a few years later, in June 1902, the establishment was renamed The Mitre Inn, a title it has largely retained ever since. Under this new name, it became firmly established as a local drinking house serving residents and the growing numbers of visitors drawn to Blackpool’s attractions.
Throughout the twentieth century, as Blackpool expanded into one of Britain’s most famous holiday destinations, The Mitre continued to operate within its compact footprint. While larger and more elaborate public houses appeared across the town to cater to mass tourism, The Mitre remained resolutely small and intimate. Its size became part of its identity, and over time it gained recognition as a novelty as well as a traditional alehouse.
Despite inevitable alterations and refurbishments over the decades, the pub has preserved a character that reflects its origins. Its snug interior and close quarters evoke an earlier era of public house culture, when conversation and community were central to the experience. Today, The Mitre continues to serve both locals and visitors, offering a tangible reminder of Blackpool’s layered past and the enduring role of the public house in English social life.
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