Iconic Blackpool Karaoke Haunt Reopens After Five-Month Closure

One of Blackpool’s oldest pubs, The Lifeboat on Foxhall Road, reopens today under new management after a five-month closure for a £200,000 frontage rebuild by Heineken owned Star Pubs.

The popular karaoke haunt has been taken over by Jason and Kerry Humphries, the licensees of another well-known town centre favourite, The Mitre on West Street. The couple is also celebrating their 15th year anniversary at The Mitre this month.  Kerry who originally took on The Mitre has been in hospitality all her life.  Her parents ran hotels and cafes including the restaurant and diner next door to The Mitre, where she worked in her 20s in the months when her parents’ restaurant was closed.

Jason and Kerry intend to continue to make karaoke and bandaoke the focus atThe Lifeboat.  One of a number of pubs in the town to host karaoke, it is the only pub in the area that offers it all year round, attracting locals and visitors alike.

The pub now offers a wider range of drinks with something for everyone including premium beers like Beavertown and Cruzcampo as well as Theakston’s Mild.  As part of the upgrade the latest dispense technology which improves the quality and consistency of draft beer and cider is being installed. The unique cooling technology and line insulation from keg to tap is 20% more energy efficient than standard systems, keeping cider and beer colder.

The interior has been smartened up with the bar refurbished, new furniture installed, and décor refreshed. Toilets will be upgraded in the new year. Other changes have included the sympathetic restoration of features such as Corinthian columns, sash windows and original doors. In keeping with the local listing the exterior has had a like-for-like redecoration and new signage.

Jason says: “We have been chomping at the bit to reopen the pub as we know how much people have missed it since the summer.  Just visiting the pub before it opened I would be approached by a number of people desperate to find out when The Lifeboat was going to reopen.   We’re delighted to be taking The Lifeboat on as it’s a Blackpool institution bringing enjoyment to many people year-round.    

“With 15 years at The Mitre, it’s quite an anniversary present taking on a second pub, but it’s perfect for us, as we love doing what we do.”

Adds Star Pubs Business Development Manager, Richie Roberts: “We’re delighted to be giving The Lifeboat back to the community. Rebuilding the frontage was a major feat and not for the faint hearted as we discovered that two thirds of it was patched up with beach pebbles and other local material. 

“Jason and Kerry are the ideal team to take it on. They know the Blackpool pub scene inside out having made a great success of The Mitre. I wish them well and regulars many fantastic karaoke sessions ahead.”