The Velvet Coaster - JD Wetherspoon, Blackpool Travel Guide

4.3 (10661)

Spacious three-floor seafront pub blending Blackpool heritage with modern comfort and panoramic Irish Sea views.

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The Velvet Coaster - JD Wetherspoon

The Velvet Coaster, a striking JD Wetherspoon pub on Blackpool's South Promenade, offers a spacious three-floor setting with panoramic sea views. Housed in a converted former amusement arcade, it combines historic charm with modern comfort, featuring multiple bars, outdoor sheltered seating, and a vibrant atmosphere. Known for its affordable food and drinks, it’s a popular spot near Blackpool Pleasure Beach and other attractions.

A brief summary to The Velvet Coaster - JD Wetherspoon

501-507 Promenade, Blackpool, FY4 1BA, GB
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Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Budget
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Monday 8 am-12 am
Tuesday 8 am-12 am
Wednesday 8 am-12 am
Thursday 8 am-12 am
Friday 8 am-12 am
Saturday 8 am-1 am
Sunday 8 am-1 am

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Velvet Coaster - JD Wetherspoon.

Visit during the evening to enjoy the warm ambiance by the wood fires on the ground floor.
Try the seasonal beer festivals for a unique selection of real ales from around the world.
Use the Wetherspoon app to order food and drinks directly to your table for convenience.
Sit in the outdoor sheltered seating to soak in panoramic views of the Irish Sea and Promenade.

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Getting There

Bus

Take the Blackpool Transport buses serving the Promenade route; frequent services run every 10-15 minutes from central Blackpool, with a journey time of approximately 15-20 minutes. Tickets cost around £2-£3. The stop nearest to The Velvet Coaster is on the Promenade near South Pier.
Tram

Use the Blackpool Tramway, boarding at North Pier or Central Pier stops. The tram ride to South Pier takes about 10-15 minutes, with trams running every 7-15 minutes. A single fare costs about £2.50. The Velvet Coaster is a short walk across the tram tracks from South Pier tram stop.
Taxi

Local taxis from Blackpool town center to The Velvet Coaster take roughly 10 minutes depending on traffic. Fares typically range from £6 to £10. Taxis are readily available but may be in higher demand during peak times and events.
Car

Driving to The Velvet Coaster is possible, but parking near the Promenade can be limited and may require payment. Nearby public car parks are available within a 5-10 minute walk. Expect parking fees around £3-£6 for a few hours. The area is busy during peak tourist seasons.

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Restrooms
Drink Options
Food Options
Seating Areas
Sheltered Areas
Information Boards

Discover more about The Velvet Coaster - JD Wetherspoon

Transformation from Amusement to Hospitality

Opened in May 2015, The Velvet Coaster is a remarkable £7 million conversion of the former Lucky Star amusement arcade. Situated directly across the tram tracks from Blackpool's South Pier and close to the Sandcastle Waterpark and Pleasure Beach, this pub occupies a prime seafront location. Its name pays homage to the original Velvet Coaster ride, a classic 1909 roller coaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, famed for its velvet-upholstered open carriages and thrilling wooden structure.

Expansive Layout with Spectacular Views

The pub spans three floors, each offering bars and outdoor sheltered seating areas that provide wide, uninterrupted views over the Irish Sea and the Promenade. Unique to this venue, the first-floor cellar area is designed with open views, enhancing the spacious and airy feel. The interior design is stylish and modern, featuring warm wood fires on the ground floor that add to the inviting ambiance during colder months.

Food, Drink, and Atmosphere

The Velvet Coaster is known for delivering good value with a menu typical of Wetherspoon pubs—well-cooked, reasonably priced meals served in a lively environment. It offers a range of real ales, including regulars like Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best Bitter, and Sharp's Doom Bar, alongside premium lagers and wines. The pub also hosts seasonal events such as beer festivals showcasing international brews, and festive menus during holidays.

Accessibility and Facilities

This venue is accessible with step-free access and features amenities such as changing places, baby changing stations, and licensed outdoor areas. The presence of multiple bars and seating areas across floors ensures ample space even during busy periods. Its location near major Blackpool attractions makes it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the seafront.

Connection to Blackpool’s Heritage

By adopting the name of a historic Pleasure Beach ride, The Velvet Coaster ties itself to Blackpool’s rich entertainment legacy. The original coaster was a wooden roller coaster that delighted visitors in the early 20th century and was rebuilt in 1933 before evolving into the Nickelodeon Streak. This link adds a layer of cultural significance to the pub’s modern-day appeal.

Vibrant Social Hub by the Sea

The pub’s large size, stylish décor, and sea views create a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere that appeals to a broad audience. Whether enjoying a casual meal, a drink by the fire, or watching the sunset over the Irish Sea from the rooftop bar, guests experience a quintessential Blackpool seaside pub with contemporary comforts and historic resonance.