Eating and drinking in Blackpool

Fish and chips

The seafront chippies are fine; the ones a street back are usually better and cheaper. Look for freshly fried to order rather than a hot cabinet, and ask for scraps.

Before a show

The streets around the Winter Gardens and the Grand fill up from 5.30pm on show nights. Book a table, or eat at 5pm and walk in unhurried.

Sunday lunch

Traditional carveries around North Shore and the town centre; most take bookings and most sell out by 1pm on a bank holiday weekend.

Seaside classics

• Candy floss and rock along the Golden Mile.
• Ice cream at the piers.
• A pint with a sea view from a pier bar.

Practical

• Peak season and Illuminations weekends: book anywhere decent a day or two ahead.
• Most hotels here do breakfast well — start big and eat light at lunch.
• Vegetarian and gluten-free options are standard now in town-centre restaurants; ring ahead at the small chippies.