We'd go into town and get our mini pack lunches before going shopping
Lytham St Annes residents have been taking a nostalgic trip back through the high street memories of their youth, recalling the independent shops, cafes and quirks that once defined a day out in town
For Kaitlyn Ward, it was all about the routine. She said: “Poundbakery cos that was my whole childhood lol, going into town with my mum and the first shop we pass is Poundbakery so obviously we’d all get our mini pack lunches before we go shopping.”
Others went further back. David Mitchelhill remembered: “The Cream Door. Took my friends there after my 11+ in 1962.” Anne Bouget added a touch of pride with: “MacFisheries (beat that one!).”
Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day
With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe
Sian Perrin listed a string of favourites: “Camilles in the square, Short ‘n’ Curley’s on St Albans Road, also The Monkey Coffee House – great café.”
For Pippa Bashford, it was the atmosphere of old-style retail that stood out: “The book shop because I used to love going with my mum… Lloyd’s stationery shop was just lovely – I used to think I’d love a shop like that when I was older.”
Deborah A Harris recalled a mix of everyday essentials and quirks: “Corkies in St Annes Square, the monkey eating house, Radio Rentals – I rented my first TV and Ferguson video recorder from there.”
John Bushell remembered a whole strip of lost names: “Pendlberries, Lavells in the square, and the joke shop in the Crescent.”
And Michael Hall summed up the food scene fondly: “Lidun Cottage – superb burgers. The Dolphin chippy. Quirky but good.”
Together, the memories paint a picture of a town once packed with character, where every shop had a story and a visit into town meant far more than just shopping.