Stepping into Blackpool’s Imperial Hotel is like discovering a major part of the resort’s history.

The seeds of The Imperial’s story were first sown in 1863 when the North Pier was completed and became an attraction for elite visitors. Up until then Blackpool has only been visited by mill workers when factories closed down for the week.

The elite would head to the Claremont Park area, “aimed at the aristocracy, gentry, and clergy.” Its focal point was to be a new temperance hotel called The Imperial.

In 1867 the hotel opened and had been built in the French Renaissance design. Over the coming years, The Imperial became the focus for many important municipal events, including the opening of the Winter Gardens and the laying of the foundation stone in 1891 for Blackpool Tower.

The Imperial flourished, and in 1901 a ballroom was added so guests might “waltz under the stars” with a new restaurant and the old one converted to a grill room.

During World War 1, The Imperial was commandeered as the Atlantic Military Hospital for shell-shocked officers. In the time between the wars, Blackpool flourished and was recognised as the world’s first and most successful seaside resort.

In World War II, the hotel was once again put to use, this time as the new home of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. In 1951 the hotel was returned to the owners.

During the decades that followed, The Imperial played host to royalty, the rich and famous. The late Queen Mother, Princess Margaret and Princess Anne have all stayed at the hotel.

Stars of stage and screen have included Errol Flynn, Fred Astaire, The Beatles, Nureyev, Gracie Fields and Jayne Mansfield, to name but a few.

Every prime minister from Churchill to Blair has stayed there, with Margaret Thatcher spending her 60th birthday at the hotel. The PM’s names are etched in the mirrors in the No.10 bar along with lots of photographs, press clippings and other memorabilia.

Entering the hotel, I felt that I was stuck in a time warp of faded glory that had seen better days. In the large foyer there was an oak-panelled fireplace, lots of potted palms and leather Chesterfield-style sofas, and plenty of small tables with comfy seating, some placed near the large windows to give a great sea view.

The long oak reception desk has some really helpful and pleasant staff – nothing is too much trouble for them, and what’s more, they do it with a smile.

Our check-in was seamless, and in no time we were in the lift on the way to our room.

Opening the door, we were pleasantly surprised by the size of the room. It had a large bay window and a sea view. A table and chairs nestled in the bay: the ideal place to sit and watch the sea.

A large en-suite bathroom, a comfortable bed with crisp white linen and plenty of hanging space, a TV and all the usual modern comforts plus a good hospitality tray, and we were set for our exploration of Blackpool.

The best way to explore the full length of the promenade is to take one of their famous trams, which will take you to Starr Gate, and then change trams there and catch another tram to Fleetwood, or you can get off at the Wilton Parade stop outside the hotel.

After our excursion we decided to relax in the No.10 Bar, which has the names of every prime minister who has stayed at the hotel engraved on the mirrors behind the bar.

The décor, of course, is centred around the politics of the last century, with newspaper cuttings and photographs mostly of the PMs of the 40s, 50s and 60s.

Later we made our way to the Palm Court Restaurant, passing down a long corridor where some of the elaborate function suites were. The Louis Suite is decorated in gold and cream in typical French Renaissance style with large framed mirrors and beautiful golden chandeliers and is now a particular favourite for weddings and special functions.

The Palm Court Restaurant serves some excellent food, and its à la carte menu offerings are well thought out and offer something for everyone. Unfortunately the restaurant is heavily let down by very poor service and inexperienced waiting staff who don’t even know the content of dishes on the menu. The service is also very slow, and at times staff at all levels have a brusque attitude and appear disinterested in their guests' complaints or needs.

The real praise, however, belongs in the kitchen. My partner opted for the soup du jour – a mushroom and tarragon number that arrived properly hot, accompanied by a warm roll and butter. The soup delivered on flavour, with an agreeable creamy texture that let the earthiness of the mushrooms shine through.

My watermelon salad was beautifully presented and a large portion. It consisted of vegan feta, granola and roquette and was a beautiful combination of flavours.

For main course my partner chose the 8oz matured Sirloin of Beef. It came with cherry vine tomato, field mushrooms, handcut chips and watercress. The chips were cooked beautifully crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, whereas the meat was succulent and tender.

I was impressed with my fillet of haddock and how it was presented. The fish was served on a bed of Maris Piper potatoes and was smothered in Lancashire cheese, which gave a wonderful touch to the fish. The haddock was moist and cooked to perfection.

My partner passed on the desserts, but I indulged myself in the lemon drizzle trifle with blackberries, meringue and lemon curd. Although overly laced with cream, it was a real sweet treat.

After our dinner we decided to sit in the Derby Room off the main foyer and soak up some nostalgia of times passed at The Imperial. This is a lovely quiet room with bay windows overlooking the seafront, comfortable sofas and easy chairs, but the key thing about this room is the pictures that adorn the walls of memorable events and guests at the hotel. From the late Queen Mother to The Beatles, it’s like a who’s who of the 50s, 60s and 70s.

The next morning after breakfast it was time to leave The Imperial and its memories of times gone by after a truly nostalgic trip.

The Imperial Hotel - The Promenade Blackpool, FY1 2HB www.imperialhotelblackpool.co.uk – T: 01253 623971