Shovels in Blackpool

Went to celebrate a birthday with my son, his partner & their blended family. Food was yummy, service with a smile & great value for money. Will be returning

Visited with our border collie recently. Enjoyed mixed grill. Staff lovely. Atmosphere very nice. Will visit again soon.

We went in last night for the first time as it was my birthday. My friends had travelled up in a camper van with two dogs and they were welcome to stay in the van in the carpark overnight at no charge. The pub was clean with a really nice atmosphere and dogs were welcome in the pub. The food was really lovely, we had steaks and gammon. The steak was on a very cleverly designed skillet that had the steak tomatoes and onions sizzling on one side and the peas and chips in a seperate section so they stayed crispy (the chips not the peas). There were lots of meals and drinks (including cocktails) on a BOGOF so it didnt need to be an expensive night. The thing that made it for me was the staff as it was lovely to go somewhere where they were all happy and freindly. The waiter (Tony) bought over a chocolate cake with candles lit that my friends had bought with them while singing happy birthday, and supplied plates and serviettes without a problem. The barmaind Leea was nice an chatty and a pleasure to order from, she even bought the coffees to the table to save us waiting for them. I would definitely recommend this place and will be returning.

The friendly staff always make us feel most welcome. The food is always served swiftly, well presented and delicious! We Love visiting the Shovels and are going again tomorrow.

A few years ago we came here and had a bad experience where as they had ran out of ingredients and what we did have, was poor. This week we have been there again to have the BOGOF meals and can honestly say, what amazing food we have enjoyed. The gammon and the chicken dishes have been of an excellent quality and very tasty. Good size portions and very friendly staff.. If I could find my old review I would remove it as we have enjoyed every meal we've had. 5 stars all round

We went for boxing day Xmas Dinner, the place was a bit roudy. There was a mix up with the Xmas booking and one gentleman told us we could not have our Xmas dinner and it was our fault because we never answered the phone to tell them what our order was, even though on booking we were told we could order on the night. This man was rude and unhelpful and stormed off which was extremely unprofessional. The next chap who came to attend to us was much more professional and helpful and started with 'I am sorry for the mix up, what would you like for Xmas dinner' so problem solved. We have raised the issue with management and they are dealing with it. We absolutely love this pub and the atmosphere and are grateful to the staff and management for taking care of us over the many years. Happy new year.

The staff are very welcoming and you can book a table easily through the app or by calling in the phone. The food is excellent, there were five of us, all adults, with differing preferences. The Shovels menu means we can all choose something we like. It always comes out together, nice and hot, with a smiley face. Its reasonable pricing means we can also have a pud if we like! Even though there is often sport on the tv, which none of us care about, it is never too rowdy and then staff remain super friendly. We love it!

First time going here great for a family gathering staff was helpful food was very nice.

Pre booked a table for 3 for the set menu Christmas dinner. All excellent but the pub was busy and due to time restrictions of another appointment (to see Santa) we ran out of time so had to leave before our sweet was served. Staff and food excellent.

A lovely friendly pub, both customers and staff alike, very dog friendly , not shoved in the corner and plenty of dog treats, but also has a separate area to eat with no dogs. Food very nice

Visited for a meal and drinks, Steve looked after us and had excellent meal, great service and definitely recommend.

No steaks at 15.00 was looking forward to a ribeye ,ended up with a poor looking mixed grill and a very poor mixed grill. Not once did a member of staff ask if it was okay ,the beer was a little flat not the best ...

The atmosphere was a great lively pub The festive menu was nice but the veg was horrible overcooked and the sprouts were awful. Plenty of food Streaks good Xmas pud excellent Brownie good Cheesecake ok . The two guys serving were excellent I was overcharged which was annoying a drink had been added to my bill. Was told to call in for the refund I refused and said it's 25 miles each way. Ended up with a £5 code voucher. It's wrong because I'm forced to spend it at Greene King. I just wanted what was taken from me to use as I would have if it hadn't been taken. No idea why or how a drink was added to my bill that I hadn't purchased Got an apology. Also throughout the meal we weren't asked how the food was at any point

Leaving this review for Tony our waiter for the evening on New Year’s Eve was absolutely fantastic.. Cheery happy & brightened our evening, unlike the Bar Man at the bar with the beard in the green t shirt who was very rude and moody!!!!!!

The atmosphere and staff are amazing. The food was served great and came quick tasted amazing

Booked boxing day lunch for 9 the food was good but the service was terrible Got there on time and told we could only have the table for 2 hours not told this when we booked then though the meal told twice we have to hurry up the table is needed at the end of are meal some people wanted coffee tried to order but the had run out of milk!! None of are party will go there again and we'll not recommend the Shovels to anyone again Use to go a lot but not anymore if this is how they treat people now

My family and friends had the most amazing day here for Christmas in the Shovels. All the staff were polite, professional and bent over backwards to make our day one to remember. Food was 10/10 and we were stuffed by the end. The cute little elf Steve looked after us from booking to leaving and everything in between. Thank you, Karen and team for a wonderful day!

We booked a table for 7 on Christmas Day. Couldn’t be happier with everything. The food was fabulous with lots of choice and the service was second to none. We didn’t feel rushed at any point during our visit. The young lad that served us worked his socks off. My 8 year old daughter even got a small gift which she was made up about. We have already discussed booking again for next year.

We had heard rave reviews about the Shovels and had been there for a drink recently with my parents. We booked for our small staff party, 6 people, on 14th Dec. The staff were friendly and the food was excellent. One lady came to ask us if everything was ok during the night, which it was. Added bonus of live music while we were there. We have recommended The Shovels to friends...all in all a great night out, excellent food and value for money.

Went on a date here. I've never been in . Friendly staff great atmosphere. Prices of food was good

Went to shovels last with family had the Xmas dinner it was excellent very nice we had a great time staff was all good made the night

Please give John 10 stars 🌟 🤩 great quiz night xx 😘

We came for my birthday on 9th December . 5 adults and 6 children . The food was hot and delicious . Your staff were so friendly . Especially with the younger ones . Thank you for such a pleasant experience . Your staff are a credit to you

We visited here just before we went through the lights. It was very busy, but we managed to find a table. There was lots of choice on the menu, so we all managed to find something to order, we ordered via the app and the food didn't take too long to be brought out, food was hot and quite tasty. We'd definitely visit again if we were in the area.

Superb pub food. Quickly served too

Some staff helpful, some definitely not. Fish excellent and children's menu very good. The tea could do with improving... took me having to order 2 teas and then combining the teabags in 1 pot to get any taste at all.

Not bad for a cheap quick lunch.

Tried the new festive burger. Was expecting turkey and stuffing but got a very nice beef burger and gravy instead. It wss very nice. Decent choice of ciders and ales as well.

Good cheap food and quick service

Went here last night the food was excellent.The service was fast and the staff were very attentive. Will definitely be going back.

We decided to go to the Shovels to try the two meals for £13.49 offer.We arrived at 17.45 as going to a show in Blackpool. On arrival we parked up and walking to the entrance we noticed that the bin near the wooden table was overflowing with empty boxes and waste, so much that it had spilled out all over the paving, not a good advert on first impression ! We entered the premises to try and find a table but nearly every table had a reserved sign on , apparently due to the fact there was to be a quiz at 20.00 hours but eventually we found a table for 2 which had not been cleared or cleaned (which we did ourselves) and ordered drinks and food at the bar , served by a pleasant friendly lady. We ordered the fish and chips deal which was served promptly and was very good and value for money, however we realised that we had no cutlery in the box so I went to try and find some but the bar staff were busy and no waiting staff seemed available so I went from table to table looking and eventually found a couple who had some on their table..and returned to our table to eat what was now warm as opposed to hot. All in all the food was good but the general cleanliness and customer care just took the edge off the occasion.

Steve gave me incredible customer service as he recommended me one of his favourite drinks!

Staff lovely, I had the Jamaican chicken stew, the chicken in it was really tender however i felt it tasted a little strong (something was over powering in it) my mum had the lasagne and said it was delicious 😋 it was Friday late afternoon/early evening and quite a few people in even though the member of staff said it was quieter than normal, good atmosphere.

My Husband and I both had the mixed grill. The food was delicious, the staff were friendly and the atmosphere was inviting. We will definitely be eating here again.

Only stayed for coffee break. But it's a lovely place . Disabled toilets and very friendly helpful staff. Food looked good . Lots of people eating.

I'm only in the area on holiday and myself and family had decided to give this place a go..... From the moment we walked in, the service was excellent...the quality of the ales and food were spectacular. I had the mixed grill and out of my 43 years on this planet...by far that was the best mixed grill I'd ever had. I couldn't recommend this place highly enough

Had Sunday lunch ,it was beef it was like rubber and the mash cold asked for mint sauce ,the waiter said we don't do it lol never again .

excellent value food with great deals has now become one of our go to places

James the assistant manager and Tony are fantastic. We eat here once or twice a month. For a budget pub restaurant, the food is always on point. What’s even better, is the service. James the assistant manager is really friendly, helpful and always smiling. Then there is Tony. So helpful, accommodating and has a really good aura around him. All the staff are great, but these 2 are next level

Don’t know where Green King Pubs get their Steaks from but they are not worth the price. We ordered the 9oz Ribeye Steak Skillet medium rare and it was just like trying to cut through rubber, sent it back to be given a replacement of the Sirloin, this was just as bad, rubbery and unchewable. Just gave up and eat the chips.

Saturday lunch with mum and granddaughter. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The food was good for the price. Would visit again

Very friendly and welcoming staff with lovely food.

Great place to eat and have a couple of drinks, we were staying on Chippendales Park caravan park, 15 mins walk away, just far enough to work up an appetite.

Mediocre burgers. Not one of the best Greene King pubs. Dirty menus and the disabled toilet needed repair. At the time of the visit, the seat was loose and missing some spacers on the underside. Friendly staff who know how to make a good cocktail drink. Dog friendly but best to reserve a table.

Super fast service and such a pleasant experience welcoming both to us & our dog.

Myself and my son visited Blackpool again last week for 2 nights. I rang and spoke with Karen( manageress)the day before regarding parking our motorhome on the car park ( it's on Britstops website) Our previous visit 2 months ago was brilliant, this visit was on a par. The food,service, ambience etc is exceptional. The staff are ultra efficient,knowledgeable and friendly. The weather was shocking for the 2 days but we still enjoyed our time in Blackpool. It was lovely to have a meal and a drink both nights in such great surroundings. Thank you all for a great stay

Loved the food except my husband found a hair in his burger cocktails were great just needs a bit more stirring and don't like the fact the place was most pre-bookings fish and chips and peas and tartar sauce were great

5 Stars as always, was a quiet night though and last orders was 10:30pm but all good

I really enjoyed it, food was excellent and the service was great, everyone was really friendly and helpful. Would definitely go again.

excellent pub - fantastic food at a reasonable price. fast service - helpful staff - clean facilities. The sort of place you would go back to again and again. On ordering our food we were told there was a 40 minutes wait but it arrived in 20 minutes and everything was cooked to perfection. Certainly going back next time I'm in Blackpool.

Featuring drilled based menu and a good atmosphere it’s a pub worth going. The parking is

This is our second visit, Both visits great apart from the second visit with a rude waiter, but apart from him everything was great,

Good service and good food And friendly atmosphere

Had a lovely meal tonight, my partner had a XL mixed grill and I had Chicken Nuggets & Strips in fries,coleslaw & Tikka sauce, absolutely delicious 😋😋

Great food and great service and exceptional value for money. Only let down is that they allow dogs into the eating area which is really disgusting.

Well run , great menu with special reduction Mon day to Friday

I hear so much about Shovels and we have come to this establishment for 8 years. Usually after a day in the garden or travelling from a little distance. It is a pub that the staff bend over backwards to help you, it is PUB food but usually good. Yes !! It has dogs but in 8 years tonight was the 1st time I have heard one barking. There is no hen nights, when I have been in or drunken stag nights. I think its a great place to go for decent food at a decent price when cooking just does not appeal to you. Thank you all in Shovells. My feet Thank you. 🤔🙃🤣

Great savings on the Monday to Friday menu .... Two main classic meals ..for £13 . 49 ....friendly atmosphere good food and attentive staff asked how we like our meal. Dog friendly too ...they even do a doggy party!!!

Fantastic food served with a smile and courtesy. We asked to sit outside because one of the party suffers from anxiety, and there were a lot of people inside the bar. They couldn't do enough for us. They cleaned the table off for us, made sure we were comfortable, and were able to order our meals

Amazing place Great food Brilliant staff

Busy food came quick and hot really friendly staff

Very impressed,food was fabulous all staff very polite and helpful very pleasant experience all round will be visiting again

Food lovely as always our waiter was tony very attentive and polite

Really liked this pub visited before a non league game

Been here a few times and food and staff are always amazing, dog friendly too so that’s a plus, water and biscuits available for dogs. Can park overnight in camper and it’s a quiet night. Would highly recommended for anyone. Family, friends, best book a table

We always visit when on holiday, Karen and her team are always welcoming and go above and beyond. The food is lovely and very good value for money can’t fault it. Dog friendly aswell. We would definitely recommend.

Really good little stop off,great selection of food, and pretty good, not gourmet obviously, but suited us, nice bottle of wine and a sharing plate of bits.

Excellent atmosphere and even when a busy bar the staff, notably Karen knew who was next in line. Highly recommended.

Brilliant food, brilliant drinks and well done to stevie for doing all our cocktails, get that man a drink!

Lovely food and a great place to relax on a sunny day.

WENT IN FOR A FAMILY DINNER 🍽 AT 1700 AND ORDERED THE MIXED GRILL AND VERY NICE INDEED 😋 10 OUT OF 10 IN MY BOOK 📖

Found this lovely dog friendly pub when we were on holiday, we have 2 dogs so ideal, great service the food is lovely, good size portions & super dog friendly.

Love this place. Today had the half chicken and ribs

Good food, shame there isn't a salad option... good pleasant service. Recommended.

Always good food and atmosphere

The staff r awesome... it's a causal pub friendly with it too...can't fault it xxx

Food hood chips a bit iffy, but enjoyed it.

This is my family's go to pub for all our special occasions. Great atmosphere, food is always amazing, especially the Gammon. Writing this review today as on more than one occasion, staff members have gone above and beyond for me. A server Steven who went out of his way to make my Son birthday 🎂 special ( my son is in the Spectrum, so can be challenging for him). He is a credit to the pub. Also my nan enjoy her afternoons here due to the friendly welcome , Karen u make my nans day so thank u. Overall great pub 👌 Good prices .

Good hot food, friendly atmosphere , efficient happy staff serving with a smile ,and very fairly priced , 1st class in all departments will definitely be back again soon

Great pub. Friendly welcome. Great food at good prices and a great selection of beer. Highly recommended. I noticed on menu that there are Sunday Roasts on a Sunday for less than £9. I'm sure they will be great. I will be back ! I had ( see photo) 8oz Rump Steak meal for £8.49 and a pint of cider for £4.45 . Both great !

The service was brilliant and quick. The food was really good I had eyes bigger than my belly because I couldn't eat it all 😅

For where you are and what it is, we couldn't fault it..... well, maybe... only critique, our 1st and 2nd food choices were not available...ordered the mixed grill in the end, served hot, no fat on anything, egg perfect, service lovely, staff gave a warm & friendly welcome, atmosphere was lovely, a good vibe

Brilliant stop over in our motorhome lovely and quiet at night , food was good and so was the ales will be using again every time we come to Blackpool, bus stop right outside pub.

Great pub great food staff loverly will be back again

excellent food and service from daz & fam

My husband and I visited the Shovels in Blackpool on the 11/7/24. We had phoned up Three weeks previous to try and reserve a table which we had used many times before. We was told that they don’t reserve tables but would “see what they could do” and that the time the table we was asking about wasn’t reserved for anybody else. However when we arrived the table did have a reserve sign on it but with somebody else’s name. I understand that the pub gets busy and most of the tables did have reserved places on them. However the table we was put on was right by the open doors and was too cold to be sat there for any amount of time. We therefore ended up finding another table ourselves (in the pool room) which wasn’t ideal but I didn’t want to start complaining as we was lucky to get a table. As this was to celebrate my husbands birthday I felt quite upset the fact that we do visit Blackpool a lot (every month) for a week and only ever eat in the shovels as we really do enjoy the food which is always lovely and the staff do usually go out of their way to be helpful. We had a meal which was lovely and a couple of drinks each but my intention was to have a bottle of bubbly to celebrate my husbands birthday as well but instead we left immediately after our meal and in my eyes cutting our evening short. I just want to reiterate that this is not a complaint whatsoever about the meal because as usual the food was lovely. It was just so frustrating over the table situation

Oh dear, not a quiet cosy pub. Think I may be getting old

Very quick service, the staff are friendly and the food was excellent. The whole area is lovely and clean.

Lovely place for a meal ,lunchtime or evening. Food is good,staff friendly.

Great atmosphere very friendly staff just a couple of beers this time but the food looked good.

Basic pub meal, my chicken was tough and very dry , overcooked !!!! Service good and clean. No great change food still poorly cooked.now dog friendly!!! Barking continuesly. !!!! Will not be going there again

What an amazing dod friendly pub. The service was very courteous and professional, the food was cooked perfectly also Daniel was very helpful and friendly. We will definitely be back.

Not really a pub, more of a restaurant to take the wife and teenage kids for a burger. Food looked ok. One of the sadly increasing number of soulless places where you don’t feel welcome if you are just having a beer.

Lovely pub, with friendly staff, and a great atmosphere! We ordered the Sunday roast - slow cooked rib of beef with all the trimmings - absolutely superb. This has to be the tastiest, best value Sunday roast in Blackpool! Special thanks to the Kitchen Manager/Chef John.

Food, hospitality and atmosphere was excellent! Dog friendly too 10 put of 10👏

We go for lunch at The Shovels fairly often and are always impressed with the atmosphere, the staff, the standard of service and the food. Today was no different. Special mention for James who served us - thank you for being so friendly and attentive.

Had a pub tea here with my family, the food was good value for money & the people serving us were lovely - Conner was especially kind and helpful - thankyou!

Always an enjoyable experience. Food is always amazing! Staff are very polite,helpful and go out of their way to make sure you’re taken care of. Have been here a few times and always had the best experience. Today I am writing this as we had a server who went above and beyond. Make sure we were taken care. -Daniel is absolutely lovely and a massive credit to you. Keep up the good work.

Wheelchair friendly.Staff couldn’t have been nicer and helpful towards us.Food was brilliant.Spoiled a bit by an older woman swearing at the staff in front of the whole pub.The staff member was very professional in the way he spoke back to her.

What a fantastic welcome we get everytime we visit with our motorhome. Great food served to your table and always pleasant staff. Park your motorhome free if you eat and drink at the pub. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿