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First Ever Tray-Mendous Dash Launches Blackpool Restaurant Week 2026

Blackpool Restaurant Week 2026 officially launched on Thursday 12th March with the first ever Tray-Mendous Dash at Blackpool Tower.

The event brought together staff from participating restaurants and bars across the town to celebrate the people who keep Blackpool’s hospitality scene running.

Compered by Coastal DAB Radio, competitors stepped away from the floor to take on a light hearted challenge carrying trays with three flute glasses of water around a winding course. The task tested their balance, speed and service skills as they navigated the route while keeping their trays steady.

After some impressive tray work and a few wobbly moments, Hannah Sharples from Winston’s Bistro claimed first place with the steadiest hands of the day. Dan Cooper, representing the Hotel Sheraton, finished in second place, while Bradley Whitaker from Platform 9 Bar & Kitchen secured third.

Hannah walked away with £100 cash courtesy of Nigel Seddon and the team at The Elgin Hotel, while other prizes included a £50 bar tab at Abingdon Street Market and a meal for two at Common Bar & Kitchen.

Friends, family and colleagues gathered to watch and support the competitors as the event marked the launch of this year’s Blackpool Restaurant Week.

Blackpool Restaurant Week runs until Thursday 19th March 2026, featuring over 25 participating venues and more than 35 offers. Local residents and visitors can enjoy everything from two course meals for £15 and kids eat free deals to fine dining, bottomless pizza, pop ups, and tastings across the town.

Ryan Skyrme, Blackpool BIDs Operations Manager, said: “It was fantastic to see so many hospitality teams take part in the first ever Tray-Mendous Dash, and we’re grateful to The Elgin Hotel, Coastal Radio and Blackpool Tourism Limited for their support in helping us bring the event to life at Blackpool Tower. Blackpool has a wide range of high quality food businesses across the town, and Restaurant Week is about giving people the opportunity to discover them. Last year showed there’s a real appetite for this kind of event, and this year even more venues are involved. Initiatives like this encourage people to eat out, try somewhere new and support local businesses.”

The week is delivered by Blackpool BIDs and supported by headline sponsor Coral Island, as well as Coastal Radio, The Elgin Hotel, and other partners. Charity partners such as The Burnt Chef Project and The BIG FOOD Project enable participating venues to make a tangible impact in the community.

All offers, family competitions, events, and news are available on the website: www.blackpoolrestaurantweek.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Oliver Thomas .