Gone for a Burton: Burtons Building

It’s a popular phrase. ‘Gone for a Burton’ was coined during World War Two, right on this corner of Blackpool Promenade at Burtons Building! And do you remember Burtons confectioners too? Join me for a look!

Enjoyed this video? Why don’t you subscribe to our Visit Fylde Coast YouTube channel – make sure you don’t miss out!

Gone for a Burton: Burtons Building

We love to know the origins of everyday words and sayings, and this one has its roots right here on Blackpool Promenade. Today we use the expression ‘Gone for a Burton’ to describe anything from a minor trip-and-slip to falling off a cliff!

During World War Two, Burtons Ballroom (along with the converted Feldman’s Ballroom and Olympia Amusement Arcade) were used to train wireless operators. A whopping two thousand five hundred airmen at a time were trained there in Morse Code.

There was also an office above the shop at the corer of Church Street for testing RAF operators on their knowledge of Morse Code. This is where the phrase ‘Gone for a Burton’ was coined! The test was so difficult and dreaded that the phrase became used for anything from cancelled leave to death in action!

Many squaddies received their ‘Bombay Bowler’ helmets at Burtons Ballroom. They were kitted out here to go on duty to the Far East.

Burtons Building through the Years

In 1925 Montague Burton Limited bought the Albion Hotel and Restaurant (built in 1828 on the site of Lane Ends House), quickly demolishing it and erecting Burton’s Buildings. The landmark corner building included a ballroom, café and a gents outfitters.

Diana Warren’s American Dress Shop started life here in the 1950’s before moving to Birley Street in the 1960’s.

The first floor of Burtons Buildings was also briefly home to the central Employment Exchange, as the Job Centre was then called. It occupied the space between circa 1972 and 1976, after which it moved to Talbot Road.

Modern Day Uses for Burtons Building

Burger King opened their first Blackpool outlet there in the old Burton’s Café in January 1989. After closing it in July 2009, the store reopened soon after due to public demand. It closed permanently at the end of the 2014 season, with Las Iguanas replacing it in November 2015 (see below).

Once occupied by Burtons Buildings 19 snooker tables, the basement is now occupied by the Laser Quest attraction. The upper floors were once taken by drama school Phil Winston’s Theatre Works before they moved to purpose built premises.

Now it’s Papa’s Fish and Chips, opened on 28 July 2021 (shown in the photo at the top of the page).

Burtons Confectioners

George Burton came to Blackpool by train from Leek in Staffordshire in 1873, trying to sell cakes made in Leek at his father’s shop. It was so successful that he quickly bought land at the edge of town and built his first biscuit bakery. His first shop at Coronation Street shop quickly followed in 1874.

By 1985 they had 16 shops here on the Fylde Coast! On 30 April 1984 it became part of the Warburton Group.

Warburtons also bought Hampson’s and Sayers, before selling all its bakeries to Lyndale Foods in May 1996. Burtons stores were rebranded as Hampson’s in 2002. Some are Sayers, others Pound Bakery – selling similar products at a lower price. Made and sold under the Sayers brand in Home Bargains and Lidl is a range of frozen food.

Delicious!

Burtons Confectioners was renowned for selling high quality food, and especially delicious cakes! They sold the most delightful meringues. Fresh everyday and without the chocolate coating used in mass production. By the end of the day the cream had soaked into the sweet meringue layer, creating a sugary chewiness. Delicious!

Today, Pound Bakery sell a great range of products too. If you’ve never tried their Bavarian Slices you really should! They’re light and creamy, cispy puff pastry filled with creamy confectioners custard. A little taste of those Burtons cakes from days gone by!