When we moved here (Poulton le Fylde) we expected to avoid Blackpool completely. But have been a few times for gigs at The Waterloo (excellent venue, rough area on South Shore) Shows at the Tower Ballroom and comedy club near North Pier.
It certainly lives up to it's reputation as a shithole in many ways and areas, however it has it's good points too.
Abingdon Street Market is excellent for food and drink and stalls, and yet there are some dodgy as feck pubs around it.
Then there is a great cask ale etc pub called Cask & Tap on nearby Topping Street. While literally across the road is one of the shittiest looking 'Sports Pubs'. We were sat Cask enjoying a pint in nice surroundings, whilst watching across the road, people on mobility scooters roll up and others came from within the pub to buy their shoplifted swag.
Michael Wan's Wok Inn is an Asian 'street food' place right opposite North Pier which does some of the best food I've ever had. Next door is a bar like something from the crappest part of Benidorm.
Blackpool certainly contradicts itself.
