Campaign for Real Pubs: The Dolphin

The Dolphin, Plymouth, Devon PL1 2LS

An old-fashioned harbourside pub in Plymouth’s historic Barbican area. The interior is one basic Z-shaped bar with fixed seating plus rustic benches and tables arranged rather haphazardly. At some point in the past the two front doors must have given access to separate areas, maybe a front bar and a passageway through to the rear. The clientele is an incongruous mix of down-to-earth locals, business people and tourists, some of whom must be a little baffled by what they find.

Around eight different real ales are served on gravity including Bass, St Austell Tribute and Proper Job, Doom Bar and Otter Ale, although perhaps the selection could be a little more adventurous. In my experience temperature control was fine. Bass is the defining beer in here. No food is served, but you are allowed to bring in meals from local takeaways. The frontage features in a couple of paintings by well-known local artist Beryl Cook, reproductions of which are displayed on the wall.

WHAT ARE REAL PUBS?

Real pubs are pubs whose primary function is still the original core purpose of pubs – for people to meet and socialise over a few drinks.

They may serve food, and very good food at that, but they don’t allow it to dominate to the exclusion of all else. They’ll probably have a strong core of regular customers, but still make casual drinkers welcome. They may well serve a good drop of real ale, but won’t be full of beer bores droning on about hop varieties and IBUs.

In many parts of the country they’re getting very hard to find. In recent years, the smoking ban, beer duty hikes, the demonisation of “one-drink driving” and the general anti-alcohol climate have all had their effect, but such pubs do still survive if you know where to look and deserve to be celebrated.

Although in many ways they are a laudable organisation, this blog is not connected with and does not in any way represent the Campaign for Real Ale.

The inclusion of a pub does not necessarily reflect a recent visit by myself, although often it does.

Campaign for Real Pubs

The Dolphin

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