5a Queen Street
Cathedral Quarter
Derby
DE1 3DL
01332 267711
thedolphinderby@gmail.com
Traditional Town Pub, 3* Heritage Pub
The Olde Dolphin dates from the late 16th century and is very probably Derby’s oldest pub, but all is not quite what it seems. The Brewers Tudor exterior certainly looks historic but actually dates from a refit by Offiler’s Brewery in the mid 20th century (photos 1 & 3). The rooms inside also date from the refurbishment, but because they have hardly changed since then, it actually makes them quite historic in pub terms!
All four rooms have some original features but one of the best is the rear lounge with its floor to ceiling wood panelling and inglenook fireplace (photo 2). The small snug which you pass on the way to the rear lounge also has full height panelling, a hatch to the bar and leaded windows.
The Offilers Lounge at the front still has bell pushes, once used to call for waiter service. The bar at the front right has a quarry tiled floor, more panelling and the main bar counter (photo 4). All rooms have a real fire which is very cosy on winter evenings. For warmer days there’s a large beer garden at the back.
The pub has five or six cask beers, always including Draught Bass which has been sold here since the 1960s when the pub became a Bass Charrington house. It also sells the other historic Burton ale, Pedigree, and the other regular is Greene King Abbot.
Food is available lunch and evening and the upstairs restaurant is open from 6.30 Thursday to Saturday. This room does have some ancient remains with huge exposed 16th century beams.
