The Dolphin Dog Friendly Review

Website: http://www.thorpenessdolphin.com
Address: Peace Place
              Thorpeness, Suffolk
              IP16 4NA
Telephone: (01728) 454994

We have been visiting the Dolphin Inn now for the last three years, which is just about the same time as the current Landlord has held the tenancy. During this time, the pub has maintained an impeccable level of service and quality that is second to none and best of all the Dolphin is unashamedly dog friendly too. The pub is extremely popular with dog owners and each time we have visited, we have been among at least four or more other dog owners in and around the pub. Dogs are welcome at all times, and the staff have endeared themselves to us by often stopping to pet their furry patrons and share a tale of recent walkies. This is more of a surprise when you consider the Dolphin’s great reputation for its food. Chris the Chef offers a varied and exciting menu that change frequently to reflect the seasons and that reflects his genuine love in seeking out the best food producers in East Anglia. Whilst the main restaurant is off limits, dogs and diners are allowed in the main bar, which has a big roaring fire in winter, and in the "snug" which is a charming side bar with several tables and picture windows. Mains average at about £10. However, probably the most attractive feature for those visiting with dogs is the garden. The Dolphin Inn sits exactly on the crossroads of the village of Thorpeness and the scale of the garden is more in keeping with that of a country churchyard than a regular pub. The garden is gated, safe and as well as having covered formal patio seating, the garden has up to 25 picnic tables all well-spaced out. From here, you can watch the comings and goings of this quirky gentle village, so different from its near neighbour Aldeburgh, which sets itself against the strong North Sea. Thorpeness is rather dreamier and in summer, the Dolphin offers a programme of garden entertainments, including lunchtime BBQs and Hog Roasts and live music nights. So, if you find you cannot tear yourself away you will be pleased to find out that the Dolphin also offers dog-friendly B&B. I must admit to taking my domestic hat off to the owners of the Dolphin. This charming attractive free-house pub is immaculately kept, and how they manage this with its constant stream of dog clientele is a testament to the powers of elbow grease and a keen eye. Being on the ball with the practicalities needed by all their visitors is something the Dolphin does so well. From the safe bicycle stands inside the garden wall, to a liberal smattering of dog bowls and even a hose outside for swampy dogs who have crossed the low lying Anglian seaside to get there. These features show how well the owners know and care for their customers. And why, the minute you leave you’ll be looking forward to you next opportunity to come back. The pub itself has about five car parking spaces around the back, and there are about a few spaces around the pub, but there is a public car cark a hundred yards down the road.

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