The Dolphin, Newport Pagnell

Good-looking old Charles Wells pub, and it retains two separate bars; but both refurbished with a semi-modern look. Also has a good number of tables out front. However, one thing largely missing was beer when I called in, with neither pair of handpumps in use and the upturned cups on the keg taps meaning that even the Foghorn was off. Finally managed to get a quick Supernova (£2.95, half) while listening to a very proficient live band with guest singers (probably friends and family, but talented).

A traditional, stone built pub at the end of the High Street, it seems a popular spot and I have on many occasions seen groups of people sitting outside on the benches on the wide pavement in the warmer weather, although on a recent wet Monday evening visit it was somewhat quieter. The pub is split in to two halves with a lounge bar on the left and a public bar on the right. Décor wise, the lounge looks as though it may have recently been refurbished and consists of a laminate wood floor, Farrow & Ball style paintwork and a low beamed ceiling which has unfortunately all been painted over. A brick fire-place was at one end complete with a wood burning stove and there was a dining area off the lounge at the rear. A few high stools were at the bar, but other than that the seating was conventional tables and chairs. The public bar looked to be fairly similar in terms of the décor but included a pool table and a plasma screen showing a sports channel. The menu offered a decent looking choice of “pub grub” dishes such as Chilli Con Carne, Scampi & Chips, Sausage & Mash, Steak & Ale Pie, Chicken Tikka Masala, etc., and these were mostly priced around the £6 mark. A specials board listed a Corned Beef Hash and roasts were apparently available on Sundays and Thursdays. I went for the Chicken breast topped with bacon and melted cheese and whilst it was a very generous portion it was a pretty dire dish and I would much rather have paid more for something better. It came with chips rather than the advertised mash and the chicken was tough, chewy and stringy and I struggled to eat it. I feel slightly guilty about saying this as the Landlord was a friendly young chap and opened up the kitchen especially as they don’t usually serve food on a Monday night. Perhaps I was unlucky and on regular food nights it may be different. Beers on tap were Charles Wells DNA and their Eagle IPA along with keg Bombardier. The solitary cider was Strongbow, unfortunately.