The Dolphin, Eastbourne

First in as pub was opening ystdy at 12:00, off came the towels and relieved to see the beer pulled thru before we were served 3 very good pints of Harveys (£2.55), TT Landlord was also available. I liked the look of the bar although it is probably 'newer' than it seems at first glance. Food menu (& prices) a little pretentious, but good start to the Eastbourne crawl.

Lead stained glass gives a mock castle feel inside, wood through out including a real wood fire (formally gas which appears to have been cut) its a small but comfortable Breakspear pub. Central bar, bench seating with cushions infront of the windows. 3 real ales that were kept very well.

Yes agree, this town centre pub situated in the Little Chelsea area, doesn’t look much from the outside, but is quite a good pub inside. As described below its an L shaped bar area in two distinct parts with a front bar area with large open fire and a friendly mixed clientele atmosphere, then a smaller bar area to the rear, and then a larger room mainly set for dining, and then an outside patio area to the back. Four ales were on the go for my visit, one from Brakspear, (Special, as it is apparently a Brakspear tied house) and then Harveys Sussex Best, Dark Star Hophead and Longman brewery American Pale Ale, and the Longman brew was on very fine form. Liked it here and wouldn’t hesitate returning when next in town.

The Dolphin page at the Brakspear site - www.brakspear.co.uk

This pub doesn't look that much from the street, but has a more interesting interior with a few 1930s(?) features including some stained glass in the front windows. 'L'-shaped layout with real log fire and a slightly rustic feel. Separate dining room beyond. Three of four handpumps in operation when I visited a couple of months ago, with Brakspear Special, Harveys and a decent pint of Dark Star Sunburst (£3.35) available.

The Dolphin page at the Brakspear site - www.brakspear.co.uk

This is a nice enough pub with the bar area at the front and a restaurant located at the rear past a piano. There is also some seating out the back for us smokers, but it’s not the most scenic space. I think that I counted four hand pumps alongside some standard draught products and my couple of pints of Harveys Best were spot on. This place is worth a visit if in the area.