The Dolphin Inn, Hastings

Steve of N21 left this review about The Dolphin Inn

This is a fine old Fisherman’s pub, opposite the famous tall Fisherman’s nets huts and the shingle beach where I believe they still have the largest beach launched fishing fleet in the UK.
Unfortunately, its prime location does mean it’s a bit of a tourist magnet in high season and as mine was a late lunchtime visit it was full of people dining and quite a few families included. But difficult to complain as on this occasion I fitted the tourist definition and they are renowned for their pub food rating very highly for it on Trip Advisor, and especially the sea food dishes, as the product come direct from the fishing fleet each day.
The interior is as well described by PSM below, but we actually chose to visit here as, on passing we spotted a bench being vacated on the excellent small front facing terrace and decided to grab it to celebrate the fact that the sun had just broken through for the first time that day.
Fortunately, real ale is as much a focus as the food and all six handpumps dotted along the bar were in operation with Harvey’s Sussex Best, Youngs Special, Dark Star Hop Head, Marstons Pedigree, Surrey Hills Brewery Sheer Drop and 360 degree Brewing Fast Back American Pale Ale. I did notice they offered a paddle of 3 1/3 measures but we went for halves of the latter two and they were in very good condition.
This was a very good and well run food and ale pub in the tourist section of Hastings and was probably our second best preferred pub of the day after the FILO.

On 1^st September 2023 - rating: 8
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