Dolphin Inn — Restaurant in East Suffolk

The Dolphin Inn in Thorpeness is a true coastal treasure, offering a delightful experience that perfectly captures the charm of this unique seaside village. From the moment you arrive, you're enveloped in a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel instantly relaxed and ready to enjoy your time.

One of the standout features of The Dolphin Inn is its incredible location. Situated just a stone's throw away from the beach, it's the ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploring the coastline or simply to soak in the sea breeze. The proximity to the beach adds an extra layer of appeal, making it easy to pop in for a refreshing drink or a bite to eat while enjoying the stunning coastal scenery.

Speaking of drinks, The Dolphin Inn truly excels in this area. They offer a fantastic selection of beverages, catering to a wide range of tastes. Whether you're in the mood for a perfectly poured pint of local ale, a crisp glass of wine, or a refreshing cocktail, you're sure to find something to quench your thirst. The quality of the drinks is consistently high, and the friendly staff are always happy to offer recommendations or create something special to suit your preferences.

Adding to the overall appeal is the pub's great atmosphere. The interior is cozy and inviting, with a traditional pub feel that is both comfortable and charming. Whether you're visiting with friends, family, or even on your own, you'll feel right at home in this welcoming space. The staff are attentive and friendly, creating a positive and enjoyable experience for every guest.

In summary, The Dolphin Inn in Thorpeness is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a delightful coastal experience. Its great atmosphere, fantastic selection of drinks, and unbeatable location just steps from the beach make it a true gem. Whether you're looking for a relaxing afternoon pint, a refreshing cocktail after a day in the sun, or simply a welcoming place to unwind, The Dolphin Inn is sure to exceed your expectations. I highly recommend it and look forward to...

My husband & I along with our little dog went to have a meal at the Dolphin recently one evening. I asked firstly at the bar if they were dog friendly before my husband brought our dog inside. I was told that they were & asked if we’d like to eat inside or outside. I said that we wanted to eat indoors but didn’t mind where so long as it was inside. I was instructed to go through to the restaurant area to get a table. I then called my husband inside & we proceeded towards the restaurant that also leads to a further eating area & outside tables. We were about to choose our table when a waitress approached us & told us that we couldn't bring our dog into the restaurant. I tried to explain that I had been told to go through the restaurant & either choose to eat inside or to go through to outside. I also asked her which area we could get a table with our little dog. The waitress then asked if we had reservations & when we said we hadn't, she told us that they were fully booked! I do not understand why one member of staff told us one thing & another the complete opposite! To us it appeared that our custom was not wanted by this waitress & she just wanted us to go! We left feeling totally humiliated by the abrupt & dismissive attitude of the waitress who clearly did not want our custom! I did try to find the lady at the bar before we left who told me where to go initially & had been lovely & friendly, but she was no longer there. I tried to explain to the man at the bar what had happened to us, but he just wasn't sure what to say or do... I would also like to add that both the bar & restaurant were not busy at that time with almost all tables empty. We have eaten at the Dolphin many times before with family & friends as are local & live in the Woodbridge area. Never have we been treated like this by any member of staff in the past. However, this negative experience has now turned us off returning again...

Bad attitude from bar staff. Went there yesterday, Saturday 29th September at 5.30 & waited behind 3 people at bar who had asked if there was a table available. No one else in the pub with loads of empty tables. After some fussing around but very little acknowledgement the barman (think his name was Chris) thrust some menus their way & said in a terse way “just people for the table” They looked shocked & didn’t know how to answer. Another lady customer at the bar said “well they don’t have any aliens with them, what a strange question to ask” (good for her) He replied “well I can’t see if they have a dog can I!!” He showed them their table. Now it was my turn, he returned to bar and just looked at me. So realising that this bloke doesn’t do pleasantries, I asked cautiously “do you have a table for two with a dog please?” Given there were so many empty tables I really didn’t think it would be a problem. I got a blunt “NO not inside” and then he looked me up & down like dirt on his shoe and walked off. It states it’s a dog friendly pub, we have eaten inside with the dog before but I have never met such a rude barman. He will be losing you business. It was cold outside by the way. My previous experience was good but definitely not this time. We won’t be going there again to be talked down to. Common courtesy costs nothing,...