The Dolphin — Restaurant in Eastleigh

Ordered chilli wrap, accompanied with chips and salad. (Tiny piece of lettuce no dressing). Requested for mayonnaise and was told by a young member of staff, they’ve been told they can’t give any out and only have enough for the kitchen and was not allowed to purchase from Coop opposite. I asked to speak with the manager/landlord who was sat at another table with his friends. Before he came over, I overheard him putting us down, when asked why he couldn’t supply any condiments to go with our meal, his arrogance was astounding with the reply “the delivery didn’t turn up and he couldn’t buy a small pot opposite because it wasn’t vegan incase of allergies”. (Vegan mayonnaise may also contain allergies 🙄). Even though we told him we don’t suffer from allergies. The sulky manner he dealt with us was so poor attitude including no management skills of running his establishment, trying to put the blame on the young lad who took our order. When working in hospitality, you have to be accommodating even if you buy a bottle for £1.50 and it sits on the kitchen shelf for occasions like this. Putting the bad attitude aside, the wrap was soggy, no salad, overpriced, brought us the bill when we didn’t ask for it. I am a local and it’s a shame because we won’t be returning but using the pub opposite where they have fair menu prices, £8.50 for a jacket potato compared to the Dolphins at £12.50 plus extras. I never write a poor review even if I’m dissatisfied with food or establishments but on this occasion it needs to be recognised the Dolphin does not deserve your money. I’m sure the manager will come back with a self...

Wonderful building - an imposing 3 storey Georgian (built sometime in the 1700s) edifice which has been listed. This was originally a coaching hotel. There's plenty of space inside providing comfortable seating, though much of it is a little worn and basic. The bar has been knocked through to create a long space extending almost to the back. The only windows are at the front, so the impression is more of an airless working men's club or holiday park entertainment's bar. This is compounded by the pub being a Greene King Hungry Horse serving value for money chips and stodge. It is difficult to tell what are original features, and what is fake. The exposed beams are fake, and are not in keeping with the age or style of the building. It is a pity the interior does not match the expectations of the exterior.

I found the pub to be the most comfortable and spacious of the three in Botley, but once inside, the least attractive. The beer is the cheapest in town. There were three cask pumps, but only two were on - Abbot and IPA. The IPA was drinkable, but wasn't cool and wasn't fresh. The pub says it has WiFi, but I couldn't find it on my phone during my visit.

Botley is an interesting looking village, and the three pubs are all acceptable, and serve food. Being close to the Hedge End shopping complex, any of them would be OK for a quick lunch before shopping. But not for anything special. The Dolphin is probably the most down to earth and family friendly, the Bugle the most traditional and characterful, and the Brewery Bar the freshest and...

We visited today for a family meal, we have been to the dolphin many times before for drinks and even special birthdays and never had any issues. Unfortunately today wasn’t the same experience, the food overall was ok except one meal. My husband ordered the burger and asked for the bacon crispy, when the food came the burger itself was extremely dry so he couldn’t eat it and maybe ate 1/3 of it. We don’t usually complain but when the waiter collected the plates we did mention it as most of it was still on the plate. He came back with a form and said any issues with food need to be filled out, my husband asked to speak to someone in charge as the burger was almost £20 and he couldn’t eat it. The issue we have is with the terrible attitude of the person supposedly in charge, he said we’d asked for it well done and I explained he asked for the bacon crispy. He said that’s standard in any restaurant if you ask for the bacon crispy the burger is well done. Which is rubbish. His customer service skills were non existent, he was very cocky and said they don’t offer any kind of reduction with food. He was rude and laughing as he walked back the the other staff watching at the bar. Almost like he was showing off! Having worked in customer service for over 20 years and managing a team myself I’m quite surprised that this particular person has any form of management role at the restaurant & he really needs some more training in a customer facing role. Obviously we will not...