The Dolphin — Restaurant in London

Firet day back after lockdown. Arrived with whole household today around 1330, including small children, for a post lockdown treat. Given instructions on rules of the establishment. Left to pick our own table. Ordered immediately as on a deadline to pick up other child, and explained this... Only 3 tables in use in entire pub.

After 20 mins asked for childrens icecreams so they at least had something, 10 minutes later had to ask again for icecreams. 10 minutes after this asked where food was. 5 minutes later was told the chef had made a mistake with orders and was just starting food. Told 'Harry' we had to be leaving in 5 minutes to pick up a child in Greenwich. Was assured food would be ready in 5 minutes. 15 minutes later packed up and half of us had left and the last 2 of us were about to walk out the door, Harry dashes out with take out boxes which we were charged full price for. Honestly we were then in too much of a rush to argue. When we got to car rushing across to greenwich we realised the children's food were missing and the veggie burger was cold (not cooked fully) the final straw... Called up to complain, and spoke to Harry, claiming he was the manager. Apologised and agreed it was unacceptable service and we would get full refund, though we said we were happy to pay for drinks, he reiterated full refund, only he couldn't do it then and would call back later. Several hours later Harry did call back, and stated he could not refund us as he had spoken to his line manager ( Not the manager then, and if not, the manager couldn't be bothered to be on site on first day open after lockdown), and did we realise the kitchen was a separate company and so would only refund the missing item...

When we tried to call back to question this we were put on hold for nearly 20 mins a d then hung up on.

Really where do you have to go with somewhere like this? Feel like they cant give a monkey's about poor service as long as they...

🚇 Sydenham 🍺 £6.20 Pravha

The Dolphin sits on busy Sydenham Road in Southeast London. The nearest station is Sydenham on the Windrush Line.

This pub’s history stretches back to 1733, when it was converted from a farmhouse into a public house. It originally stood on the edge of a wealthy wine merchant’s estate, which was redeveloped in 1897. Later acquired by Courage Brewery, it was rebuilt in 1936 in the popular “Brewers’ Tudor” style.

There are plenty of pubs across London called The Dolphin, but why the name? Dolphins were believed to protect sailors and came to symbolise safe travel, kindness, and charity. An appropriate name for an inn where travellers would pause for rest and refreshment.

Today, The Dolphin is a traditionally decorated one-bar pub with some contemporary and quirky touches. The long central servery is flanked by cosy seating areas, while original wall panels, wooden floors with rugs, three fireplaces, and brass-framed artwork create a classy, homely feel.

Out back, is a huge landscaped beer garden with trees, shrubs, and plenty of space to relax.

The beer selection is excellent, mixing mainstream, independent, and premium options, plus three cask ales. I went for a Pravha, my pint hit the spot, price point was average. The food menu is pub classics and wood-fired pizzas, with fish and chips at £17.50 and Sunday roasts available.

I arrived at 2pm on an overcast Saturday in July. The pub was fairly busy with a friendly local crowd, half dining, half just enjoying a drink. The atmosphere was relaxed, the service was warm, chatty, and genuinely welcoming.

The Dolphin is a very comfortable local pub with stylish decor, a strong beer range, a unique beer garden, and hospitality that makes you want to stay. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.

📅 26th July 2025

If you want to see all my pub reviews in one place, head to @londonpubmap on...

Usually a very welcoming pub, unfortunately my last visit was completely immoral

As soon as we entered the pub the look on the bar staffs and managements face was of complete and utter dismay, quite frankly you would had assumed Bashar Al-Assad and his wife had just popped in for a night cap.

None the less we sat at the bar, in front of the barman with a face so confused you would had thought he was watching four extraterrestrial's debating on whom was going to get the first round in.

After pondering for a few seconds on what drinks we were going to order, he instantly cut in with an "Ok guys I'm going to have see IDs from each of you'. Which is fair enough, I felt a huge sense of flattery running through the creases of my 30 year old face. I produced my international ID card which is widely used and actually very common in the EU, he took it to his Manager and the other barman.

Who both were desperately looking for any excuse to deny us being in the pub

At this point you would of have thought I was being vilified by Heathrow customs, they looked at it as if it was a fake. The barman then returned and he said and I quote "Ok the manager said its fine, but usually we only accept UK Passports, or UK driving licenses"!!!. I was utterly speechless, "I said but what if your not born in the UK" to which he replied then you should apply for a UK passport then!

Which of course makes no sense at all! especially if you don't actually live in the UK. So I said well what if your on holiday or perhaps on business in the UK (International Bar Critic)?

His response was simple and feeble "I'm sorry its the managers shout" fair play to him I did sense the managers distaste along with a very unwelcoming impression, and she did seem like she wanted us to leave very quickly

So at this point we decided enough was enough, and quietly left never to...