The Dolphin has plenty of beer, a pool table and Thai food. Three things that are enough to keep the average pub-goer happy.

The Venue
Located in Bloomsbury, The Dolphin is a venue of two sides. The restaurant is a poky little room, dark due to the heavy blinds on the windows and cramped by too many tables. The pub, on the other side, is more like the expansive area you expect looking in from the outside. A ledge runs around the wall and tall stools are all there is to sit on. The area’s Irish connection is again present in the form of photos of Gaelic football teams and framed Irish verses, both a little reminder of home for some.

The Atmosphere
If you come after dark, when the pool table is in constant use, there’s a certain buzz about the place. The Dolphin does get lively although the frosted windows and lack of light allowed in from the outside means it’s not the most visually appealing place.

The Food
The food is Thai, all main dishes are between £5.50-£6.50 and the choice is grand. Cashew nut stir-fry, pad Thai noodles and Massaman curry are some of the highlights from the list and there are also starters, soups and salads. For those who prefer fast food there are burgers, too.

The Drink
The Dolphin doesn’t have much to quicken the pulse of the ale aficionado but for lager drinkers, it’s not too bad. Kronenbourg, Fosters, Carlsberg and Stella are on draught along with the obligatory Guinness. London Proud does fly the flag as a token beer. Pints generally cost £3-£3.20 a pint. Spirits are sparse - the bar only offers one type of each variety.

The Last Word
The prospect of making a special trip to The Dolphin may border on the foolhardy but, if you’re in the area, dropping in for a quick drink and a game of pool is one way to while away a spare hour or two.

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