Dolphin Inn, Plymouth facts for kids
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The Dolphin Hotel is a famous pub located in the Barbican area of Plymouth, England. It's a special building, officially known as a Grade II listed building, which means it's protected because of its history and unique design. Many people also know it because it appears in several paintings by the well-known artist Beryl Cook.
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History of the Dolphin Hotel
How Old is the Dolphin Hotel?
The Dolphin Hotel is a very old building. It was built in the early 1800s, which is the 19th century. It has three floors and might even have parts from an older building within its walls. The roof is a special type called a mansard roof, and the front of the building is covered in white plaster with cool dolphin designs.
Famous Visitors: The Tolpuddle Martyrs
The pub has a connection to an important part of history. It's linked to the Tolpuddle Martyrs. These were a group of farm workers who were sent away to Australia a long time ago for trying to form a union. When they returned to England in 1838, some of them stayed at the Dolphin Hotel. At that time, a man named Mr. Morgan was the landlord.
What Makes the Dolphin Hotel Special?
A Traditional Pub Experience
The Dolphin Hotel is known for being a very traditional pub. It hasn't been changed or modernised much over the years. It's famous for its real ale, especially a type called Bass beer, which is served straight from the barrel. This traditional style is very popular.
The pub is even listed in the Good Beer Guide by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). This guide helps people find pubs that serve great quality real ale. It was also mentioned in the 2008 Good Pub Guide. The sign outside the building has always called it the 'Dolphin Hotel'. The pub had some updates in 2010, but unfortunately, it was damaged in 2014.
The Dolphin Hotel in Pop Culture
The Dolphin Hotel has also been featured in television. It was the setting for a BBC animated comedy series called Bosom Pals. This show was based on some of the characters from Beryl Cook's paintings. Famous actors like Dawn French, Alison Steadman, and Timothy Spall lent their voices to the characters. Timothy Spall even voiced Billy Holmes, who has been the real-life landlord of the Dolphin Hotel since the 1990s. He took over the pub from his parents.
