Dolphin, Shrewsbury (Dolphin Ale house)

Accredited for beer quality 2022

Acquired by Joule's Brewery in November 2012, and reopened in August 2013 after a major renovation. The idea was to create a traditional ale house, and it's clear that the thought and passion that has gone into the project has produced the desired result. They have taken a basic three roomed layout, and with the use of reclaimed material, old photos, clever artwork and the retention of original features, have reproduced an updated but unashamedly old fashioned community local. So for example, we have the original floorboards and tiling, working gas lights, a fireplace, and leather benches. A couple of the beer pumps are quirky too. One is retro 1950's Joule's, the other is the working end of a fire hose. This, and some of the artwork, recognizes that the fire station and the Ditherington Flaxmill are near neighbours. The Flaxmill is famous as the world's first iron-framed building, built in 1797. (It was later used as a Maltings, supplying malt to Ansells up until 1987).

The pub was owned by Trouncers, a local Shrewsbury brewery for a time, and also had a spell as a microbrewery prior to Joules taking over. A Good Beer Guide regular in the 1990s, it's future looked bleak during a prolonged closure, but Joules have re-invigorated the place, successfully developing the sort of character that the owners were aiming for.

The food at The Dolphin is a contrast to the traditional aesthetics of the pub, offering a modern fusion of worldly flavours. The style of dining is more like a "pop up kitchen" rather than restaurant, with an informal and relaxed approach. A third Joules ale is normally on, usually Slumbering Monk but often replaced by the seasonal ale when it is available.