About Us
An awe-inspiring sense of history greets you as you enter The Dolphin Tavern, the past echoing in the aged granite walls and intriguing shipping artifacts, with a warm atmosphere that makes you feel immediately at home.
In 1585, The Dolphin served as the headquarters of Vice-Admiral Sir John Hawkins to recruit Cornishmen to fight against the Spanish Armada.
Another famous mariner, Sir Walter Raleigh, also held court at The Dolphin Tavern and is said to have smoked the first pipe of tobacco in Britain on the premises, many centuries before the current ban on smoking in pubs.
The public house once served as the local court, where the tyrannical Judge Jefferies handed out severe sentences for smuggling and other misdemeanors. A ‘hanging room’ is located in the basement – perhaps the source of the malcontent that has made the pub home to three well-documented spirits: a young, fair haired man who was supposedly killed in a fight, a young Victorian woman who floats along the bar and disappears through a wall and an old sea captain known as George, seen wearing a tricorn hat.
Today, The Dolphin is more famous for its welcoming atmosphere, extensive menu and well-received dishes, broad range of fine ales, wines and spirits and a cool place to stay.
For more information on the history of The Dolphin Tavern, please visit Heritage on the Harbour.

Our Services
Your Dedicated Hosts
Richard and Siobhan Tubb FBii
Richard and Siobhan have been tenants of The Dolphin Tavern for 20 years and are both fellows of the British Institute of Innkeeping.
After an early career turning around difficult pubs in and around London, Richard and Siobhan found their way to The Dolphin Tavern via The Boaters Inn, in Kingston Upon Thames, to the Old Library, in Taunton, before arriving at Quay Street, in 2004.
The young award winning* licensees have blossomed into Penzance’s King and Queen of customer service, whether it’s Siobhan’s staff charter which ensures the staff have the customer experience as their top priority at all times, or Richard’s hospitality and creating events such as the legendary Christmas Caroloke extravaganza, pulling people from the community together to celebrate, and have a great time.
*The Bii Licensees of the Year 2001 || Customer Service Pub Of The Year 2001
