DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Broadstairs, April, 2026.

Page Updated:- Saturday, 11 April, 2026.

PUB LIST

PUBLIC HOUSES

Paul Skelton

Earliest 1774-

Dolphin Inn

Open 2026+

53-55 (47) Albion Street

Broadstairs

01843 861056

https://whatpub.com/dolphin

Above photo circa late 1940s,

Above image from Google maps, July 2012.

Above sign left, October 1986. Sign right, October 1991.

Above sign 2012.

With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

The "Dolphin" stands at a narrow three-road junction, each with a pub on the corner, but its future is secure from the aspirations of the demolition men, as it is a listed building four centuries old. The stables at the rear have been converted to a pool room, and a former lodging room which occupied the whole upper floor is now living quarters. Beneath the inn are tunnels, now filled in, which led to the old St Mary's Chapel and thence to the sea, and were used frequently by the numerous Broadstairs smugglers.

From the Kentish Gazette, 4 May 1774.

To be sold to the highest Bidder, at the Sign of the "Dolphin," Broadstairs.

On Monday the 9th of May, 1774, at Four o'clock in the Afternoon.

A Lug sail Cutter, twenty-two feet three inches in Length, eight Feet eight inches in Breadth, and five Feet in Depth, with, a Spardeck Foredeck, Main sail, Top sail, and Mizen, very good; well sound, fit to go on the Mackerel Season, catching or carrying. A prime Sailer.

Likewise a BOOMS SAIL BOAT, with all her Materials, eighteen Feet long, seven Feet two Inches broad, and three Feet six inches deep.

For further Particulars, enquire of John Jones, at Broadstairs aforesaid.

Kent Herald, 15 September 1825.

On Monday last, as Mr. J. Hall, of the "Dolphin," Broadstairs, was riding to Messrs. Cobb, brewers, Margate, on a spirited horse, when near the mill the animal suddenly took fright at a poulterers cart loaded with geese, and unfortunately threw the rider and fractured his skull; medical assistants very immediately procured, and we are happy to hear that he is in a fair way of recovery, although in a dangerous state.

South Eastern Gazette 22 January 1856.

DEATH.

Jan. 19, at his residence, Claremont-place, St. Lawrence, Mr. Jesse Rood, late of "Prince Albert Tavern," King-street, Ramsgate, and for many years of the "Dolphin Inn," Broadstairs.

Thanet Advertiser 16 August 1890.

Wanted, at once, General Servant, about 17. Apply Mrs. Darby, Dolphin Inn, Broadstairs.

Thanet Advertiser 16 October 1931.

THE VETERAN LICENSEE.

Mr. Edward Darby, who has held the licence of the "Dolphin Inn," Albion-street, Broadstairs, for over 40 years, is shortly retiring.

East Kent Times and Mail, Wednesday 17 December 1969.

No takers for 400 year old "Dolphin" pub.

One of the oldest public houses the 400 year-old "Dolphin" at Harbour Street, Broadstairs, came under the hammer on Monday night but there were no takers at the asking price.

Whitbreads had offered the pub, which has a flint interior, to Broadstairs Council but the Highways and Works Committee to recommend its purchase.

The asking price was £17,500 to £20,000 - too expensive, the committee considered, for demolition to create space for much-needed car parking.

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Marijke Hall, 3 February 2021.

The Dolphin Inn in Broadstairs to return back to two buildings as owners look for tenant to take it on.

The owners of a much-loved "party pub" have been granted permission to return it back to two separate buildings as they look for tenants to take them on.

Brendan and Angela Bean, whose family have run The Dolphin in Broadstairs for 30 years, have been given approval for the properties at 53 and 55 Albion Street.

The Dolphin pub in Albion Street in Broadstairs. Picture: Invent Architecture.

Proposals submitted to Thanet District Council include a change of use to drinking establishment and restaurant meaning one section of the pub - the smaller part of the tavern, at 53 Albion Street - could potentially become an eaterie, while the popular pub would still run next door.

The plans, drawn up by Invent Architecture, also include a single storey extension at the back to provide a commercial kitchen and storage, if required by whoever takes it on.

Mr and Miss Bean, who are siblings, said: "We have obtained planning to return The Dolphin 53-55 Albion Street back into two separate properties.

"This will consist of no. 53 being extended at the rear to provide storage/kitchen. Following renovations this will be available for lease as a commercial lock-up property.

"The original public house at 55 Albion Street is also available for lease.

The Dolphin Inn in Albion Street, also showing the "George Inn."

"The property consists of the commercial ground floor, kitchen and court yard, two bedroom flat and separate studio.

"Both properties boast prime location within the popular seaside town. The property offers enormous potential across a range of commercial enterprises.

"After 30 successful years as a family business we look forward to welcoming a new era and exciting opportunity."

In a report, Thanet council’s planning team says The Dolphin plays an important role in the local community as an independent drinking establishment and is a heritage asset.

“It contributes positively to the economy of Thanet and the attraction of Broadstairs as a place with independent drinking establishments,” the team adds.

The council says its policies support development linked to tourism and those which increase the attraction of the area with an upgrade in the range of facilities available.

“The works would not result in the net loss of any community facilities or floorspace, and would diversify the current offer,” planners added.

No objections were received to the plans and The Broadstairs Society wrote to the council supporting the proposal.

For more details about the properties see www.milesandbarr.co.uk/commercial-lettings

From the https://www.itv.com Saturday 4 April 2026.

18-year-old man arrested as car crashes into busy Broadstairs pub.

Within the immediate 24 hours the pub has managed to board up some of the damage and hopes to reopen this evening.

A man has been arrested after a car smashed into a popular Broadstairs pub in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Kent Police were called to Albion Road at 1.56am on 4 April after reports that a vehicle had collided with The Dolphin Inn, causing significant damage to the building.

Emergency services, including officers and paramedics, attended the scene. Minor injuries were reported, with those affected treated at the scene.

Shocking footage shared online shows the moment the car struck the pub, prompting nearby residents to rush outside in concern. The incident caused chaos on the street, though no serious injuries have been confirmed.

An 18‑year‑old man has been arrested and remains in custody as detectives investigate.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, dashcam, or mobile phone footage to assist with enquiries.

The pub has reopened following the incident, in a statement posted on Facebook they said:

"We want to reassure everyone that we are open as normal after undergoing repairs. Thank you [customers] so much for all the support and kindness we've received."

From the https://theisleofthanetnews.com By Kathy Bailes, 5 April 2026.

Teen charged over ‘ramming’ incident at The Dolphin pub in Broadstairs.

A teenager has been charged in connection with an incident where a vehicle was crashed into a Broadstairs pub.

Kent Police was called to Albion Street at 1.56am yesterday (April 4) following a report that a car had hit a building.

Doorman had taken the registration, made sure all customers stayed inside and were in the process of contacting police when the car hit the property head-on.

The pub suffered damage to the wall and doorway with brickwork strewn on the path and road, alongside parts of the car, but the venue has since reopened to customers.

Officers attended along with other emergency services. A man in his 30s was taken by paramedics to a local hospital after leg and arm injuries were reported.

Initial enquiries were completed and a man was arrested a short while later.

Today (April 5), Frank Finn, of High Street, Broadstairs, was charged with attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving.

Mr Finn, 18, was remanded in custody to appear before Folkestone Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.

LICENSEE LIST

HALL John 1825-28+