It was once a bustling local watering hole in Springbourne, Bournemouth. But in August 2011, without warning or farewell, The Dolphin pulled its final pint — and within months, it had been transformed brick by brick into a Tesco Express.
The End of an Era
Locals arriving at 316 Holdenhurst Road that summer found the doors locked, the pumps dry, and a note that the pub was closed for good. For many, it was a shock. But not everyone mourned its passing.
Some nearby traders at the time told the Bournemouth Echo the pub had become “rundown” and “a bit of a dive.” Others even welcomed the change, noting that the new supermarket brought cleaner pavements, fewer late-night...
Bodmin Moor is one of those places that takes your breath away before you’ve even thought about your first pint. The wide skies, granite tors and rolling mist make it feel wild and untamed. But tucked away across this rugged landscape are pubs and breweries that have been keeping walkers, travellers, and the occasional smuggler refreshed for centuries. On my latest wander across the moor, I ducked into a few of them – and what I found was a mix of history, hearty hospitality, and some brilliant Cornish ales.
Jamaica Inn – Smugglers and Stories
No trip to Bodmin Moor feels complete without a stop at Jamaica Inn, the coaching house turned world-famous pub that’s as famous...