Owners of historic city pub say it will reopen

The Dolphin pub in High Street, Old Portsmouth, is due to close having been open since 1716.

The current licensee has told The News that a hike in rent and an increase in alcohol costs has meant it is not financially viable to continue trading.

But a spokesperson from owners Enterprise Inns said: ‘The Dolphin’s lease expires in early April 2016 and having completed an extensive review of all available options we have mutually agreed with the publicans to end their business agreement at the pub.

‘The Dolphin will be undergoing a short period of refurbishment with significant investment and will reopen early in May as part of the Bermondsey Pub Company, employing a team of around 15 full and part-time staff.

‘We hope that regular customers of this historic pub will continue to visit to enjoy quality food and drink including great British classic dishes and an extensive range of quality cask ales.’

The Dolphin, which styles itself as Old Portsmouth’s ‘village pub’, will close on Monday.