Suffolk: Dolphin Hotel in Felixstowe set to reopen

Publican John Flett has bought the Dolphin Hotel in Beach Station Road, Felixstowe, and plans to reopen the bar first to serve drinks and food, before moving on to open the 13 letting rooms upstairs.

Mr Flett, who currently runs The Dooley Inn in Ferry Lane, Felixstowe, was previously a tenant at the Dolphin when the pub was part of the Admiral Taverns chain.

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Gareth Hatton, from the Dolphin's agents Everard Cole, said the property had been put out to tender for offers of around £525,000, though he could not reveal how much the former hotel had been sold for.

He said: "Mr Flett's main focus will be on getting the bar open and serving food and drinks. Getting the locals and the passing trade and then developing the business as it goes along."

A reopening date for the Dolphin has yet to be confirmed.

The Dooley Inn in Felixstowe, which is run by John Flett, new owner of the Dolphin Hotel (Image: Google Maps)

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The pub and hotel has been the site of an inn for more than 140 years.

It began life in late Victorian times as the Station Hotel, opening opposite Felixstowe Beach Station - now demolished - which in its heyday was the arrival and departure point for thousands of families every summer enjoying a day at the seaside.

It was rebuilt in the 1950s and retained its name until the late ‘60s, after the closure of the station, when it became the Dolphin.

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Inside, there was a main bar with a traditional semi-circular servery with seating for around 20 people, with seven seated at the bar, while there was an additional dining area with seating for 20 people.

There was also a second bar area and games room, along with a commercial kitchen.

The hotel stands in the southern part of the resort, which is being regenerated with millions of pounds of cash.

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