Ye Olde Dolphin Inne

Ye Olde Dolphin Inne is a historic public house located on Queen Street in Derby city centre, close to the River Derwent and the Cathedral Quarter. The building is widely regarded as one of the oldest pubs in Derby, with parts of the structure believed to date back to the sixteenth century, although the site itself may have been used as an inn even earlier. The inn is built from traditional timber framing and brick, with features typical of early English coaching inns. During its long history the Dolphin served travellers, merchants, and locals moving through Derby at a time when the city was an important stop along regional trade routes. Inns such as the Dolphin provided food, drink, lodging, and stabling for horses, making them vital hubs of activity within growing market towns. Over the centuries the building has witnessed many changes as Derby expanded during the Industrial Revolution. Despite alterations and restoration work, much of the structure still reflects its historic origins, and the pub has retained many of the architectural characteristics associated with older English inns. Today Ye Olde Dolphin Inne remains a well-known historic pub in Derby, recognised for its age, character, and connection to the city’s past. Situated within one of Derby’s older streets, the building stands as a reminder of the city’s long history of trade, travel, and community life.