The Dolphin in Tynemouth has reopened following a £168,877 refurbishment funded by licensee Charlie Paterson and Admiral Taverns.
The investment in the King Edward Road pub has included improvements across its bar, lounge, dining and outdoor areas, with the project designed to modernise the venue while retaining its established character as a community pub.
Internally, the refurbishment has introduced an extended bar and refreshed lounge, alongside new fixtures, fittings, furniture, flooring and décor.
The changes have been designed to provide greater flexibility for customers visiting for drinks or dining.
Externally, The Dolphin has received new lighting, signage and decoration, while its outdoor seating area has also been upgraded.
Licensee Charlie Paterson is marking one year at the pub, having taken over The Dolphin on 21 August 2025.
A Tynemouth native, Paterson previously worked in hospitality roles around the world, including within luxury hotels and aboard superyachts.
He said: “The past year at the Dolphin has been absolutely brilliant, and celebrating this milestone with a newly refurbished pub really is the icing on the cake.
“This is the pub where I had my first pint with my dad, so it holds a very special place in my heart. I am so happy to be carrying on its legacy with a fresh new look, while still keeping the community at the heart of everything we do.
“We have revamped our food menu with some fantastic new dishes and introduced a specially paired wine menu. While there have been changes to give the pub a fresh look for this new chapter, the heart of the place remains very much the same.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to the whole team at the pub, as well as my family, for all their hard work during the renovation. I would also like to thank the team at Admiral Taverns, who have been incredibly supportive throughout the process.
“Finally, I would like to thank the local community, who have been incredibly encouraging over the past year and since we reopened. I look forward to serving them for many years to come!”
The pub will continue to host regular entertainment, including weekly quiz nights and screenings of live sport.
Paterson also intends to support fundraising activities for a range of charities, including the RNLI, as part of the pub’s community programme.
Following the refurbishment, The Dolphin offers a drinks range including cask ales, premium draught lagers, cider and stout.
A new wine list has also been introduced to complement the expanded food menu.
The food offer includes an extended Sunday lunch selection and a new ‘build your own plate’ menu of healthier options, with dishes prepared on site using fresh produce.
Samantha Banks, Business Development Manager at Admiral Taverns, said: “Charlie has done a fantastic job at the Dolphin since taking over this time last year and it has been brilliant to see him mark this milestone by reopening the newly refurbished pub.
“This is a wonderful community spot that is now even better positioned to serve the area, whether that is for a quick pint in the new bar area or a delicious meal in the lounge.
“On behalf of myself and everyone at Admiral Taverns, I would like to wish Charlie and his team the very best for the future.”
Admiral Taverns operates around 1,350 pubs across England, Scotland and Wales.
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