Gulliver's Tavern

Gulliver's Tavern in 2009

Gulliver’s Tavern, formerly known as the Dolphin Inn, is a historic pub in the Kinson area of Bournemouth, Dorset, England. Dating from the 18th century, is believed to be the oldest pub in the town.[1]

History

The pub was built in 1750 as a public house and stables known as the Dolphin and Chequer.[2] The tavern stands on Wimborne Road, which historically linked the towns of Wimborne Minster and Christchurch together.[3]

In 1988, it became a Grade II listed building by Historic England.[4] In 1993 the pub was renamed the Gulliver’s Tavern after the local smuggler Sir Isaac Gulliver (1745-1822).[5][6] His ghost has been said to haunt the pub.[7] In 2018, the pub became under new ownership and was reopened as The Acorn.[8]

References

1. "Fancy a pint? Some of Dorset's oldest pubs we can't wait to get back to". Bournemouth Echo. 2021-02-19. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
2. "Remembering pubs' pasts..." Bournemouth Echo. 2011-08-30. Retrieved 2023-12-09.
3. Stuff, Good. "Dolphin Inn, Kinson North, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole". britishlistedbuildings.co.uk. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
4. "DOLPHIN INN, Non Civil Parish - 1232929 | Historic England". historicengland.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-12-09.
5. BBC. "Smugglers Cove - in Kinson?". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2023-12-09.
6. Fletcher, Damien (2010-03-25). "What's inn a name? Secrets behind the people pubs are named after". The Mirror. Retrieved 2023-12-09.
7. Phillips-Jones, Richard (2015-05-19). "Bournemouth: 5 Haunted Places To Visit | Spooky Isles". Retrieved 2023-12-10.
8. "Cheers! Raise a glass to the pub that's actually OPENED!". Bournemouth Echo. 2018-12-08. Retrieved 2024-01-23.

50°46′08″N 1°54′09″W