The Dolphin in Hackney

DJ Momo playing absolute tunes!!! Love her! She's the best!

We came for DJ Momo and she was great.

Went there for drinks and karaoke - had so much fun - DJ Mom was super sweet and let me go up first so I could catch the last train.

We love coming here for karaoke, always a fabulous time out and Momo is a gorg kareoke host! 5/5

Great vibes and music for a fantastic dance!!!

It’s very safe place and they are very kındly and someone wrıtes ıf u are person of LGBT do not go thats funny bec.dj and one of the stuff member ıs a gay ☺️

Horrible experience with the security staff, being rude, calling people slurs, cornering them & creating an unsafe atmosphere in general. The bar manager completely took the security’s side - even though she also came begging us not to leave after we had been made to feel completely unwelcome (probably because it was empty on a Friday night) Drinks also incredibly overpriced (5 jagerbombs for almost £50) so not worth the trip anyway

I am a regular customer here, the staff and the pub is very welcoming, music is amazing and great environment.

I’ve have a lovely time in the dolphin pub I’ve been here many times for the pass couple years and I’m a usual there to be completely honest I’ve been here with so many of my friends and I’ve never met more social bartenders and just any sort of workers ever to be honest the bouncers were kind and done there job simple and effectively; I can’t get over their DJ as well in how funny he his and interactive with the customers safe and comfortable environment will recommend 👍

THE DOLPHIN IS NOT A SAFE SPACE FOR QUEER / TRANS PEOPLE Disgraceful behaviour from both staff and security, who cornered my queer / trans friends in the toilets, demanded to see ID and asked invasive questions about their bodies. Nobody deserves to feel harassed and made to feel deeply unsafe and unwelcome as we were here.

DONT GO HERE IF YOURE LGBTQIA+ Horrible security guard abusing their power to harass my friends with queerphobic slurs, following them into the bathroom and verbally abusing them with homophobic language. Made the entire friend group feel unsafe! Management didn’t handle the situation properly nor seemed to care and it was unresolved.

DO NOT GO HERE IF U ARE QUEER OR TRANS, ANYONE PART OF THE LGBTQ community, this is not a safe place.

Disgraceful behaviour from the security and manager/bar staff. Do not go here as a queer/trans person and expect to feel safe. Myself and a group of friends went to celebrate a birthday. Staff were friendly at first. Was very empty for a Friday and there was 4 security who all seemed to be bored and looking for a fight. Security called my friend a homophobic slur when they entered the pub. Then cornered them outside the toilet and demanded to know ‘what they were’ in progressively more invasive ways. Of course we all grabbed our things to leave, I ran to the loo before leaving and the manager (?) Followed me into the toilets, banging on the door and shouting at me to get out as she thought I was a man and wouldn’t leave until I said I wasn’t multiple times. I complained to the bouncers outside the toilet who then preceded to aggressively ask for my ID to ‘prove my gender’. We left and the manager followed us out saying she didn’t want us to go but at that point it was very clear we weren’t welcome. Left all feeling very shaken and angry. None of the punters had any issue with us we were minding our business, buying pints, doing karaoke having a chill time not causing anyone harm.Shameful discriminatory behaviour, will be warning all my mates and never coming back, I’m sure the staff will be happy to hear. Looks like there’s been lots of complaints about security for aggressive behaviour to women, poc and queer people, these people should be fired or bare minimum receive some sensitivity training.

Amazing service - everyone was lovely and welcoming. I highly recommend. Also, very good music!

Once I enter Dolphin Pub, I don't feel like going anywhere else. The atmosphere is very nice. I feel very special with their friendly and smiling staff. I don't know if it's the energy of the place or the quality of the drinks I drank, but; I became addicted to it. it so save place. I recommend it to everyone. Ohhh, and as someone who loves to sing, I can say; Dolphin Pub was a stage for me with its karaoke service 😋🍀🐬

Dolphin a great place to party and have a good time, got banging tunes can’t go wrong with this spot

I was housebound for 15 years I started to go out on my 50th I went Dolphin bottle s was thrown from a man wh quite aggressive an old time friend who was from Istanbul happen to be there on my I visited was singer and worked in lots of public houses in hackney vwas well respected since I bring dolphin 3 times in 2024 to 2005 2 of them times Ur staff on door was racist and picked of me as only Irish woman I've never been offensive towards them and nevertheless cause problems I doorman head security apparently was just being awkward he said my friends can go inside but not me 1st occasion he used no id although I shouldn't photo idea his told his colleague my friend no id no entry then we just said ok next tym is id on phone ok he replied yes 24th Jan we brought id ally friends can go not me can go inside I'm not allowed I ask why he said that's was wat boss said I ask being boss he said no I do not know this bouncer

Yesterday myself and my housemate went to the Dolphin quite late in the evening. Initially we thought the dolphin was shut as the door was closed. I tried to open the door and was aggressively greeted by their bouncer (apparently his first ever shift… I think his name is Oms?). He told me “can you not see the door is closed? Don’t do that again” and proceeded to tell me to walk away. I tried to ask what time the dolphin had shut and he said “why are you still here and why are you still talking”. His colleague must have noticed the hostility because he went to check on him at the door. The 2nd bouncer had let us in for a final drink. When we were about to go Oms’ shift had apparently ended and he’d gone. However when we were outside, he saw us with the 2nd bouncer and went “why did you let her in? She disrespected me.” Started circling around me and being super hostile. Honestly I found him quite scary. Then started saying stuff like “why is she opening her mouth? Who does she think she is?”. I could rattle off a lot of the other things he said. To be honest at this point I just wanted to say sorry if I had offended him and if all could be fine. I put my hand on his bike as he was leaving just so I could have a bit more of a calmer conversation with him. That didn’t land well at all and threatened me. He told the 2nd bouncer to move me away before he does something etc etc. Like this was seriously unnecessary. I think I probably said a total of like 2 sentences to Oms and I’ve never been spoken to like that in my life. I really wanted to let this go but I’ve thought about this really scary encounter quite a bit today because it really hasn’t sat well with me at all. I was tempted to come in to the dolphin and file a formal complaint about him. But honestly, I’m too scared to see him again. Probably won’t be back if I’m honest. Dolphin - I urge you not to keep Oms working at your business unless you want him to drive customers away. He’s scary, he’s unnecessarily aggressive and rude, and gives me wild power trip vibes.

Lovely atmosphere had a great time

mostly a good experience however I spent £28 on two rum and Cokes which was relatively steep. nice but expect expensive drinks.

Expensive pints, bad strobes directed at peoples eyes

Stopped by here to have some pre drinks before going somewhere else but decided to stay for immaculate vibes. Did some karaoke and had myself a good laugh

It's really good pub.friendly staff clean and safe.

Fun karaoke night, relatively quiet for a Saturday night

It’s really good pub.friendly staff clean and safe and good vibes

Pool is super fun. Love this place!

The dolphin is such a vibe if you ain't there then you ain't doing.it right there good vibes dancing drinking pool and amazing staff and on the bar and the door gets better and better every week and don't forget karaoke so if you know what good for you then I and they will see you over the weekend and every weekend xx

Karaoke nights are super fun! We will come back here for sure. 😁🎉 They have happy hours too

Great service, random atmosphere

Lovely place with a lovely vibe

Best people with best fun over weekends but also such a great space for weekday drinks as it’s such a historic place - open until 3am over weekend days !!

I had a great time inside, the karaoke was great, the service was very fast, and the security was top quality. Also, the design of the place was very nice.

Probably the best pub in London

We used to love this bar for its Friday karaoke nights and its host - came here a couple of weeks ago with no karaoke or even a DJ There is also no social media whatsoever so track updates and stuff, people who work there seems bored and not very welcoming This place was amazing between February - April I dont know what happened!

Thanks to the awesome Princess Alana for the amazing service. Looking forward to visiting again.

Had such a fun night at the dolphin thanks to DJ Momo

Kay Kay was really friendly and looked after me. The football was put on the big screen for me and follow up pint poured as I was finishing my first. Only scored 3/5 on atmosphere as it was early and I was the only person in the pub!

Amazing place, came with nice staff, I will definitely come again! Kay Kay was so sweet and on top of everything. I don’t leave reviews but this place deserve it!

What a fantastic karaoke bar, had an absolute ball!

Mustafa is a legend , karaoke night is so lit! 🩷

Very poor Guinness. Strange vibe with 6 bouncers at 9pm for an empty pub.

So Happy to have the dolphin back open again! Came today after many years and the service, music, and general vibe were exactly as I left them. Thank you so much to the amazing owner for treating my friends and I like family.

I love the dolphin. I have loved the dolphin for as long as legends stand alone! There is no other venue in Hackney that is as welcoming to all creeds and cultures. The owner is invested heavily in community spirit and lives and works hard to benefit the local people. A truly all inclusive environment.

The owner is great … she is very welcoming and talkative The music is great and lasts all night long The drinks are affordable and make the night really good fun The whole vibe of the bar is great fun and welcoming, all races, colours, genders, sexualities … (it may take a second but you’ll feel it) we’re all welcome and loved

I wouldn’t even give this place a star if I could. The security are an absolute disgrace at this pub. I was thrown out onto the street outside and kicked in the head by one of the bouncers. Apparently I was too intoxicated which was definitely not the case, it was more because I was one of the only gay guys in the pub that night. I’ve never had this behaviour before enacted towards me before at any other pub, bar or club since the the whole 8 years I lived in London. Avoid this place at all costs and go to Martello hall next door!!!!

Had my first experience here and it was amazing. The quality service by Mustafá just made the night better at this place. Definitely I would recommend this place.

A charming convivial pub in the heart of hackney

Epic!!! Love the new but just as good as the old

Kaan and Sarah is excellent ! Great service!

I was forced to give a 5 star review to get the drink that I paid for.

The atmosphere is amazing and the karaoke is fun and everyone is dancing and enjoying the music and food

The owner of this pub is a dog called Shadow - he runs a great pub. 10/10 must visit.

The bar staff is absolutely stellar and the dog is the icing on the cake . I love it here

Kaan was the best.he welcomed us so much. Served our drinks. Made our night amazing. What a guy

I love this place!! Vibes vibes vibes

I met my husband in here and we had 2 babies

Came for karaoke on Friday and it was SO MUCH FUN!! Such good vibes, great crowd!

We love Mustafa, we love him,he's the best bartender ever, you need to visit just to meet him!

Kaan and Sarah are amazing!! Everyone come here

I would highly recommend this pub as bar staff are speedy and drink prices are competitive also karaoke Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings. I've only ever been on Friday evenings. Host Oz is welcoming & entertaining bringing everyone together. you can expect a great friendly, happy atmosphere. Prince & Princess :-)

Kaan and the crew are a great vibe and gave us free shots!! Banging tunes, will be back. Didn’t eat here but drinks are great

Great music. Great vibes. Doesn’t do food but banging crisp selection.

Everything was great staff are very nice and charismatic, drinks where very nice had a great time with my mates on a night out highly recommend 👍 10/10

Very nice place and very friendly people working there

One of my favourite bars in Hackney since reopening, It is a relaxing bar to sit down and have a inexpensive drink with a mate after long day and it gets even better on Fridays when is Karaoke night. The atmosphere is cozy with an old-school London vibe and the staff are helpful and welcoming.

I was there last night and the atmosphere was absolutely amazing. Everybody was dancing and singing and it was absolutely contagious. Drink selection was also great. Will defo go back every friday night when i can. I just wish they stayed open for longer.

I think I left my ID here, please could you reply if you have found any?

Many a late night spent there!!!

I feel very safe while I am here,the atmosphere is super, service is excellent, I was leave very happy

Clean, super atmosphere, super service, it had been long time, that I had a fabulous night.

This was not a very nice experience. The bar is worn and I would not recommend a beer. It doesn’t look or taste like they clean the taps so it tastes disgusting/sour/flat 🤮 Never had a beer so bad. We asked to change the beer but the manager said it tasted fine despite also saying she didn’t drink beer lol

Really fun free karaoke night every Thursday and Friday. The host, Beyond Oz, is super friendly and a brilliant singer, and provides a fun space where anyone can come up and sing a song. The venue has a spacious dance floor to jive and sing along in, which always attracts a good crowd. There are also plenty of tables at the venue to sit and enjoy drinks. Highly recommend!

Had a lovely day here with the family and also dog friendly 🐶 AND FREE POOL TABLE!! Highly recommend anyone in Hackney too visit 😊👍🏻

I attended their Halloween party on the 28th and had an amazing time, the security were very polite and the bar staff were super friendly, I would highly recommend visiting this historic east London pub!!!! You won’t regret it 😃

Great place! Very welcoming and a great vibe would 100% come again.

Maybe the worst pub I've been to in 2024. Guiness served in wrong glass, unsettling behaviour from security (borderline abusive to the bar staff?), fire alarm went off and lots of questionable characters floating in and out of the beer garden...

Friendly and approachable staff, karaoke nights are where it’s at! Great DJ on Saturdays and the drinks are incredibly affordable! Dog and LGBT friendly 💕

Terrible door staff rude and dismissive bar staff not any more inviting.not sure what's happened to this place but no one is in the hospitality trade just a bad vibe throughout the whole place.

The only good thing about this place is the Friday karaoke - I've never been to a more fun night! the host is quite well known within the cabaret industry, seen him live a couple of times in Soho and the man can SING! they also give away prizes for the best performer. Wish they were running for longer as they tend to kick everyone out at midnight which is a bummer

Terrible place, tried to enjoy a quiet pint but all the staff on edge not welcoming. They seem like they don't know how to run a pub and the landline for the pub keeps calling. Sticky floor over priced beer please do not come to this place. Such a shame as the dolphin use to be the place to be but it's gone so down hill since the opening. I hope someone takes the place on knowing how to run a pub.

Nice atmosphere, friendly helpful staff

Lovely and friendly workers. Great service

Came in for a quick one to get out of the rain. Most of the beers were off, so I ordered a Staropramen, and it was 7 quid!

Lovely staff all around, from bartenders to bouncers

Really bad time in here, stank like there was some serious drainage issues and it was so packed and hot in there. Took ages to get served, militant security bossing people around and into the smoking area etc left after one pint

Great Pub with brilliant atmosphere. It’s a must visit place :)

Good natty wines and small plates with some sighthounds to pet

This place does not exist anymore

Best spot for a rip roaring good time to end the night. It’s a pub but after ten the dance floor fills up while classic 90s tunes are played. So much fun!!

Truly one of the greatest pubs ever

Fun dancey pub specially on a Friday night! Pretty expensive but fun

Absolutely disgusting service, bouncers refused entry based on race , my friend is Egyptian and was refused entry. Never been more disgusted in my life. Racist. DO NOT GO HERE WORST RACIST PLACE EVER.

Open late enter late it's great... And decent drinks

Hey guys, I left my keys in the pub on Saturday night - they've got a tracker on the fob which is still showing that they're there. Tried swinging by to pick them up but the doors were all shut up. When will you be open for me to come and collect them? Cheers!

Loved it. Super fun night with great music. Everyone was super friendly. Definitely coming back.

**watered down alcohol** Place was way too packed, couldnt move and £10 entry fee - paid £12 for a double vodka and soda - could not taste a drop of vodka in it, literally just water :( told the bar staff but they were adamant nothing wrong with it , wouldnt go back.

I was charged £26 for a bottle of Miller, Laga bomb shot and gin and tonic. Avoid avoid!

I tried ringing many times no one will answer the phone about a problem I had.

I went there on Saturday night. £5 entry fee. No idea why as it was just a pub with a dj. The toilets were like each cubical threw up. It was so packed at one point myself and my friends had to share one seat between two until other people left and more seats became available. The white wine we ordered tasted like rocket fuel after it was siphoned from Fireman's Sam's fire engine, 10 years ago!! YUCK! Can safely say, I will never be returning there again.

Greta place, any ideas when karaoke will be back!? X