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GHOSTS and ghouls may not be the kind of spirits you expect to find behind most bars but your thoughts may change if you pop into the Dolphin Hotel, Southampton.

Steeped in history the imposing town centre building lays claim to six apparitions including an old cellar man named Tom, the grey lady who appears in Victorian clothes and a mischievous phantom who has been blamed for many mislaid belongings.

The bar's most famous ghost is Molly who was a chambermaid who killed herself after being spurned in love.

However, these days the owner Bob Musker assures pubgoers that the building is best known for it's laid back attitude, luxurious smoking area, restaurant and exotic décor.

He said: "I like to go out to a traditional pub without all the trouble you can get in the high street and without music blaring.

We are a pub for grown ups."

"I suppose the pub grew up around the hotel as we tried to create a nice place where business people staying here could enjoy a drink and we found a lot of people who lived here liked the bar."

He went on to say that the comfy chairs in the open air passage way to the side of the building are a big attraction for smokers.

Many may think that this spacious area convenient for tobacco- lovers was formerly used for carriages but a nearby sign refutes this claiming that past owners were so visionary they predicted the smoking ban centuries before it came into force.

To draw in young professionals Bob opened up the Fruit Bar which has been growing in popularity with its Ottoman empire inspired décor and art work.

However, in a hushed voice Bob led me outside to one of the city's hidden treasures - a secret garden.

With a statue, a barbecue, deck chairs and greenery this garden is completely secluded from the hustle and bustle of the busy high street.

He said that many of his locals like to read their papers in the quiet tranquillity of this little hide away.

As we parted I assured Bob his secret was safe with me.

1:20pm Thursday 21st August 2008

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