The Fountain Inn ... Ashurst
Telephone 01403 710219 · Map · Reviews
OS Map : Landranger 187 · Map reference TQ 180 161
Description
Dating from the 16th century, the Fountain Inn is a free house comprising several small bar areas with flagstone floors, wooden beams and inglenook fireplace. Good choice of beers include Fullers, Harveys, Shepherd Neame and others. There are attractive gardens with pond - and a skittle alley and function room in a separate building at the front of the pub.
Some years ago, the pub was used by Paul McCartney to film the video for his song "Wonderful Christmas Time."
How to get there
By car
Ashurst is between Henfield and Ashington, on the B2135 south of Partridge Green.
Cycling
The best off road route is to pick up the Downs Link bridleway at Southwater or Copsale and cycle south. At Partridge Green, turn right on to the B2135 [the bridleway crosses this road] and continue for 2 miles [3.2 km] and the pub is on the left.
On road - mainly quiet roads, from Horsham, cycle to Mannings Heath on the A281 and turn right at Monk's Gate to Nuthurst. Continue through the village for 2.2 miles [ 3.6 km] to the A272. Cross straight over the crossroads and follow this road through Littleworth to Partridge Green. Turn left on to the B2135, going south, and continue as above.
Visit the White Horse at Maplehurst on the way back.
Suggested cycling routes from here
Cycle south to pick up the Downs Link again at Steyning and then on to the coast. It's about 50 miles round trip from Horsham, so you need to be a regular cyclist to do this, but it's great to sit on the beach with an ice cream!
Your reviews
Disclaimer: All reviews and ratings on this website are personal opinions by pub-goers. Horsham Pub Guide publishes comments at our editorial discretion but we are not responsible for comments made.
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We ordered simply sandwiches and chips. Dry bread missing some ingredients. We were overcharged and chips were mediocre. Disappointing.
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Stumbled across this pub last night, out for a drive and looking for somewhere to eat. Very attractive outside and gardens, can imagine it being great on a nice summer's day/evening. Found food to be really good, both our meals appeared to be home-made, freshly cooked and good quantity. Staff could be friendlier but overall pretty impressed. Looking forward to returning when summer finally arrives.
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We went for a meal here recently. I ordered chicken chili salsa which came out swimming in some sort of juice, I cut the chicken and took a bite, then cut another piece to find the chicken was raw inside; absolutely terrible! The pub offered something else off the menu but I felt sick by then and they refunded that meal. The pub wouldn't let children in to eat either and you were not allowed to eat in certain places. Very poor and will not return again which is a shame because it looks a lovely country pub - but in my opinion steer well clear.
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Have been here in the past. It used to be quite a good pub. Went recently and didn't even get to order a drink; we were turned away because we had a 6 month old baby with us. Moral of this story is: Don't go unless you want to sit outside in the rain with your kids. We probably won't go back.
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Used to be a fantastic place to go, but over the past few years it has really been left to fall apart in my opinion. The outside and inside are desparate for some attention, The staff seem to have little or no knowledge of what is what, and the food is what I would call "sloppy in presentation". It's hit and miss if you have a good meal here. Such a shame, it used to be a fantastic little pub.
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Great pub, been going there for three years now and the prices hardly change and are fair. Great beer. Wine don't know, don't drink it but all on display and looks good. There is even a silly old git to talk to even if it is just rubbish! I can't wait to go back.
Older reviews
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I must have been to a different pub than the other reviewers. In my opinion, bland and overpriced food and overpriced wine. Warm white wine, and inattentive staff. I was entertaining overseas clients who wanted to eat at a typical English pub. I/we will not be back.
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We went to their car show. It was great but a little busy so had to wait to order but who cares. It was a great day with great staff, great food and great beer.
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Six of us visited the Fountain and all were really pleased with the food, the atmosphere, and the staff who were friendly and polite. Would most certainly recommend the pub.
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What a great place. Loved the food, sat in the gardens for several hours with friends. Great staff. Will use this place again.
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I first visited the Fountain pub in 1988 and wondered why I had not found it earlier. Fantastic food/beer/staff and I'm very much looking forward to August 6th for the classic car meet. In short, I am bit of a fan. As for score, well for me it is 12/10 and I won't hear of anything else.
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The pub is beautiful, very picturesque, the atmosphere is lovely, and the staff helpful. However, we found that the food was poor. It is unimaginative and bland and is very expensive for what you get. Go here to drink, but avoid the food!
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Lovely pub, shame about the Sunday roast. This olde worlde pub and its beautiful setting makes it worth a visit, whether by car or bike. They have a fantastic selection of wine and local beers. However, I the food was hugely disappointing. It is priced at the top end of pub food, compared to other local food pubs in the area but the Sunday roast of lamb was the worst we have ever had. There was very little meat, which was of a poor quality and very fatty, there was only a stingy portion of vegetables to share between two, and the gravy was bland. We didn't stay for dessert. What a shame.
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Loved this pub from my first visit. Atmosphere is fantastic. Staff are friendly and helpful. Food is excellent and I especially appreciate the tasty and imaginative vegetarian food on offer.
Pub score - No Good · - Excellent
