The Fountain Inn ... Ashurst
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 [next to the Bridge
House Inn] 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 Black Horse at Nuthurst or 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
Timothy Collins says:
| 30-April-08
Perhaps of even more significance, I was informed by 'mine host' during my visit there in the 90's that the pub was the local for Sir Lawrence Olivier, and that a chair by the fireplace was graciously left vacant by guests in case he ever revisited.
Jan Lofthouse says: | 28-December-07
Stunning pub, so cosy, and excellent food and beer, real fires and character. One of the best pubs in England. No wonder Paul McCartney loved it!
M Palmer says:
| 23-October-07
What a gorgeous pub, lovely open fires, flagstone floors and lovely gardens. The only thing that lets it down is the food. Very poor Sunday roast, ready sliced pre-packed beef, and Aunt Bessie potatoes! Would go back for a drink but not food.
Charlie T says: | 24-April-07
Disappointing food, seems to have dropped off recently. New management?
Older reviews
Jeremy F says: | 12-October-06
I totally disagree with the previous post about this pub. Food out of the microwave is the last thing I would expect here. I've been to this pub several times this year as organiser of a Lotus car group and have also visited several times with my family. Both the food and the ale is excellent and the pub itself is beautiful. I am pretty particular about my pubs and I can honestly say that this is one of the best in Sussex.
Wayne P says : 
| 22-September-06
I ate here for my girlfriend's birthday. A place that had a good reputation, but I have to say I was very disappointed. Microwave cooking at its best!
Jeremy F says: | 1-August-06
Lovely, unspoilt pub - despite being extended. Food is excellent and ingredients clearly fresh, staff are great and the beer appears very well kept. Inside, the pub has bags of character and the garden, especially near the duck pond, is lovely
Ian C says : | 1-December-05
Wifey and I sat in the inglenook bar. Great open fire, flagstones. Ordered a couple of beef sandwiches which came within five minutes - full and rare. Asked if I could bring Alfred in and was told yes without them even knowing who Alfred was [boxer pup]. Proper pub - can't wait to go back.
David C says: | 29-October-05
I was sad to read many of the older reviews for this beautiful old pub. The food, whenever I have visited, has been nothing short of exquisite. It is not priced the same as standard pub fare, because it isn't! If £42 for a meal for four people is considered expensive in the SE of England... well.
I have eaten at the Fountain several times, and will continue to do so. I have recommended it to many friends, all of whom have become as evangelical as myself. I am also a real ale fan and the cellars at the Fountain are consistently good. In short, if you're wondering whether to try it, GO - and stay not upon the order of your going!
[Editors Note: Older reviews referred to above are no longer published]
Gordon P says: | 23-March-05
Having lived abroad for many years and returning to what was one of my locals, I was totally shocked. Shocked in a nice way. Morris, a dear friend and previous owner, had left and so had the past owners according to "new locals". As with all great pubs, there was a mixture of old and new. Not much can change I thought - the long-missed pint of bitter was presented with the usual aplomb - some spilt but in a clean glass !! The food, however, was absolutely fantastic. Long live the local. Long live the Fountain.
Warren V says: |
2-Aug-04
Decided to stop with the family and relatives for a bite
to eat on a Saturday lunch time. The setting was great with plenty of
seating outside. Bar service was poor and arithmetic poor. Even with a till,
was over charged not once but twice! Food menu basic and extremely overpriced.
Staff showed no enthusiasm. Say no more.
Pub score - No Good · - Excellent
