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Chat about:
Disappointment of the week with Tris39
on the Pub Forum
Image posted by Graham Coombs
Submitted on Tuesday, 22nd September 2020
With picture contributions to 5136 other pubs
View all this pub's pictures (15 more images)
Detail Pages
The Fountain, Cowes
Cowes
PO31 7AW
Reviews of The Fountain (Average Rating: 5½ of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Coombs left this review about The Fountain
A fairly-average large Greene King town pub, with a nice old interior rather spoilt by all panelling and woodwork being painted grey. Overwhelmed by the usual dead corporate feel, but at least they were serving a drinkable Fuggle-de-dum alongside the usual IPA and Abbot. Outdoor area at rear.
On 22nd September 2020
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3339 recommendations about 3276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
E TA left this review about Fountain Hotel
Originally The Golden Fleece, this town hotel is currently owned by GK. The large bar has a mix of slate and laminate flooring which only really serves to make it look a bit cheap and nasty – which it isn’t. There is a yard at the back used primarily as a smoking area, a shame as the prevailing wind brings the smoke into the bar. The food was unimaginative and formulaic, while the chef seemed to spend more time in the smoking yard than the kitchen. The staff were of the bearded-troll variety, the customers mainly tourists. There was a gaming machine which looked a bit out of place. Three ales on, all from GK. I had a pint of Ferryman, an unremarkable bitter labelled, apparently, just for this hotel, though the staff couldn’t really explain why. The ambiance was peaceful, though, so it made for a good escape from the other noisy pubs in the vicinity. Given the presence of other, better pubs within a few minutes’ walk, I don’t see my coming back too often although I might include on a crawl.
On 1st July 2015
- rating: 5
[User has posted 3285 recommendations about 3250 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Roger Button left this review about Fountain Hotel
Built in 1771 (as the Golden Fleece) the Fountain Hotel is ideally situated close to the quayside where the Red Funnel passenger terminal is situated and is thus one of the first (and last) ports of call for anyone wanting a pint on the island. One early visitor was Thomas Jefferson who stayed here in 1789 following a state visit.
The interior consists of a large knocked through main bar and to the rear a separate dining room. The pub has undergone a modern refurbishment and felt rather bland, featureless and lacking any character. Furnishings include the now pre-requisite high tables and sofa areas. There was a sole TV with both Sky & ESPN sports available.
Being under Greene King ownership you shouldn’t expect a great variety of beers although the 2 GK ales (IPA and Old Speckled Hen) were joined by Goddards Fuggle De Dum. Quality was fine (theyv are Cask Marque accredited) and prices reasonable enough for the area. I didn’t get a good look at a menu but there were 2 for £9.95 offers advertisd and they also open at 7.30am for breakfast which, given the lack of a local Wetherspoons is probably a decent option.
The place is harmless enough but you feel it could and should be a bit better given its location and history. Beyond killing 20 minutes before the catamaran departs (which was the main purpose of our visit), I wouldn’t particularly consider the Fountain as an essential pub stop whilst in town.
On 3rd June 2011
- rating: 5
[User has posted 1239 recommendations about 1233 pubs]
No known official website for this pub.
- Facebook - The Fountain Inn
- CAMRA WhatPub :: The Fountain - whatpub.com
Ryde St Johns Road, 8.35 miles, 2 hr 48 min walk (show)
Ryde Pier Head, 8.56 miles, 2 hr 53 min walk (show)
Pub Details
Pub details supplied by members of this site to the best of their knowledge. Please check with pub directly before making a special trip.
- Accommodation : Yes last updated 22 September 2020 by Graham Coombs
- Beer Garden : Yes last updated 22 September 2020 by Graham Coombs
- Child Friendly : Yes last updated 22 September 2020 by Graham Coombs
- Hot Food : Yes last updated 22 September 2020 by Graham Coombs
- Micropub : No last updated 22 September 2020 by Graham Coombs
- Pinball : No last updated 22 September 2020 by Graham Coombs
- Pool Table : No last updated 22 September 2020 by Graham Coombs
- Real Ale : Yes last updated 29 July 2013 by Dave McNally
- WiFi : Yes last updated 22 September 2020 by Graham Coombs
