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LOWER GORNAL.

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Real Ales on Tap:
9 real ales
Holdens Golden Glow
Everads
Hook Norton Old Hookey
Enville
plus guests.

Nearest Accommodation:
A long way.

Also try:
Black Bear,
86 Deepdale Lane DY32AE

(Shepherd Neame Beers)

Fountain Inn
8 Temple Street
off A459
Lower Gornal
West Midlands
(01384) 242777

This pub does food available all day, with specials and Sunday roasts. The Fountain has 9 real ales on at any one time. This is a popular free house and many, many years ago was the only brewhouse in Lower Gornal. The pub is a two roomer and does not have a pool table. The first room to the left of the entrance has a small bar ('u'-shaped for the whole pub) with the guest pumps on. The decor has moved away from the old pseudo-Spanish style to a more softer pub feel. The second room where the main bar area is has a comfortable feel to it. Due to its situation it can be a little dark during the day. Here again you are faced with a number of pumps and a good selection of ales. Old clips adorn the bar fascia and you can see the history of its previous selections. The seating here is tables and benches against the walls. High ceilings give it a Victorian feel. There is no music so that you can converse with other - real - people. Food is served daily 12-9pm and comes in a variety of  baguettes, specials and roasts. All meals are freshly cooked and are value for money. The access is not good for the disabled as there are steps up into the pub, though upon request the landlord will let you in through the back/side door. The Fountain is a good place to come to try real ales. Try it and revel in the beers. No accommodation here I'm afraid.

Open:

Monday-Saturday:

Sunday:

Map

11-11

12-3; 7-10.30

 

Additional Notes: Recently taken over and done up, it has improved a lot. Well worth another visit.
  Another visit is needed by your writer. I feel the pub has lost any vestige of 'real ale pubbiness" - the landlord has gone all out to fleece his public, after adding a 'restaurant' to the building. There are far better pubs to be had within spitting distance of this - i.e. The Britannia, Upper Gornal, The Beacon Hotel, Sedgley. These are genuine pubs, reliant on authenticity. (Kerry Law)
  The last comment writer did not give this pub a chance. The fountain has nine ales, has been refurbish to a high standard, warm and cosy, great black country atmosphere and serves very good food, all at reasonable prices, you must try it and make your own mind up.
  Re the derogatory remarks made by Kerry Law I would like to point out that this pub has just been awarded Dudley & South Staffs CAMRA Pub of the Year, justly earned by the steady improvements made in the three and a half year occupancy of Alan and Amy Davis.
  I visited the Fountain for the first time last night (8/5/02) on the recommendation of my Dad who has visited the pub on a number of occasions. Firstly it is claimed that the pub has no disabled access and that it is set on a flight of steps, yes the front door is however the side door connecting the pub to the car park is set on a ramp and is open for use of customers at all times. A reader comments that the pub has been effected by the food that is now being offered. I personally tried the mixed grill which was of an excellent standard. While their I sampled five different beers all of an excellent standard. The comment that it seemed expensive was harsh as the most expensive pint of bitter was £1.95. This seems the standard pricing of most free houses for guest ales. A lady also comments that there are better pubs a stones throw away, well I wish I could find them. The Britannia in Upper Gornal is of average standard compared to the Jolly Crispin over the road. May I just say that The Fountain offers excellent food, an excellent atmosphere and more importantly excellent beers. (Rob Watton)
  Must say that having recently visited this pub it is of an exceptional; quality.  The standard of the beers and selection is great as is the food.  Also the selection of Belgian bottles is good.  No weiss beer though (except hoegaarden on draught).  I understand from some of the regulars that they have won best pub in Dudley and south staffs for the last 2 years in a row and have won another award for this year, but no ones saying anything yet... watch this space.. Carry on the good work. (24/6/03)

 

 

Real Ales on Tap:
Bank's
plus 3 guest ales.

Nearest Accommodation:
A long way.

Also try:
Miners Arms, Ruiton
St.
DY32EG, (Holden's)

The Old Bull's Head
Redhall Road
Lower Gornal

West Midlands.
(01384) 231616.
DY3 2NU
Email
Website

This pub is a Free House with a carefully selected and well kept choice of beer, including frequent guest ales and an excellent pint of Guinness. In the mid 19th Century it was quite common for butchers to brew beer and sell it on their premises, and Edward Guest began to do so in this pub around 1834. The Bull's Head was a popular name for butcher-landlords like Edward; the 'Old' was added later to differentiate it from similar establishments in the area. The brew-house still stands today and is a listed building. The Old Bull's Head has stood the test of time and in the care of Avril and Gerry it remains a traditional and friendly Gornal pub. There are two comfortable bars, one of which has a Large screen TV and  pool table. Darts is also available. For the summer there is a patio area. They have now added a brewery - Black Country Ales - to this establishment.

Open:

Monday-Saturday:

Sunday:

Map

4(12 Sat)-11

12-10.30

 


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Last Updated 6 December, 2004

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