The Fountain Inn

Only pub I've ever been barred from.....  I should have known better than to complain about being served the wrong drink when Eric was within earshot. 

Most landlords would leave their bar staff to get on with correcting a mistake, but no not Eric... He served up some sarcastic comment which I dismissed with a "yeah whatever".  He replied with "Right, you're barred" 

We enjoyed the rest of the evening elsewhere, spending money in his competitors bars, and I've done that ever since.

Suttonlad's profile     Other reviews by Suttonlad     Suttonlad likes    

I stayed at the Fountain Inn at New Year 2008/2009 and found the rooms to be clean and well appointed and the staff really friendly. Patrons were un pretentious and I felt really at home although I was 16,000 K from home. I plan to stay there again on my next UK visit. Giles

 

 

Giles's profile     Other reviews by Giles     Giles likes    

Very friendly staff and crowd - shame about the owners attitude and the LOUD MUSIC which makes it an almost anti-social place to meet for a chat.  Also drinks are expensive - it's not the Ritz or even the West End of London! - just an ordinary gay bar so why rip people off ?  - e.g.: £2 for a can of coke. 

Be careful of on-street parking when traffic wardens are about!

Reg's profile     Other reviews by Reg     Reg likes    

I think some of you are missing the point. the majority of guys don't go there for the music, the beer or the decor. they go to the Fountain for a bit of cock !! and why not !
Or rather they did
It always was a bit of a dive and the owner always was a bitchy old queen but you ignored it and went in, bought your pint and cruised/copped off.
Unfortunately after the revamp it seems to have lost its soul and some of the best barmen in town. Come back Darren !!!!!! and whilst many still don't go there for the music/booze/decor etc nowadays it eems like that's all it has to offer. The customers are tending to go to Boltz (is that its name ? I can't keep up with the name changes !) or elswhere and it's clear why.
I can't really comment on the owner in very recent times as I have rarely seen him when I have been in there of late , but it appears to be the general consensus on here and on the 'street,' that he is a damaging factor to the venue and not a positive one.
Lastly I also will say that there does seem to be a sudden explosion in asian customers. Why or how I do not know or care, just an observation, not a judgement.
Should the owner care ? Does he ??
I can't really answer the first question but sadly,I think the answer to the last, is No.

James's profile     Other reviews by James     James likes    

This was my first visit to this pub and most certainly my last. On my visit I witnessed uncalled for rudeness, incivility and foul language to two customers. The owner took exception to one of the customers who left his flight bag near a table while paying a short trip to the toilet. I could not believe the loud vindictive rantings of the owner of this establishment towards these two visitors to Birmingham. I met these two guys later in the evening and they were really sound.. Pity their view of the Birmingham scene was marred by the previous noxious behaviour of the owner. We don't need this type of licencee spoiling the otherwise excellent scene. Just as some people are banned from keeping dogs, I feel it would be a good idea if the owner of this place had the same courtesy extended to include his liqour licence. Shame on you.

Alex's profile     Other reviews by Alex     Alex likes