The Fountain Inn Gastro Pub in Mendip

I have to say I went with the family three years ago and it was worth it, now, probably the worst we have had anywhere in a while. My sisters meal arrived cold, I had pork roast, pork overdone , no crackling, Yorkshire pudding overdone but gooey on the bottom, carrots limp. Stater Calamari so overdone, with wine for two 75 pounds, so over rated not good please think twice, there are better places, so disappointing .

John was the only delight today of thus shameful lunch. The meal was terrible. Dusted calamari was heavily breadcrumbed instead. My Aubergine.. It was served lukewarm so I had to send back to the kitchen. Plus, I could have done the meal myself although I would not!. A huge aubergine, cut in half and dusted with spiced herbs! Really? Stacked against a small plate of couscous and a tiny container of rhita!!! The Fountain.. you should be ashamed!

Was looking for somewhere good for lunch in the middle of a rainy day sightseeing in Wells and found this gem 5 minutes walk from the cathedral. They are only open for lunch Wednesday and weekends so we got lucky. The grilled haddock was perfectly cooked with white wine butter sauce, and my partner had the schnitzel which was so good I was jealous. Good service and great food, would definitely go again if I’m in the area.

Excellent food and a very warm welcome. One of our party is Coeliac, so it was good to see a good selection of gluten free options.

Having scrolled through the internet for somewhere to eat on our first evening in Wells, we came across The Fountain Inn. It ticket our boxes for time to eat, location to centre of city and type of food on offer. So glad we did. From our arrival to departure we were treated like old friends. The food was excellent and the ambience cosy and low key compared to many gastropubs we have visited in other cities/towns. Thank you to all the team. Would recommend and revisit if we find ourselves visiting Wells in the future.

We had lunch at the Fountain in Wells today for the first time - was very impressed with the food, the service and the ambience. I am dairy and gluten free and don't eat meat - but I was catered for with no fuss and the food was delicious. Friendly helpful staff, we thoroughly enjoyed our meal and will definitely return.

Late lunch/early dinner. Good atmosphere. Clean. Great service. Good food. Decent food selection. Decent drinks selection

2 pm booking on a Sunday for 7 people inc two small children. Put Upstairs in a far corner table - service poor and slow - 30 minutes to get a first drink, had to ask for missing cutlery 3 times, similarly 3 times to get a jug of water. 40 minutes before we were able to order. 10 minutes after that we were advised ‘no beef left’ so 4 of us had to re-choose. No beef at Sunday Lunch? After main course we left - had been there just over 2 hours. On way down stairs, after paying, we were then asked if we wanted pudding.… Advice - book for earlier and get a table downstairs where more staff are situated. Food whe it came was good - be patient.

We popped in for a quick drink before our reservation at another resturant. We were greated by John and another lady didn't catch her name. They were so pleasant and the food looked good, we decided to go the next day for Sunday lunch with friends . We were not disappointed lunch was lovely we all had beef and really enjoyed it. My friend isn't well at the moment and is struggling to eat normal size portions . When we explained it they were very happy for her to have a smaller child's size portion. That was perfect. We all had deserts and throughly enjoyed them as well. Well done guys it was a lovely experience.

Update 04/07/2024:- First visit for over 2 years. We were placed at a 1st floor table, same as last time, with the advantage of toilets just along the corridor! We ordered starters of calamari and tempura vegetables. The veg was lovely and plentiful and, altho' the calamari rings were good, there weren't enough for £9.25. We both had chicken schnitzel with sweet potato fries and a little side salad which we enjoyed but I thought the chicken was too thick for a schnitzel and it was served with a cheese sauce 🤔 The jury's out on that one! The final bill came to a reasonable £94.30 when drinks - a beer, a bottle of Pinot Grigio and two digestives - are taken into consideration. 12/03/2022: Slightly better than the average gastro pub cuisine with nice staff and a good atmosphere.

Undoubtedly the best pub in Wells for interesting food options and a well curated drinks menu. Friendly and efficient service team, and unusually for Wells, sensible parking arrangements. Great interior decor, with hints to gastronomy from France. Loved it

High praise for the Fountain Inn's Sunday lunch. It was one of the best I have had!

Excellent food (and I'm hard to please), delightful service, lovely ambience. We'll be back!

Good pub grub, pleasant atmosphere and free parking in pay car park across the road. (ask for ticket at bar)

Impeccable all round. The food was exquisite. The vegan option was amazing. Great food great service....Great drinks...thank you...amazing all round..Best food we have had for a while.

Really enjoyed our Sunday dinner here . Will return 🥰

Lovely relaxed lunch just outside the bustle of the town centre. Lovely schnitzel and Lilley's cider on tap

Landlord was most unwelcoming. Wouldn't serve us a drink because we hadn't booked.

Really nice fish and chips. Staff very friendly and the service was pretty fast for a Sunday lunch.

Food was great and they accommodated us walking in without booking on a busy Sunday

A really lovely 80th Birthday family lunch for my mother. The staff couldn’t have been more helpful, from the time of booking to the day of the lunch. Nothing was too much trouble. Good food and relaxed atmosphere. Would thoroughly recommend and 5+ stars to all the staff. Thank you.

We really enjoyed our meal here. They are well aware that people often eat here prior to a concert at the Cathedral, as it's so close by. The kitchen make a note of this and ensure you get served promptly. The serving team were very friendly, the menu choice was varied and the prices were fine. We would definitely eat here again as the food was very tasty and cooked to a high standard.

Lovely meal with friends, food was great and service was wonderful.

Visited for dinner during carnival evening, so they were stretched, but both the food and service was good.

Visited for a Sunday roast and it didn't disappoint. Everyone enjoyed their meal and we were well looked after.

Really enjoyed our meal here. Service was attentive and friendly. Food absolutely lovely and reasonably priced. Ale choices a little limited but the Potholer Ale is very enjoyable. Would have no problem returning again. Thank you... 👍

Such a nice pub with great food, but shame about the No Dogs policy especially when they have finished serving food, and there are empty tables. Perhaps they can afford to turn away custom ?

Came here on a busy evening and were very impressed! The service was friendly and efficient and the food was wonderful. There was a lovely atmosphere and the pub was warm and comfortable. Can vouch for the fish and chips and the halloumi burgers! Will definitely visit again when we are in Wells.

As usual, the restaurant was very popular. The big downside was the order in which people were served. It seemed those who shouted loudest were served first, so we had to wait 45 mins for our order to be taken. When the food eventually came, it was very good, but the people who arrived after us had already paid their bill.

What an amazing gem to find in such an amazing place. You are made to feel welcomed from the time you arrive untill you leave. Great ambiance. Fantastic food in a beautiful building. A must 👌

Lovely place. Food was great. Nice beer. Staff helpful and friendly. Menu selection ok but starters a bit limited in non vegetarian options. Hope to return.

This without doubt is my favourite pub for food, wine, ambience and friendly staff. We had another delicious meal there last evening. The menu is varied and caters for various dietary needs. The chicken and butternut curry is delicious and the chocolate fondant with salted caramel ice cream is heaven. Thank you, we will be back!

Booked a table for two. Cancelled with good notice. They still attempted to deduct £20 from my card. Unethical, would recommend diners avoids.

I chose this venue based on the Trip Advisor reviews and it certainly lived up to the good reviews. a few minutes stroll from the Cathedral makes it very accessible. The staff were welcoming and helpful and the menu interesting and varied. The food itself was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented. Top marks to all the staff - a fab place to eat with out being pretentious in any way. Thank you .

There were 12 of us in our party, and we had a private room upstairs - perfect! We had Sunday roasts, and they were very well cooked - everything was just right. Hot and delicious. The staff were patient with us .. and our constant mind-changing etc!! And were very efficient and kind. Highly recommend.

Absolutely loved the food and ambience and the service was second to none

Such a delicious Sunday lunch. Lovely atmosphere, friendly staff who were quick to make sure you had everything you needed. The food was absolutely delicious & plenty of it too.

Oud Engels restaurant waar je kwalitatief goed kunt lunchen/ dineren.

I hired the upstairs dining room for an 80th Birthday party. Several pre- event meetings were held with John, who was most accommodating and we seated a total of 22 family and friends. I don’t think he “missed a trick”. The unanimous after party comments were resoundingly positive. The menu was excellent. Guests loved the ambience and the service provided went above and beyond. Well done John and please pass on our thanks to your very hard working staff. We would recommend the venue. Richard Taylor.

Thoroughly enjoyed the food and atmosphere, great veggie options too. A free parking pass for the car park opposite was a nice bonus.

Had Sunday lunch at the Fountain. Food was delicious and the pork roast was a decent portion of well cooked and tasty food.

Whilst on a week's walking holiday with my husband, we booked to go here for dinner. The staff were really welcoming and pub itself is very inviting. The food was really lovely, served with attention to detail. Would highly recommend if you would like a lovely meal in lovely surroundings.

Dined at the Fountain Inn on Saturday evening, John and all the staff were exceptional, there were 5 of us all together including my 5 year old, all our meals were beautiful. Really made my birthday a special treat. Again, huge thanks to John, he was fabulous!

Good selection on menu, food was very tasty and portion sizes good, didn't have to wait long between courses. Staff friendly and professional, gets very busy so a good idea to book.

Amazing food, great service and great atmosphere. I enjoyed everything about this place!

Delicious food, well presented by friendly and professional staff. Gastro pub...not really suited to just drinking. Very popular so best to book. We enjoyed the crumbed brie and the pear capacious for starters followed by the vegan sausages and stuffed aubergine. All delicious as was the cabernet and pint of Gorge Best. Car park opposite - can get free ticket from Fountain Inn for the duration of stay.

Absolutely lovely food, fantastic service and a lively cosy atmosphere. I highly recommend!!

Particularly good service. Good food. £50 a head with drinks

Our local pub, always friendly, always really good food. Highly recommend it.

My family had a wonderful meal here whilst holidaying in Wells. The food was exceptional, with a great menu selection to choose from (including many creative vegetarian options which pleased my daughter). What truly stood out and elevated my dining experience was the service provided by our waiter, John. From the moment he introduced himself, it was clear that he was not only knowledgeable about the menu, but he also exuded a genuine passion for ensuring customers have a great time. His friendly demeanor and character created a great atmosphere that enhanced the overall enjoyment of the evening for us all. Thank you John.

Excellent service and food. Family group enjoyed themselves.

We had a really enjoyable Sunday lunch, roast beef or pork both really good. Vegetables nicely cooked too. Puddings selection equally high standard. Beer well kept and good choices. Free parking with a permit from behind the bar is a great idea - arrive there early to get a space in the car park though. Decor inside good, outside looking a little tired. Definitiely worth a visit, centrally located so convenient for a walk into Wells too.

Huge thanks to the Fountain Inn for hosting our dinner after the WI Treasure Hunt. We were very lucky to have access to the two upstairs rooms so was really like a private affair. Teams were supposed to book tables and food beforehand and as always we did have some that did not, so added numbers to cater for at last minute, plus many teams whizzed around the hunt arriving a good half hour before time. The staff remained friendly and rushed around to accommodate the earlier arrival and increased numbers and we thank them very much for juggling us with other guests. The Fountain has a great position near the Cathedral and a very useful car park opposite. John the manager is very welcoming and team very helpful. Thank you.

We popped our heads round the door at 5.30 looking for a table, although we had not booked. We were given a warm welcome and a table up in the gods, away from the laid up tables, which was a bit odd as we were finished by 6.45, so not getting in the way of other bookings. But the food was excellent - we both had chicken schnitzel, with the best sweet potato fries I think I have ever had! Price was reasonable too! Highly recommended, but suggest you book!

We had not booked, but we’re found a table up in the gods in view of busy demand downstairs - still free as we left! Great welcome, good service, and excellent food. Would highly recommend, but be sure to book for a table in the heart of the pub!

Absolutely stunning food, lovely atmosphere and a lucky find for us on holiday! Thank you 😀

Sadly disappointing, waited 2 hours for our meal. Insufficient staff on duty to deal with a full pub. Meals wrong but nice when they eventually arrived.

Great gastro pub, just on the edge of the city centre. God decor, comforting and warm. Very friendly and efficient service. Good menu. As storm Antoni had just hit and it was like winter, I chose comforting homemade lasagne. It was beautifully rich and delicious - served piping hot. Accompanied by a very well kept and tasty pint of Cheddar Ales "Gorge Best". Very nice lunch, thank you!

Waiting staff where great. I ordered a steak medium rare, when it arrived it was medium, I sent it back and the waiter advised me, “the chef says the steak was medium rare, however he will cook another one if you want”. Surely if the chef wants to disagree with a customer they should come and speak to them directly rather than put the poor waiter in the middle. Rather ruined the meal.

As a walk in without a booking we were warmly welcomed. The menu is varied providing lots of choice. We started with the crispy calamari and smoked salmon parcel. Teriyaki salmon and grilled duck breast for mains. Followed by eton mess and chocolate fondant. All aspects of the meal were absolutely delicious. We were not rushed at all and the service was excellent. If I was being a critical friend I would have liked more sauce with the duck and was not a fan of the plastic like cups for the coffee ....neither of which deterred from the great experience we had. Would highly recommend this place and if/when we visit Wells again we would happily return.

Great place. Great service. Excellent food.

We arrived to a genuine and courteous warm welcome and we're shown to our table in the ground floor pub area. The gastro pub is tastefully decorated and the background music was subtle, fitting and non intrusive. The staff were exceptionally pleasant, attentive and engaging. The attention we received was not overbearing and surpassed expectations. The smoked salmon parcel as a starter was beautifully presented and at the correct temperature and delicious. The pan-fried sea bream main was perfect and served on a beautiful dish and it was served with a potato cake and wilted greens with a saffron aioli which made for a nice ensemble. The vegan sausages and mustard mash, pea puree with caramiled onions and apple and onion gravy was sublime and substantial. There was a decent wine selection with a good price list. The choice of ice cream was unusual and extensive and a good quality. We shared rhubarb and rosehip, crystallised ginger and salted caramel all of which were beautifully divine. The tempo of the meal was relaxing and the staff anticipated our needs well. The staff are very professional and contributed to the wonderful experience we had. The price of the meal represented great value for money because of its quality and having been in Wells for a few days we were forging a view that this was a gastronomic no man's land but the discovery of this gastro pub made our day. We will definitely return and can't recommend it enough.

A guest at a table there. All seemed good to me.

A lovely restaurant in a lovely part of Wells. Great.service, friendly and welcoming. We were the first there sonfwlt all alone, but soon filled up (especially downstairs).. Food was just perfect. Roast Sunday Beef. :-)

So thankful,our hotel suggested this restaurant as it’s hidden behind a fairly unassuming facade and tucked away behind the Cathedral. But what a find. Really welcoming old building and friendly staff, with impeccable service and relaxed atmosphere. Everyone seemed really happy and the food was delicious with a varied choice to suit all tastes. The knowledgeable staff were at hand without being obtrusive and altogether a great evening. If only we lived in Wells and could go more often.

Wir hatten ein veganes Curry mit Auberginen und Süsskartoffeln und vegane Würstchen auf karamellisierten Zwiebeln und Kartoffelstampf mit Gravy. Beides ausgezeichnet, sehr geschmackvoll und sehr grosse Portionen. Der Service ist sehr freundlich und aufmerksam. Am Sonntag um 13 Uhr ist das Restaurant ziemlich voll, trotzdem wurde ein Tisch für uns gefunden. Die Getränke standen nach gefühlt 2 Minuten auf dem Tisch, auf das Essen mussten wir etwa 15 Minuten warten, was in Anbetracht der Auslastung absolut angebracht ist. Gerne wieder.

Wir hatten ein veganes Curry mit Auberginen und Süsskartoffeln und vegane Würstchen auf karamellisierten Zwiebeln und Kartoffelstampf mit Gravy. Beides...

Good food done well, very nice staff always happy to help, a great experience all round.

Impeccable standards received here, service and food simply sublime. Salmon parcel and Crumbed Brie starter got the appetite started, followed with the Sirloin, prepared to perfection and Vegetable curry, absolutely divine. All I can say is the Fountain is tops for food and service and...

Very nice meal, friendly service and no attempt to rush us out despite our leaving after official closing time. Would definitely recommend and go back again myself.

Good meal freshly prepared. Good choice of drinks. Disappointingly, while there, a booking for 9 didn't turn up. This is a shame because this hits small businesses such as this hard. The big chains can wear, family run concerns not so! Shame on you. Missed a good meal.

Had lunch with my mum on a Saturday. The food was excellent! (Beer battered haddock for my mum, huge and perfectly battered. Steak and scallops for me with parmesan frites) My only negative was that the steak had 3 scallops on top, which I think were taken from one scallop, as very very small in size. Once it arrived I realised I would need a salad as well, (maybe that could be provided on a smaller scale as part of the dish?) There is an unlevel floor as you come in the door which my mum immediately twisted her ankle on (she's clumsy!) so that was a bit of a bad start. She had significant swelling the next day :( The staff were friendly and the interior is lovely. I would definitely dine here again.

Excellent food, staff and service.

Ate here twice over the Easter weekend, had the Calamari starter and rump steak. The flavours of the steak were amazing and it was really juicy. The second time was a classic Sunday roast, which was roast pork. One of the best roast dinners of my life, so tasty!!!

Great pub with a good atmosphere, delicious food with an outstanding Sunday roast. Service is very friendly and welcoming.

Great place with a varied menu and brilliant service. Will definitely go back as lots of other things to choose on the menu.

Quaint, fair & inviting at the Fountain Inn on a Saturday eve meal with family. On entering it 'feels ' like a ' front room' . Quite a selection of gins at the bar. Caters for both vegan palates & carnivores. As a group enjoyed...

A warm welcoming space that fit us in on a busy night. The service was excellent and the food was amazing, hearty with good portion sizes.

Our annual go to for reunion with the best of the best.

We visited the Fountain Inn in Wells today on a recommendation from a family member of the good Sunday roasts. Well, we were not disappointed, we arrived to be shown to our table by a friendly and efficient guy called John who continued throughout our...

A real treat to find an authentic pub. Friendly staff, great service, varied menu, good value. Can't wait to go back again.

Followed recommendation from Tripadvisor to eat here before an early evening performance at nearby Wells Cathedral. Had not booked, however we were warmly welcomed by the front of house and enjoyed a superb meal with friendly and helpful service. Nothing was too much trouble. Interesting...

Awful avoid absolute abismal after 2 hours of no food we walked out and manager threatened us with the police

Haven’t left the restaurant yet but enjoyed so much that felt I wanted to review immediately. Just had the best meal we’ve had in ages so many different flavours and that was a Sunday lunch. We were booked at the end of the days lunch...

Excellent service, delicious food and can recommend the peach bellini. Definitely worth a visit

Had the best burger in Wells, great service, really friendly and welcoming staff. Great cosy atmosphere. Will be back soon

This is a lovely, quiet place to eat and have a drink. I can't overstate how gorgeous the food is too. Really, really amazing.

We went for lunch with my family for my BD. We entered the restaurant and there was only one table with two people, but no one from the staff came to great us or ask how many people we are. Anyway, we sat on a table and the waitress offered us a different one as the one we sat needed cleaning. We said we prefer to stay on that table, but she didn't clean it. Then came and said we have to be very fast as they stop taking orders at 2 (at the door was written lunch 12-3) so we felt a bit unwelcomed. However, the food was lovely - we tried the chicken schnitzel, fish and chips and the burger. The food took half an hour to arrive and the portions were generous. Atmosphere is lovely as well, only the service needs to approve slightly.

We ate there 5 days ago, and I voiced some of my problems at the time - 90 minute wait for food to start with. The next day I sent a polite email and have had absolutely no response whatsoever. Rather than go through what...

Simply delicious. Will make it a must go to when in Wells. Delightful, too!

We visited early in the evening and despite being deserted downstairs were recommended upstairs. It proved in the end to be good advice as when we left after our meal, the downstairs area was full and a hub of chatter. The service was excellent, likewise...

Great place. Very friendly staff. Food is also good.

We visited early on a Saturday evening and the restaurant was nicely busy. Staff were lovely and very attentive, and the food was delicious. We shared various starters and everyone was happy - beetroot carpaccio and the goats cheese especially of note. We all thoroughly...

Fantastic Sunday Lunch, as a table of 4 we had 3 Roast Beef & 1 Children’s Roast Pork all of which were delicious & beautifully cooked. We can’t wait to come back for another treat! Well done to you all excellent service too.

The Fountain Inn bills itself as a gastro pub though surprisingly they only had one beer currently on tap [supply issues perhaps]. It was a Cheddar ale bitter. The service is good, though some might be annoyed by the waiter who was one of those...

The Fountain Inn bills itself as a gastro pub though surprisingly they only had one beer currently on tap [supply issues perhaps]. It was a Cheddar ale bitter. The service is good, though some might be annoyed by the waiter who was one of those that approves of all the choices made when ordering. In his case with a  "lovely" or "marvelous" after each selection. We had a sea bass and an Indian curry and side salads. They were good.

We had an excellent meal unfortunately the evening was let down a little by the lack of drinks available on draught. A bitter, Gorge Best, which was on the warm side and Guinness. I understand some bottled lager was available. Would definitely check the drinks...

This is our third visit in a couple of months and once again the food and the service were outstanding. A great place to visit when on a trip to Wells, worth walking a few minutes beyond the Cathedral for a relaxing inexpensive meal. Can't...

Had a wonderful meal in this lovely pub. The food was excellent and the service friendly, efficient and attentive. Could not fault it and would recommend to anyone visiting Wells

This was our first visit to the Fountain after a very pleasant early evening walk around Wells in the warm late summer sunshine. We were warmly welcomed by the staff who met and served us. The menu was so interesting that it was difficult to...