The Fountain Village Pub & Kitchen — Restaurant in Barnsley

I visited the Fountain with my family on 20th May to celebrate an 80th Birthday. We had a table for 9 at 7.30. Whilst quite a lot of the main menu was already unavailable as early as 7.30, which was disappointing, we were able to find something to order. Starters were fine, however the mains were quite a let down. On both servings of fish and chips the chips were very dark brown in colour. Not burnt, but they were weird and soggy and tasted 'odd'. Both servings of chicken burger were burnt on the outside coating and quite dry. The chicken Thai curry was very dry, hardly any sauce or flavour, and had enough rice with it to serve 4 people! Only three dishes were satisfactory. The pan friend chicken was apparently okay, but not at all as described on the menu. We should have sent back 6 out of 9 meals. That's not good!

We did not want to kick up a fuss at the time, we were past wanting a confrontation and it was too late to get a decent meal elsewhere, so we left without dessert to avoid any further disappointment. We are all now regretting not letting you know at the time. I have emailed management and since found out my mother has also written a letter - both with no response.

This is my second disappointing experience at the Fountain, I've only been twice since it was refurbished. Around six weeks ago I had lunch there and I had to send back the, barely cooked, Cumberland sausage. I would have sent back the replacement gristly hot beef sandwich too had I not been starving having waited over an hour to eat. At least at that time I wasn’t charged. We really hoped the experience was a one off but, no. We won't be returning.

I would like to add that the serving staff were great. Attentive and drinks served in a timely manner. Thank goodness for small mercies!

edited to add * I have seen your response and would just be happy if you would respond to my mothers letter appropriately - as for only noticing one burger looked off colour. Sorry but 6 out of 9 meals were not good. That chef who plated it all up knew what was going out and what it ALL...

Our first ever Valentine's Night in 12 years... We don't celebrate it or acknowledge it, ever... However, we both saw the menu for the night at The Fountain a few weeks ago , separately, and literally thought we could eat everything on there, again without even mentioning it to each other. So it's funny that my husband texted me the menu and asked if I'd be his Valentine... 🤣 I said yes because I love good food! So we decided to go there last night, just for the food, as we kept reminding each other. I can honestly say that it's the first time in years I have loved every mouthful of my three course meal. It's the first time in a very looooong time that Nathan hasn't had to moan or bite his tongue about the food. It was absolutely delicious!

I could have licked all of my plates clean but thought I might look like a savage so didn't. The onion soup served in an onion was genius and delicious and reminded me of home with the layer of cheese on top. The tofu and beetroot risotto was a delight of sweet, salty and sour I didnt know I needed. I wasn't overfaced with copious amounts to the point of feeling guilty for not eating anything off my main. I ate it all in record time! I enjoyed the dessert because it wasn't overly sweet just well balanced. And the ones who know me realise that I need crisps after 2 mouthfuls of anything sweet. That did not happen, I wanted to lick the coulis.🤦‍♀️😋 The food was classy, well presented, well balanced and the pub itself is beautiful, has loads of atmosphere and great staff from what I can see. Mia served our table and she was lovely and it was great to see the manager Jack being efficient welcoming punters but also making sure everyone at the tables were happy!

Wow! Maybe we actually need to go out for Valentine's Day more often? 🤔 It was a...

We attended Sunday lunch at the Fountain on 11/05/2025. Pre-booked mid week through the online booking service. Quick and easy to do, confirmation email received and sent. On arrival then front of house staff were responsive, polite and showed knowledge of the menu. We ordered 2 mains, slow cooked beef rump and free range chicken supreme. Both served with roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, honey-glazed roasted carrots and parsnips, creamy leeks,Tenderstem broccoli, a huge Yorkshire pudding, gravy. Service was timely and the quality was above standard pub fare. Local Farmers ale from Bradfield was my choice drink, very well kept. We cleaned our plates and could do no more! Thoroughly enjoyed our lunch and will visit again very soon. The Fountain has recently updated the menu and has a new head chef and it certainly showed. The restaurant and bars are light and airy, the bars are dog friendly which is always a positive in our book. Outside, the beer garden area is clean and food is served to table. The garden was very busy at lunch time, perhaps not surprising during the hottest day of the year! There is ample parking to the side and on the road if needed. All in all we were impressed. Quality food at a good price in excellent surroundings. I have 2 very small comments which did not detract from the experience but worth comment. No one thought to ask if everything was Ok and paying the bill was difficult. No one came to table and with 5 staff behind the bar someone should really have noticed the small que waiting. That's all. We are looking forward to our next...