CLOSED for two years, a Penzance pub has reopened its doors and is serving frothing pints and tasty meals once again.
The Fountain Tavern in St Clare Street, once featured in a much-loved Stanhope Forbes painting, has been taken on by new landlady Carol Shaw who has given the place a fresh look and is determined to make it a family-friendly, comfortable place to go.
A three-week refurbishment has not only seen new fittings, flooring and upholstery installed but also a new kitchen where head chef Andrew Wenn concentrates on pub favourites like burgers, fish and chips, home-made pies and Sunday roasts.
Carol, who has returned to West Cornwall from Kent where she runs two pubs in the Dartford area to be near family, said business has been slow at times since the reopening three weeks ago but is already starting to pick up.
"We are getting a lot of repeat visitors who are coming back because they like the food here – the Wednesday steak nights are busy – and it is getting popular with students and lecturers from Penwith College.
"We're also getting quite a few groups and clubs who want to use the pub for their regular monthly meetings but I do think that a lot of people don't yet know we're open again."
The fact that Penzance mayor Phil Rendle switched on the lights of the impressive Christmas tree by the Fountain's front door last week will no doubt help as will other events and promotions such as regular pub quiz nights, discounts for senior citizens and entertainment planned for Christmas and new year's eves.
Carol also hopes that the five letting rooms will be refurbished and ready to take in guests by February.
