The opening of the pub was advertised in the local press in March 1838:
‘All that newly erected public house The fountain, situated in Humberstone Gate, containing Parlour, Tap Room, Kitchen, Brewhouse, Bedrooms, cellarage, large yard, extensive workshops, 3 pumps, in the occupation of Mr Collingbourne.’
Photo credit: Nick Miller Collection.
Post World War II the Fountain was one of the pubs mainly used by Irish and local townies alike, always busy, bustling and full of ‘characters.’ In that time there was never a dull moment in the Fountain. It lost its way somewhat after a refurbishment, as traditional pubs in Leicester were now becoming fewer and fewer, locals had long moved out, and the old building trade workers that one time congregated in Humberstone Gate had mostly passed on. The newer ‘trendy’ bars were competing for trade – the ‘basic boozer’- was well on the decline, so efforts were made to change its image.
The Fountain changed its name to Gaz’s Bar in 2003, followed by the 80’s Bar in 2004, and No 52. in 2006, before reverting to its original name.
‘It was a pub that I always liked, always a good welcome and atmosphere, as long as you minded your own business you were generally ok. It did have its share of undesirables, although usually well contained.’
Barry Lount
In 2011 the following headline hit the local paper:
‘Man jailed for chilling revenge attack on pub customer’
‘Thug used 2ft machete to chop off his victim’s hand’
After a fight in the Fountain, Carl Peters, who was said to be high on cocaine, went to fetch the weapon to take revenge on those who he previously had a fight with. He was jailed for ten years.
For many years the Fountain a Holes Brewery House until acquired by Courage in 1967. Below James Hole office on opposite side of road to the Fountain with weighing m/c for lorry’s & transport in (where cars are in pic ) used up to c1970’s building still standing today recently as a taxi office
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