The family-run Walsall pub with a variety of events for all to enjoy

Scarlett Horton, 36, runs the establishment having taken over from her parents Jackie and John Horton, who have taken a step back from day-to-day operations.

The family previously ran another pub in Walsall, the Pretty Bricks, and so when they took over the Fountain Inn almost 11 years ago, they knew what they were getting into and what it would take to make it a successful business.

Scarlett said: "We are from the area, local to around here and so we knew the people and of course the area, so we knew what we were getting into taking over the Fountain Inn.

"It has been really good since taking over but not without its challenges, but despite that we have stuck to what we know and things are running well.

"We took the pub on under Backyard Brewery and it became a freehold around four or five years ago, and we have the freehold now.

"It has really expanded during our time here and is primarily a real ale pub but we are also expanding into craft beer, as we are trying to offer something unique in Walsall.

"Overall, since we have run the place it has been really good, and thankfully we have built up a really good crowd of regulars."

Pubs, and the hospitality industry as a whole have been through a rough period in recent years, firstly with the Covid pandemic, and just as businesses were beginning to try recovering from that major setback, the cost of living crisis is now in full flow, with the cost of ingredients, general running costs and bills going through the roof.

Pubs are closing or being sold, left right and centre, and many landlords and ladies are simply grateful to still be in business following a torrid period.

Scarlett added: "We are still relatively busy now but we're not quite at pre-Covid levels - but we are busy enough, and it's due to still having our regular crowd.

"We have had issues with costs going up and bills, so it has been stressful post-Covid, but I think we have sorted a lot of that out now and are coming through it.

"We are grateful that we are still here and getting through it, and it is about looking forward now."

Scarlett, like many other people who run pubs, hosts regular events which all contribute to bringing footfall into the pub, and these have been popular for the Fountain Inn.

"We put on live music quite regularly, and one of our most popular events is a vinyl night.

"It is a big thing every month, which a lot of people come in for. We allow everyone to bring in their own vinyl and play a 15-minute set of what they like, and so it varies in terms of the kind of music, but it is a fun, quirky evening and is a hit with our customers.

"As well as the vinyl night, we host a weekly pizza night, where everything is made in-house, and the sourdough is from a local bakery, and we serve bar snacks throughout the week, which are all locally sourced, which helps the all-round local economy.

"We have been able to build a really nice relationship with the locals, and I think where we are based, just outside of the town centre, it has become a nice little haven.

"Things certainly are different post-Covid, and we have adjusted our opening hours since, and we open later in the afternoon instead rather than at lunchtime - but we have our set regulars, our customers are great and we love running the place.

"It is nice to be recognised for the work that we do too, and have been consistent winners of CAMRA awards.

"We try to serve a good range of drinks, from local ales to now craft cans and beers, and try to keep away from the main branded beers and lagers, which is what our customers like, and with the variety of drinks on offer, we have a really good set of age range that come into drink here.

"It keeps things lively, having younger students, as well as elderly drinkers, it is an all-round great place to visit with a wonderful atmosphere and environment, we make people feel comfortable, and all are welcome."