The Fountain Inn was one of the first Inns to be purchased by Walter Hicks, the founder of St.Austell Brewery, in 1883 for the princely sum of £850.

The Fountain Inn is a 15th century Inn and is situated at the foot of Cliff Street by Shilly Ally 'Op and is believed to stand on the site of the first recorded settlement of Mevagissey which was then known as Porthilly. Mevagissey once boasted 20 Inns, Taverns and Ale Houses, but the Fountain Inn is known as the 'Father of them all' as it is the oldest public house in the village.

The Fountain Inn has two bars - the 'Smugglers Bar' with its tales of smuggling illicit rum and brandy shows evidence of when it was used as a pilchard press in the 18th and 19th centuries. The large illuminated pit in the floor was used to collect the precious fish oil, and hide Smugglers contraband, whilst the holes in the walls held the beams for the presses. Step back in time in the front bar which has been slightly altered over the years, but the oak beams, slate floor and fireplace are all original. A real log fire will welcome you on a chilly winter day.

Throughout the year on Monday evenings members of the Mevagissey Male Choir can be seen "singing for their supper" in the bar. Singing a selection of Cornish songs, hymns, sea shanties, and their unique versions of more modern classics, a relaxed and informal evening is had by all from approx. 9.30pm. On the first Tuesday of the month, the 'Stunsils' Shanty Group perform in the front bar.