The Eagle & Child

drjohnson

Cozy 23rd August 2008

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This small pub was for decades distinguished mostly by the coziness of its nooks, and by the fact that it has long been owned by St. John’s, a college of spectacular wealth. But since the “Lord of the Rings” movies, it has become a celebrity among pubs. It was here that the Inklings (Tolkien, C. S. Lewis and others) would meet of a Tuesday to drink, talk and smoke.

J. R. R. Tolkien (“Rings”) used to gather with C. S. Lewis (“Narnia”) and their other friends every week, often in this pub from the 1930s to the 60s. Lewis recalled the “golden sessions” they enjoyed by the fire. It’s still an oak-paneled hive rich with the aroma of yeast and hops, with the local Old Hooky on tap. (Ale doesn’t get hazelnuttier.)

idiophreak

Eagle and Child - Nice Drinking Pub 22nd August 2008

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The Eagle and Child is a great pub for wintertime drinks in the centre of Oxford.

It's quite a warm, cosy little pub with a number of nooks and crannies to explore.

There's a good range of beer and other booze available, the staff and atmosphere are both friendly and its location is ideal both for the city centre and the little clarendon street / jericho areas, as well as the St Giles fair when it's in town.

The pub has a strong (and proud) connection historically with local writers, so is a good place for tourists to stop into also.

When it's getting a little cold and you want somewhere to pop into for a reviving tipple, the Eagle and Child (or Baby and Bird) is just the job.