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Latest Oxford hotel reviews
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The Pony Yard at the back of the Eagle and Child has been covered over as a restaurant area. This means that The Rabbit Room where the famous Inklings (JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, et al) used to meet together is not now a back parlour, but a recessed area near the bar. It is easily recognisable with photographs and mementos of The Inklings framed on the wall; the most interesting of which is their certification of when they once drank to the health of the landlord. The menu is typical English pub food, served with boiled vegetables (though you can ask for chips). I chose venison pie and my daughter chose steak and kidney. Both were excellent, high sided puff pastry pies with rich gravy and large chunks of meat. I washed mine down with a pint of mild ale, as the only draught cider available (disappointingly) was Strongbow. I much prefer Stowells. The bar was staffed by university undergraduates when I went; though it may be different in the evenings or during term breaks. This pub is worth it for the ambience; but the food isn't bad either, and it's not expensive; and you get to walk in the footsteps of literary greats.
Favorite Dish: Venison pie. Rich and meaty - you could taste the venison.
Written Mar 6, 2010
Address: 49 St Giles, Oxford
Website: http://www.headington.org.uk/oxon/stgiles/tour/west/48_49_eagle.htm
Helpfulness
This pub attracts visitors because of its association with the Inlings writing group which met here for drinks between 1939 - 1962, JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis were part of this group. In 1962 the association moved to the Lamb & Flag pub.
The pub food certainly is nothing special but the older parts of the pub are quite pleasent with small private areas to drink in.
Updated Aug 7, 2008
Address: 49 St Giles Street
If you have an infant, you will be kicked out on the street! Understand that The Eagle and Child is more restaurant than pub, but for some asinine reason they discriminate against breastfeeding mothers past 6 p.m.
After reading and hearing about how steeped in history this Oxford pub is, all we wanted to do was patronize this place. Additionally, my wife and I had some friends visit us from London and make the trek to the pub to have a bite to eat and soak in the ambience of the inklings. all we got was a rude hostess that threw us out because we have a 3 1/2 month old baby that relies upon her mum as her only source of nourishment.
The Eagle and Child is a historical but classless institution. I rate it a very Brit lowbrow one star.It should simply be called “The Eagle,” because NO children are allowed (even quiet infants).
Written Jul 22, 2008
Address: St. Giles
This pub is cosy one with not so mauch people in it (even in the evening) but it's not empty! I'm graet fan of master J.R.R. Tolkien and his work and when I entered this pub I could immidietly imagin him sitting at the table in a small room, having a pint and smoking pipe. He used to sit in the "Bird & Baby" (like they used to call it) with C.S. Lewis and other "Inklings" and read their works... the spirit of Middle-earth creator is still present in this pub. With their photos and the plaque with the signatures meakes this it great experience having a pint in this special place.
Favorite Dish: I was just drinking Guinness :-)
Written Oct 21, 2005
Address: 49 St. Giles, Oxford
Helpfulness
Made famous as the Tuesday meeting place of the "Inklings", including J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, this establishment is still a good spot for some traditional "pub grub". There is a no smoking room at the back and your meal will not cost you all that much. Menu consists of snacks, hot or cold sandwishes, jacket potatoes, main meals, salads, sides, and sweets. Soft and hot drinks available in addition to cask ales and malt whiskies.
Additional photos of Eagle & Childs on my Oxford page.
Favorite Dish: Fish & Chips, complete with mushy peas --
ample portions and good quality
Updated Jul 12, 2004
Address: 49 St. Giles
Phone: 01865 302 925
Helpfulness
Looked much like it did in "Shadowlands", the movie about the life of CS Lewis. It wasn't empty, but it wasn't overly crowded at the hour we ate (something like 5pm). The geeky pleasure we took from eating here was matched by the food. We were also pleased about the non-smoking area in the back.
Favorite Dish: I had the bangers and mash, it was great!
Written Mar 14, 2004
Helpfulness
The Eagle and Child was J.R.R. Tolkien's and C.S. Lewis's favorite hangout back in the day. Today you can go, sample the fairly decent bangers and mash, and ruminate on whether Frodo's quest to destroy the Ring of Power represents man's quest to reject sin or whether it's just a darn good story.
Updated May 29, 2003
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Write a ReviewThe Eagle and Child was J.R.R. Tolkien's and C.S. Lewis's favorite hangout back in the day. Today you can go, sample the fairly decent bangers and mash, and...
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