Bars & Pubs

Gastropub pioneer the Eagle was founded by Michael Belben and David Eyre way back in 1991 - you'll find signed copies of the weighty tome Gastropub Classic (£18) by the famous open kitchen. The excellent Mediterranean and Modern European cuisine still draws a barful of discerning diners at every sitting; bagging a spontaneous table can prove impossible at peak times. The dozen wines by the glass include a Reserva Nieto merlot (£4/£16) and Blanco Cosecha Rioja (£3.75/£14.75); draught beers Eagle IPA, Bombardier and Red Stripe. Bottled Sagres maintains the southern European mood, and determined bar-hoppers can eschew food for a Dark & Stormy cocktail (£5) of Havana 7, fresh lime and ginger beer.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9