The iconic Oxford pub that is getting a major architectural glow-up

The Eagle and Child in Oxford is one of the city’s most iconic pubs, dating all the way back to the 1600s. The boozer, which was once frequented by authors JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis, shut in March 2020 as the pandemic took hold – but it’ll soon return to its glory days as renowned architectural studio Foster + Partners has been granted planning permission for a huge renovation.

For those in the know about pubs or design – or both – this is big news. For those not, we can get you up to speed.

The Eagle and Child dates back to the 1600s, but the building as we know it today was constructed around 1840. It’s best known for being the meeting place of choice for the Inklings, an Oxford writing group which included Tolkien and Lewis, and because of its historical significance the pub was awarded Grade II listed status. The pub has now been sitting empty for five years, so it’s welcome news that someone is finally ready to give it the TLC it deserves.

Foster + Partners are legends in the world of architecture. No matter who you are, you’ll know of a few Norman Foster projects: Wembley Stadium, the Millennium Bridge, and the Gherkin in London are just a couple of the company’s many, many iconic works. 

The vision for Eagle and Child is to ‘preserve the unique character’ of the building whilst modernising it and adding more varied spaces throughout. Gerard Evenden, who is the head of studio at the firm, explained: ‘The scheme is stitched together by a newly landscaped garden and restored passageway between the café and the pub – new social spaces that transition effortlessly from day to night.’

Heritage architects Donald Insall Associates will lend a hand to the development, ‘employing a conservation-led approach to restore and preserve as much of the original building as possible’. The iconic Rabbit Room, where the Inklings held their meetings, will remain largely undisturbed in order to ‘maintain a sense of familiarity and continuity for returning guests’.

At the back of the property, ‘more contemporary elements are gradually introduced towards’ including a brand new dining room and a refurbished garden space. There will also be a café added next door, [transforming] the Eagle and Child into an all-day destination’.

Here’s a glimpse at what that could all look like once it’s done.

Why is the Eagle and Child famous?

For starters, the Eagle and Child has simply been around a very, very long time. Founded as an inn in the 1650s, the Oxford Clarion called it the city’s ‘most storied inn’. The Inklings were regulars at the pub from the 1930s, meeting to read and discuss their work. The Inklings met at the pub all the way through to the 1960s. 

What are the details of the refurbishment?

The Eagle and Child’s two parlour rooms will be restored rather than overhauled, while ‘contemporary elements’ will be added to the rear of the pub. There will also be a new café built at the lower levels of adjacent addresses 50 and 51 St. Giles’ Street, and the pub and café will be linked by a reinstated ‘historic passageway’.

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