The famous Oxford pub, the Eagle and Child, is set for a revamp to expand the pub into offering accommodation for visitors.
The pub was one of the many frequented by J.R.R. Tolkien and the other Inklings (including C.S. Lewis) who used to get together to discuss literature and their own writings. Tolkien affectionately referred to the pub as “the Bird and Baby” as an alternative to its official name.
The refurbishment will include separating the pub into drinking and eating areas, whilst the upstairs of the pub (and the accompanying property) will be converted into seven ensuite rooms for visitors. The pub is owned by St. John’s College, whose principal bursar said: “We are delighted to be working with Young’s who have a proven track record in sympathetically and sensitively revitalising premises which have an interesting past to respect – in this case the Eagle and Child’s fascinating literary connection with the Inklings’ writing group.”
Original story: Oxford Mail
