We Londoners are a pretty innovative bunch (if I do say so myself). Always among the first to spot a gap in the market and fill it with something functional, fascinating, fun or flipping delicious; it comes as no surprise to me that the birthplace of a beloved genre of dining is right here in the capital city.
The very first to take two of the country’s favourite things (places to eat and places to drink) and combine them together; The Eagle in Farringdon opened its doors in 1991, serving up pints and posh pub grub in a setting that would eventually go on to define an entire new category of establishment – the glorious gastropub.
The history of The Eagle
The Eagle landed in London (see what I did there?) in 1991, after founders, Michael Belben and David Eyre, originally wanted to open a restaurant but couldn’t afford to. At the time, British pubs were giving the public very little bang for their buck, dishing out pricey beer, poorly-sourced wine, and a pretty pitiful food offering. Belben and Eyre spotted a gap in the market and seized the opportunity. They snapped up The Eagle and launched a rather revolutionary concept: a casual and relaxed pub that served up high-quality and affordable food.
Perched on the corner of a bustling road in Farringdon; the pioneering pub opened its doors 34 years ago, and has never looked back. People very quickly got on board with the idea of ordering a restaurant-quality meal at the bar, next to people ordering their pints and peanuts. The Eagle didn’t have table reservations (they still don’t, unless you’re booking for a large group), and the daily-changing menu was scrawled on a blackboard behind the bar. It’s become a London legend in its own right – and many have tried to imitate it, but very few have succeeded.
Credit: @eaglefarringdon via Instagram
Since opening, The Eagle has only ever had three head chefs grace its kitchen: David Eyre, Tom Norrington, and current head chef, Edward Mottershaw. The open kitchen still to this day serves up some of the very best pub grub in town. And (despite the menu constantly changing) you always know exactly what you’re going to get at The Eagle: a delicious meal and a delightful atmosphere. What more could you want, really?
📍 You’ll find The Eagle at 159 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3AL.
🚇 Nearest station is Farringdon.