Drinkers in Oxford are disappointed that the Eagle and Child is unlikely to reopen for another two years, despite having planning permission for a major revamp.
Here we look back at photos at the pub from 2013 and 2014.
The pub in St Giles has been shut since March 2020, and there are ambitious plans for it to be refurbished, with boutique hotel rooms also provided.
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But these plans have stalled, according to Dave Richardson, a spokesman for the Oxford branch of real ale group CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale).
Mr Richardson said the pub’s owner, St John’s College, which also owns the Lamb & Flag on the other side of St Giles, was now seeking new landlords after pub companies Youngs and Nicholson’s/Mitchell & Butler decided against going ahead with the proposal.
Mr Richardson said: “The Eagle and Child matters not only because it is a beloved pub, but because it has achieved global fame because of the writers who used to meet there regularly. JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis were the leaders of a group known as the Inklings, who also patronised the Lamb & Flag.”
He added: “Plans have been approved to create between six and eight boutique hotel rooms above the pub and what used to be the Green Café next door, with the ground floor of the former café acting as hotel reception.
“The conservatory at the back of the Grade II listed pub would be demolished and the ground floor extended, with new kitchen and refurbished cellar.
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“A letting notice put out by estate agent Savills Licensed Leisure makes clear that the new landlord will be responsible for the works and for fitting out the building, with an annual rent 'in excess of £165,000' being stipulated.
“Whoever takes it on will need deep pockets, leading to speculation that it might be a wealthy individual or even perhaps a community-backed group.
“It could prove a wise investment as people interested in these writers come to Oxford from all over the world, with the Tolkien Society always visiting the Eagle and Child in its annual reunion weekend.”
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