The Eagle, Clerkenwell - pub details

A real pigs ear of a place. Not really a pub, not really a bar, not really a restaurant but an attempt to cram them all together in a very confined space, without bothering too much about the finer points of decoration. Only came here to meet people, but judging by the frustrated faces of those trying to get served with food I wouldn’t think it’s the most relaxing place to eat. Credit where it’s a due: a well kept pint of IPA.

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alebarry - 10 Dec 2009 14:56

I can understand the mixed reviews becuse The Eagle, like many popular places, has often been a victim of its own success. It gets scarily busy at times and yes - perhaps some of the staff haven't graduated from the catering & hospitality charm school...
But credit where it's due: The Eagle (under its present owner) opened back in 1991 or 1992. It was a groundbreaking pub in that, it served fantastic food, good beer and quality wine at pub prices in a 'pub' setting. There are no reservations, table linen, printed menus or even table service. You walk in, order your drink at the bar and (if you feel like it) a plate of food too. Its strengths lie in the simplicity and quality of the offer: great food and drink, without any frills.
I was a regular here back in the nineties and make the occasional visit if I find myself in Farringdon. To this day, I have never had a bad meal here or a bad pint. The Eagle is widely credited as starting the revolution in pubs which has seen a marked improvement in choice and quality of food and drinks - giving rise to the (questionably entitled) 'Gastropub' sector.
Whilst many gastropubs have become restaurants with a bar attached and ignored the 'something for everyone' appeal of a traditional pub, the Eagle (in my opinion) has remained true to its public house identity. When I first went there they had a sign displayed reading 'Dirty Boots Welcome' - a wonderful riposte to the 'Smart Dress Only' notices employed by many pubs and bars at the time. When I was a regular here, the clientele (that I knew) included firemen, postal workers, magazine editors, photographers, journalists, cabinet makers, plumbers, fashion stylists and lawyers - quite a mix!
As for who the locals are now, I couldn't say. For me, as long as I am able to enjoy my pint in peace or with my friends, I am happy. And that is something I can do with ease at the Eagle.
If you want a decent drink or a tasty plate of food without paying through the nose for it - The Eagle won't disappoint. If you are more interested in the furniture and fittings or concerned about the demographics of your fellow punters, then maybe it's not the right place for you.

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Jon_Murray - 27 Sep 2009 18:28

Alright if you dont mind being surrounded by left-wing vermon.

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Larry_E - 22 Mar 2009 18:18

i'll still give it a 6/10, as the food (it is a gastropub, and closer to a restaurant than a pub) is often still very good. but even that is more hit and miss than it was. service is also not fantastic, and getting a seat is often very difficult. i think this place is somewhat living off it's reputation now.

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mps77 - 5 Feb 2009 16:23

4 out of ten. Place is ruined by the staff and service. The food is good for gastropub grub but the service is appalling. We were told that we could not order a well done steak, even though the chef/cook chap said it would be ok the bar girl ignored us. I waited for 5 minutes at an empty bar to place a drink order whilst the same bar girl had a stand up argument with a colleague. The chap that was serving the food and dishing out the cutlery gave us 2 forks and a spoon between 6 of us, and 5 limp peices of bread in a wicker basket. He then brought an order of fish to our table, we told him that no-one had ordered the fish, he then said "well someone had ordered the fish from this table" and plonked it down. I politely said again that we were not having fish, he muttered something under his breath (I don't think it was an apology) and took it away. The food came in intervals, so that 2 of our party had almost finished when the last plate was brought out.

Finally when it came to pay the bill was littered with double orders and I was accused of lying by the same bar girl as above.

Just not good enough for a popular central london eatery.

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dieseljonny - 5 Feb 2009 13:55

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