The Eagle Inn, Ross-On-Wye

This is a corner pub, with a nice patio area (with water feature and BBQ area). The building is in the Georgian style, being in white painted brick, with black lintels to the slightly curved sash-styled windows, a couple of string courses and, as Boger says, modern glass doors. The interior is an L-shaped room and is in patterned wallpaper, pale green and wood, with a collection of books and various ornaments on a set of shelving. It is a foody place, with tables and booth areas, but i didn't eat. The TVs just had daytime programmes on - silently, while the music was easy stuff at a decent level. There is also a dart board. The service was friendly and the clientele a good mix, from families to mature - with a mix of diners and drinkers. The most unusual feature is the spiral staircase, which led to heaven for all I knew. Beer; usual tap stuff with London Pride, Youngs London Gold and a decent enough Butcombe Gold on handpull. I was more than happy to pop in for one, but one would generally be enough.

There seems to be some dispute over the origins of the New Inn (as it was originally called) but it was certainly around in 1790 and possibly as early as 1712. The pub’s name was changed in 1969 to commemorate the moon landings, the Eagle being the name of the lunar module for that historic occasion. From the outside it has the appearance of an old coaching inn with its broad hotel style frontage although it seems it could not fully compete with its local competitors and never really developed any great reputation among the travellers. Internally the pub has been a subjected to a degree of modernization that hasn’t always been sympathetic to the intrinsic qualities of the building, the modern glass entrance doors being a prime example. Much of the L-shaped bar has been knocked through from what would have been a multi room layout although there are a couple of snugs that offer a bit of intimacy and the rear section is partially separated from the main body of the pub. There are hints of mock tudor but for the most part everything is quite safe and generic. It was moderately busy on my visit but service was fine and welcoming and the customer base came across as a decent and civilized. Some piped background music was playing in the background and a brace of silent TV’s were on the go. The pub does have a couple of function rooms, one up a spiral staircase opposite the bar and a larger suite in the old stable block at the rear where there is also a courtyard although I didn’t get a chance to have a peek at it. The ale range was a little bland for the area with Otter Ale, Doom Bar and London Pride being the options. Prices were reasonable (Otter was £2.90) and quality fine. Food ranged from £7-£12 with a separate steak menu from £12-£17, the 22oz mixed grill at £14.95 esepecially catching my eye although I didn’t indulge. Overall it’s an inoffensive and safe choice for a couple of beers or a meal but it’s not a place that will leave any great lasting memories.