The Eagle, Shepherds Bush, W12

This is a mid-19th century pub, which still exhibits some green banded Charrington’s glass. The interior was subject to a substantial makeover in 2017, though the previous review largely applies. It has been comprehensively gastrofied in here, with a very contemporary interior featuring a modern floor, Farrow & Ball colour scheme, green glazed tiling, zoned contemporary furniture and fluted glass lamp shades. The rear is largely geared towards dining and here there’s a plate glass window which looks out over a substantial, landscaped garden. There are bored games, trendy framed prints though at least there’s a log fire. Customers included families with their progeny or young professional types; there’s a vast gulf between execution and demography here compared to the Orchard up the road and certainly for the better. Ales amounted to two unused pumps, then Original or Special at £2.65 a half. There’s very little to recommend this borough pub-wise, but this is one of the better establishments.

Official site of The Eagle - www.theeaglew12.co.uk

Official site of The Eagle - www.theeaglew12.co.uk

They had on three ales during my Saturday lunchtime visit – Young’s London Gold and Centenary, and Sharp’s Doom Bar. There are two bar areas at the front separated by a large open archway both of which were quite full with people watching the Liverpool v Manchester United game before heading off to Loftus Rd to watch QPR. At the back on the left is another room with all tables set for diners. There’s a smallish outside seating area at the front. Like so many pubs these days this one has a number of modern touches – candles (alight on a sunny Saturday afternoon) on ledges and other flat surfaces; dividing screens with shelving bearing assorted knick knacks; shelves on the bar back containing vases, dried fruit and the like. It’s a bit like an Ember Inn in some respects – but without the football supporters. There are the usual mix of sofas, tall tables/stools, and standard tables and chairs. It’s not my ideal of a pub, but a decent enough place nonetheless.