Oxford pub Eagle and Child designs are now on display

The Eagle and Child in St Giles, renowned for its links with fantasy writers JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis, closed in March 2020 and has not reopened since.

Renovation work is taking place and builders have fenced off the parking bays outside the pub.

READ MORE: Renovation work at historic pub well under way

Now the fencing is being used to show passers-by what the historic pub is expected to look like when it reopens in 2027.

How the Eagle and Child could look in 2027 (Image: Ellison Institute of Technology)

Artists’ impressions show how the pub will be modernised, while retaining its links with the past.

New owner, American science company the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), has been moving ahead with plans to revamp it, and expects to welcome customers again in 2027.

The technology institute, owned by billionaire Larry Ellison, is reported to have paid $10.7m for the pub – about £8m – when it was sold by St John’s College in 2023.

How the Eagle and Child could look inside (Image: Ellison Institute of Technology)

The institute is working with the company owned by world-famous architect Norman Foster for the redesign of the pub.

The area at the front of the building has been fenced off, with a sign telling pedestrians the pavement will be shut off “from September 2025 until March 2027”, and scaffolding has been erected.

The institute has said previously the pub is expected to reopen next year.

How the Eagle and Child could look inside (Image: Ellison Institute of Technology)

Dave Richardson, a spokesman for the Oxford branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) said earlier this year: “I understand there is now quite a lot of work going on, particularly where you can’t see the building from St Giles.

“I hope the pub is on course to reopen on schedule next year. We have missed the pub and I know Tolkien fans have missed it as well.

“From our point of view we would like to see an independent operator hired to run the Eagle and Child.

“The fear is that if a large chain is given the role it will then put its corporate stamp on the place.

“We want to see it thrive and it would be good to see it in independent hands.”

How the Eagle and Child could look inside (Image: The Ellison Institute of Technology)

Working closely with heritage architects Donald Insall Associates, Norman Foster’s practice is employing “a conservation-led” approach to restoring and preserve as much of the original building as possible.

There will be “light-touch” interventions within the pub’s two historic parlour rooms and famous ‘Rabbit Room’, where the Inklings group once met, maintaining a sense of familiarity.

Gerard Evenden, head of studio at Foster and Partners, said earlier: “The design preserves the unique character of The Eagle and Child and respects its many layers of history.

“Our sensitive interventions will create an all-day meeting place by introducing an adjacent café and inspirational workspaces for EIT across the upper levels.

“The scheme is stitched together by a newly landscaped garden and restored passageway between the café and the pub – new social spaces that transition effortlessly from day to night.”

The Ellison Institute of Technology has been contacted for comment.