A long-established drinking establishment in Oxford, renowned for its ties to famous fantasy writers, is allowing locals to preview how it will look when reopened.
The venue on St Giles, celebrated for its links to JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis, shut its doors in March 2020 and has remained shuttered since.
Renovation work is presently in progress, with builders having fenced off the front parking area of the premises.
Pedestrians walking past can now see visualisations on the hoarding depicting what the site is expected to resemble upon its planned relaunch in 2027.
The American research body the Ellison Institute of Technology obtained the premises and is advancing with restoration plans, targeting a return to serving customers in 2027.
The technology institute, overseen by billionaire businessman Larry Ellison, reportedly acquired the establishment for $10.7m, around £8m, when St John’s College sold it in 2023.
The institute has partnered with the practice of internationally acclaimed architect Norman Foster to revamp the pub.
The front portion of the building has been sealed off with barriers, alongside notices advising passers-by that the walkway will be blocked from September 2025 until March 2027, with temporary facilities erected on site.
The institute had previously suggested the pub was anticipated to reopen the following year.
Dave Richardson, speaking for the Oxford branch of CAMRA, indicated earlier this year that significant work had commenced, especially in sections not observable from St Giles.
He expressed hope the pub would stay on schedule to reopen as planned the following year, noting the venue had been missed by regular patrons and Tolkien admirers alike.
He indicated the organisation would favour an independent operator being appointed to run The Eagle and Child.
There were concerns that should a large chain be selected, it would impose its standardised approach on the venue.
The group wants to see the establishment flourish and believes it would be beneficial under independent management.
Collaborating closely with heritage consultants Donald Insall Associates, Norman Foster’s practice is employing a conservation-focused strategy to repair and protect as much of the original fabric as feasible.
Minimal alterations will be carried out within the pub’s two historic front rooms and the famed Rabbit Room, where the Inklings once gathered, maintaining a familiar atmosphere.
Gerard Evenden, studio director at Foster and Partners, previously explained that the scheme preserves The Eagle and Child’s distinctive character while respecting its multiple historical strata.
He noted the sensitive approach would create an all-day venue through addition of an adjacent cafe and workspace for EIT on upper levels.
The scheme incorporates a newly designed garden and reinstated path connecting the cafe and pub, forming new shared spaces that transition seamlessly from daytime through to evening use.
The Ellison Institute of Technology has been approached for comment.