159 Farringdon Road
EC1R 3AL
020 7837 1353
Date of Last Visit: Saturday, July 21, 2007
The Victims: Julie, Howard, Ben, Mark
The Background: I’m not sure how I’ve missed The Eagle after all these years. Sure, I knew it was there. I walk–and sometimes run–by it regularly. But I always forget about it when I need an option close to home.
While waiting (and waiting…and waiting…no offense, guys) for the gang for drinks at The Dovetail the other afternoon, I had jotted down a list of possible dinner locations. The Eagle was one of them. So off we go.
The Entrance: I can only imagine what this place was like when smoking indoors was legal. (Very smokey.) It’s crowded and buzzy and we have to wait at the bar for a table. But no worry. We have some anchovies and chorizo and taramasalata and we’re fine. The taramasalata is fantastic. I remember this one time in college, my mom sent me and my roommates a basket of cheese and sausage. Included in the basket were a ton of cheese spreads. Months later, the taramasalata spreads were still sitting there. Well, as Cher said, if I could turn back time…who knew fish dip could be THIS GOOD.
The Starters: See above. Plus, the taramasalata was SO good that I ask for more. And Mark orders some bruschetta. When the bruschetta arrives, it’s amazing. It’s beautiful. It’s covered in tomatoes, mozzarella, and aubergine. Honestly, I will go back to The Eagle just for the bruschetta, it’s so fantastic. (OK, and the taramasalata. I will gladly have more taramasalata. And even more tarmasalata.) Actually, I’m writing this post from Mexico (more on that later), and I’m already thinking that when I get back to London, I’m going to take myself to The Eagle for lunch after my "I-just-spent-24-hours-traveling" nap and celebrate with taramasalata and bruschetta.
The Mains: I get the mackerel (I’m on a big mackerel kick at the moment) and it’s good. I’m so full from all the taramasalata and bruchetta though that I have trouble finishing it. I am not very sad about this.
The Verdict: I’ll be back the first week in August!
2 comments
I, too, have lived in London for years without making it to the Eagle, partly because I assumed it must have gone downhill since starting the gastropub trend. But it’s great to hear you enjoyed it, and I’ll be sure to try it soon.
Last time I went there they had great no-alcohol beer: a rarity…
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