Gastro: The Eagle
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!
Aug 15, 2007
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.
Aug 18, 2007
Last time I went there they had great no-alcohol beer: a rarity…