What was the Oxford pub where C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien often met?

The Eagle and Child was the Oxford pub where C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien often met.

The Eagle and Child, located on St Giles’ Street in Oxford, was commonly known by its nickname, the Bird and Baby. Lewis and Tolkien met there with other members of the Inklings, an informal literary discussion group associated with Oxford.

The Inklings did not function as a formal society with a constitution or membership list. Its meetings involved conversation, criticism, and readings from works in progress. Lewis and Tolkien were among its best-known participants, and their discussions supported the development of major fantasy and Christian literary works.

The Turf Tavern and the Lamb and Flag are real historic pubs, which can cause confusion in questions about famous writers’ meeting places. The Eagle and Child is the venue most strongly associated with Lewis and Tolkien’s Inklings gatherings.