Consent granted to restore Oxford's Eagle and Child pub

Led by Foster + Partners, the consented scheme will re-establish the Eagle & Child as a vibrant social and intellectual hub, with the addition of a new dining space, bakery and outdoor garden, as well as collaborative meeting areas for Ellison Scholars, staff and fellows on the upper levels. Donald Insall Associates acted as conservation architect and heritage consultant on the project.

Gerard Evenden, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners, said:

“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.”

Harriet Pillman, Associate, Donald Insall Associates, said:

“This is a highly complex heritage site with multiple constraints that require thoughtful design coordination. We are enjoying collaborating with EIT and Foster + Partners to enable their design vision, conserving the buildings’ historic fabric while embedding sustainability and accessibility principles. Ultimately, this project is about creating an inspiring space for Ellison Scholars, whilst refurbishing the much-loved Eagle and Child pub and creating a new cafe and restaurant for Oxford’s residents and visitors to enjoy for decades to come.”