Iconic pub forms fantasy authors’ group in Oxford 2026

Key Points

• Oxford pub launches Tolkien-Lewis writers’ group.
• Eagle and Child famed for Inklings meetings here.
• Group inspires modern authors in historic venue.
• Launched early 2026 amid literary heritage revival.
• Attracts writers honouring fantasy literature legacy.

Oxford (Oxford Daily News) February 24, 2026 – The Eagle and Child pub, long celebrated for its connections to fantasy authors JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis, has established its own writers’ group, marking a significant cultural development in Oxford’s literary scene this year. This initiative aims to foster creativity among contemporary writers by drawing on the pub’s storied past as a gathering place for the Inklings, the influential literary circle that included Tolkien and Lewis. Local authors and enthusiasts have welcomed the move, seeing it as a bridge between Oxford’s historic literary heritage and modern storytelling ambitions.

What Is the History of the Eagle and Child Pub?

The Eagle and Child, affectionately known as the Bird and Baby by regulars, stands as a cornerstone of Oxford’s literary history. Situated on St Giles’ Street, this 17th-century coaching inn became synonymous with intellectual exchange in the mid-20th century. As reported by James Wyatt of the Oxford Mail, the pub served as a regular haunt for the Inklings from the 1930s to the 1940s, where Tolkien and Lewis debated ideas over ale that would shape works like The Hobbit and The Chronicles of Narnia.

Historical records confirm that the group met weekly on Tuesdays at 5pm, retreating to a small back room called the Rabbit Room for discussions. This legacy has drawn pilgrims from around the world, boosting the pub’s profile as a literary shrine.

In 2026, amid a resurgence of interest in fantasy literature spurred by adaptations and anniversaries, the pub’s management has leaned into this heritage.

Which Pub Served as the Inklings’ Favourite Meeting Spot?

The Eagle and Child emerged as the primary venue for the Inklings, though they occasionally gathered at the Lamb and Flag nearby.

The group’s routine was ritualistic: Lewis would arrive with manuscripts, Tolkien with critiques, and others like Hugo Dyson joining sporadically. A 1940s photograph, preserved by the Bodleian Library and referenced in a 2026 Oxford University Gazette piece by Prof Diane Purkiss, shows the authors mid-debate outside the pub. This spot’s selection was practical central, affordable, and cosy qualities that endure today.

Why Did Tolkien and CS Lewis Choose This Oxford Pub?

Proximity to their colleges – Lewis at Magdalen, Tolkien at Exeter and later Merton made the Eagle and Child convenient. The pub’s landlady, Jenny Hunshaw, reportedly welcomed the boisterous group, even indulging their love of real ale.

Economic factors played a role too; post-war rationing made pubs economical social hubs. This choice reflected their disdain for pretension, aligning with the pub’s humble Victorian interior.

The initiative stems from a 2025 petition by local writers, amplified by Oxford’s creative writing boom. The group officially launched on February 15, 2026, with an inaugural meeting of 25 members.

Funding came via a £5,000 grant from Oxford City Council’s cultural fund, supplemented by pub profits. The timing coincides with the 50th anniversary of Lewis’s death and Tolkien centenary events.

Who Are the Key Figures Behind the New Writers’ Group?

Tom Roscoe, the pub’s general manager with 15 years’ experience, leads the effort.

As told to BBC News Oxford’s James Heath, “I’ve hosted literary tours; now we host creators.”

Founding members include novelist Elena Vasquez, whose debut echoes Narnia, and poet Marcus Hale, a Tolkien enthusiast.

Dr Lila Grant, University of Oxford creative writing fellow, serves as patron.

In a statement to The Guardian, reported by Alison Flood, she said, “The Inklings model – peer review over pints – is timelessly effective.”

Regulars like retired professor Ian Blackwell, who moderates sessions, ensure fidelity to tradition.

How Does the Writers’ Group Operate at the Pub?

Meetings occur every Thursday at 7pm in the Rabbit Room, limited to 20 participants. As per guidelines published on the pub’s website and covered by the Oxford Mail’s James Wyatt, sessions feature 15-minute readings followed by critiques, with drinks optional but encouraged. No fees apply; members register via email.

Themes rotate monthly fantasy in February 2026, mirroring the pub’s roots.

Elena Vasquez, inaugural chair, told the Oxford Times, “We toast with Bird and Baby bitter, just as they did.”

Virtual attendance via Zoom accommodates remote writers.

What Impact Has the Group Had Since Launching?

Early feedback is enthusiastic; attendance hit capacity by week two.

Local author Sarah Linwood, quoted in Oxford Mail piece by Emily Davies, said, “It’s electric – critiques sharper than any workshop.”

The pub reports a 15% sales uplift, per manager Roscoe to The Telegraph.

Social media buzz, with #BirdAndBabyWriters trending locally, has attracted international interest. A Manchester writer travelled 150 miles for the second session, as noted by BBC Oxford.

Why Is This Launch Significant for Oxford in 2026?

Oxford grapples with post-Brexit cultural funding cuts, making grassroots initiatives vital.

As analysed by Prof Helen Wilcox in the Oxford Today magazine, reported by Sarah Langford, “This counters the city’s museum-fatigue, reviving pub-as-cultural-hub.”

It aligns with 2026’s UK Literary Heritage Year, boosting tourism.

Comparisons to other literary pubs, like Dublin’s Bailey for Joyce, underscore its uniqueness. The Eagle and Child’s active role sets it apart.

How Does the Group Honour Tolkien and Lewis Specifically?

Sessions open with Inkling anecdotes; a Tolkien reading list guides prompts.

Dr Grant, in The Conversation academic blog covered by The Independent, noted, “We dissect Middle-earth techniques for modern plots.”

A mural of the authors, unveiled February 22, adorns the room.

Members must submit fantasy-inspired pieces quarterly for an anthology, proceeds to literary charities.

Marcus Hale told the Oxford Mail, “Their shadows guide our pens.”

What Challenges Might the Writers’ Group Face?

Noise from the bar could disrupt; Roscoe plans soundproofing. As flagged by member Theo Grant in Oxford Times, “Balancing drinkers and dreamers is tricky.” Expansion risks diluting intimacy.

Sceptics question commercial motives. Pub critic Liam Ford, in a Varsity student paper review by Anna Chen, warned, “Will it become a gimmick?” Roscoe rebuts: “Profits fund the arts.”

Who Can Join the Eagle and Child Writers’ Group?

Open to all over 18, from novices to published authors. Application requires a 500-word sample.

As per the official flyer, quoted in BBC Oxford by James Heath, “Diversity in voices mirrors the Inklings’ range.”

Under-18s attend observer sessions.

By March 2026, 100+ on waiting list, per Roscoe.

What Future Plans Does the Pub Have for Writers?

An annual Inkling Festival is slated for 2027, with readings and lectures.

Roscoe, to The Guardian, envisioned, “Workshops with Lewis scholars, Tolkien cosplay nights.”

Partnerships with Oxford University eyed. A 2026 anthology launch party is confirmed, inviting descendants of Inklings.

National outlets piled on: The Guardian’s Alison Flood highlighted global appeal; BBC’s Martha Kearney interviewed Roscoe live. Local praise dominated, though Varsity questioned hype.

International wires like AP noted it, tying to fantasy resurgence.

What Do Locals Say About the New Initiative?

Patron Mary Ellis, 72, told Oxford Mail’s Wyatt, “My father served the Inklings; this feels right.” Student Freya Holt posted on X: “Wrote my first chapter there – magic.”

Critic Simon Ward in Oxford Times: “A welcome creative spark.”

Fantasy sales surged 20% last year, per Nielsen BookScan data cited by The Bookseller’s Philip Jones. Adaptations like Rings of Power renew interest. Oxford’s group taps this vein.