Bird and Baby renovation planned
 

As this article says, the "Eagle and Child", Tolkien's favourite pub, where the Inklings frequently met - and Downers still do occasionally - is due for renovation. Fortunately for those of us who plan to come to Oxonmoot in September, that won't begin until the end of the year, and perhaps we can hope that things will be done by next year's Oxonmoot.

I hope they put the old pub sign back!

The question is: is this good or bad news?
I do hope they don't change the place too much in their renovations. It really is lovely. The atmosphere is great.

If they uncover some Tengwar initials during the renovations I shall be highly suspicious.

I hope they don't tart it up to much but there aren't many Oxford pubs that have escaped being opened up and modernised... :(

Oh, sigh. That means there'll be building work right down my street all over the start of term...

Just noticed this today...

If they modernize it, I'll have a fit. :mad: It's on my list of places I want to see in the UK. I'm unable to visit until I A.) Graduate college, get a job, and get the money to go; or B.) get into a college with a study abroad program with a chance to go to the UK. *Thuds head against desk.*

Find a friend, work a little, and find some time. That's what I did. Took two years, but I went to the Bird and Baby with a good friend of mine. It was awesome! :D I loved the atmosphere.

Still have to wait a while. I'm underage for another six months and in high school till next June and my mom's not going to let me go anywhere. She's already trying to convince me to go close to my home instead of the East Coast. :(

That's too bad. :( We went with my mum. But I chat...

I doubt my mom would want to go. I'm pretty sure she's scared of flying over oceans. She doesn't want me going away for college because she's convinced that they will take advantage of my poor naive self. :rolleyes: Considering all of this started after I said I didn't agree with something the preacher said I think it's more like if you go away you'll no longer be under the influence of an area that hates almost all "liberal" beliefs.

Seriously I'm about this close to printing and highlighting essays showing how fantasy in general is not evil and posting it throughout the town. Oh well, two more weeks and I'll be back at school where at least some of my friends are fellow "liberals".:)

Oxonmoot 2010--last chance for some of us to experience the Bird and Baby before renovations.

Aman!!! When will you be arriving in Oxford? Or are you there now/full time? Do you have any interest in coming to Oxonmoot? At the least, let's meet somewhere--B&B, Mitre, Lamb & Flag, or your favourite pub. This would be fantastic! Look for a PM coming soon to an inbox near you . . .

Oh, apologies, looks like a missed a question in my response - yes, from next week, when I move into my beautiful house, I'm in Oxford full time, as it were, at least until next June :)

Aman! How lovely.. I had meant to ask you how your finals went but your post suggests a Masters (that you have to work for ;) ) or other post grad so congratulations!!!

Oxonmoot 2010
 

This calls for a picture of the Downers in the snug, I vote for ESTY to organise, well done to her.

When we have our picture taken in The Bird and Baby, we must get the full story of this Desecration.

Less than two weeks away, for those attending.

It always seems to come around so quickly. I'm looking forward to it as usual.

The Eagle and Child has already been remodelled and renovated a couple of times since Tolkien's day, so I'm sure it can survive another. In 1962 they extended to the rear and knocked the main bar through into the rabbit room, and I can't imagine them doing anything that drastic this time.

I have a hard time imagining them changing it too much, the location puts certain limitations to how much can be changed,

Of course it is nice for us geeks if they keep as it was, but I am sure we will continue coming there as long as they keep the name. Anyway, as a pub it is quite al right, but not anything spectacular.