By-pass Northcote Road’s cocktail bars and dining destinations to discover this agreeably down-to-earth boozer – a favourite with the area’s rugby fans. A Victorian gentleman’s dusky drawing room done out in throat-pastille red, The Eagle also goes down well with the CAMRA crowd – not surprising, given its super selection of real ales. Downton Quadhop and Mad Hare, Westerham Freedom Ale, Pilgrim’s Progress and the delightfully named Surrey Hills Gilt Complex were among the guests on show when we visited – although the place racks up over 500 different brews each year. Regular beer and music festivals, a dedicated football team, curry nights, board games, ploughman’s and (apparently) the occasional sighting of the original Chinese Elvis, are all part of the fun. Outside is a heated, tented garden, but don’t step on the Chinaman’s blue suede shoes, or you’ll have to stand him a pint of Tribute.