The Eagle Ladbroke Grove

At the top of Ladbroke Grove stands The Eagle, a landmark pub and social nexus for a broad range of locals, from those who live in white stuccoed elegance and council blocks to hip start-ups on the canal. It is now owned by dynamic Hippo Inns, a group with a talent for appealing interiors, good food and that little something extra. A mix of colourful soft furnishings and artwork create a warm and inviting space that means this spot is rarely found quiet.

Here it’s Truman’s Raw tank beer – unfiltered, unpasteurised and untouched by light or added gas – dispensed from huge copper tanks that sit proudly above the bar. It’s as artisan as it comes and delicious. Elsewhere on the extensive drinks list there are house cocktails like a black cherry and amaretto sour as well as classics like an Aperol Spritz to please traditionalists. Wines – too – are far-reaching, while the menu features a section of top recommendations from the knowledgeable team as well as vegan-friendly sips.

Food is served in the lively ground-floor pub space and a more sedate dining room upstairs while the cocktail lounge is a cool place for private dinners and riotous parties. The menu makes the most of great British produce and is a mix of classic pub grub alongside some more unusual combinations. Play it safe with sausage rolls, fish goujons or chicken liver parfait to start, or plump instead for spicy hot wings or the tempting nduja mac ‘n’ cheese with truffle Royale. Mains include sous vide belly pork, steak and even half a Shropshire roasted chicken, while small bar snacks keep drinkers happy.

The pudding options are small but perfectly formed and present a chocolate brownie with a s’mores twist, a wonderfully comforting sticky toffee pudding and a Hippo-bocker-glory for the kids (both big and small). There are also a few outdoor tables for when the sun shines.