please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
classic small & unpretentious pub, not the sort of place you would expect in this area
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Decent, small pub with friendly welcome and service. A choice of real ales in tip-top condition - including ales from micro breweries. Well worth a visit. 8/10.
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Another tick from the 2016 GBG and its the small but busy Golden Eagle just off Marylebone High Street.
The clientele were mainly made up of couples of mixed ages. Seats to the front on Marylebone Lane were full as the weather on this visit was good.
4 ales on, fairly bog standard offerings but they did have Samuel Adams Blonde Ambition @ 4.5% on cask so that was my choice.
Small red painted bar, dark red carpet throughout and nice stain glass windows to the front and sides.
A very nice little pub that feels more like a local than a pub found in Central London and is another one that's worth seeking out, very calm and relaxing, a perfect stop for a pint.
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Its one of my last unexplored pubs in the camera book of pub crawls for Marylebone. Classic no frills old school boozer. London Pride decent at £4.25. Liked the fact it advertises itself as an imbibing emporium.
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Went here on Friday for the sing a long with the Piano, which is advertised for, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8.30 till 11.00.
The guy was there playing the piano, just sort of random background music, the sing a long did not happen, so we left.
Skinners Cornish Knocker was decent, but the price £4.00!!!!!
Its only a low ABV. Too expensive.
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This pub may sound like a chinese restaurant but that it aint. In fact it doesn't even serve food. But it is a great drinkers pub. Black Sheep is good and they have a piano player on some evenungs. Give it a go if you just want a few drinks and giggles with some mates.
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Traditional little pub tucked away round the backstreets. Have had some good nights in here - particularly when the old boy comes in and starts playing the joanna and the punters have a bit of a sing along.
Yeah, that sounds a bit cheesey, but it isn't and seems to fit in perfectly with the whole decor and ambience of the place.
I imagine that there used to be a lot of pubs like thi in London, but there aren't any more (mores the pity). Go along and check it out, before this sort of thing is gone for good.
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Now here is a what even the least-seasoned of pub visitors would call a 'proper' pub! Having suffered the faint air of snobbery and shallowness of the crowd at the Coach Makers down the lane, my cousin and I were after a drink in a more earthy, honest kind of a venue. We couldn't have stumbled upon a finer example of those traits, for the Eagle was something of an authentic London gem - despite being in the heart of an increasingly modern and moneyed neighbourhood.
The place was gently thronging when we arived yesterday evening, still with bar space but some punters had taken themselves outside - it was a warm night. The service we received from both ladies at the bar (apparently the landlady's young daughter and another helper of more mature years but equally comely) was splendid - chatty and informal yet efficient and correct.
The cousin and I proceeded to enjoy a good old chin-wag propped at the bar, as someone struck up a tune on the old Joanna - I know, sounds like a terrible tourist-trap cliche, but from what we could ascertain it is just how it normally is here! It didn't feel or look staged, and we were assured that it's very much a local where people have stuck to the more traditional way of a London lounge-room than most. It really exuded a feel-good factor.
The clientele was far more mixed - and by definition more interesting and less-insular - than that found at the Coach. One really could have been in a different district.
There was only one fly in the ointment. And for me, it is a rather large bluebottle of a fly. I hadn't mentioned the ale yet - sadly because I can't report anything good about it, other than the range, in principle, was reasonable. My first attempt - a guest ale whose name escapes me - was found in a decidedly tepid and frankly on-the-turn condition. I struggled amnfully onwards as I didn't want to cause embarrassment and was rather enjoying everything else, but after a half I had to give in. The barmaid was very gracious and pulled me a pint of the Marston's as an alternative, at no charge (though sadly the landlady was consulted and didn't accept there was anything wrong - clearly her staff disagreed but clearly her word was law - not a good sign). It is with regret that I must report that the second beer was not much better - not turning but still very warm. I didn't have the heart to return it so stuck it out, but it was such a disappointment given the other obvious attractions of this house. A half of Pride was sampled - yes - still overheated and in weak condition! I can only assume the remaining option - Tribute - was likewise. Maybe it is a cellar very susceptible to climate and the weather had done for the casks, as the last commentator below seems to have found them in good nick in April. But really, it was not good enough. If the turnover isn't sufficient to keep 4 on, stick to 3 or even 2 and ensure they're in the finest form you can muster.
With beer as the leading criterion, I'd have to score this a 5, but with everything else in thoroughly decent order, it raises to a 6. Maybe even 7 if I allow benefit of considerable doubt on the cellarage front! But the character is enough to merit further visits. This place, and maybe the Seven Stars in Carey Street, are about the only London pubs left that still offer something beyond the bland or identikit. Don't ever change that.
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A splendid pub and in my view the best in the area. The bar itself is small - with seating for perhaps 20 people - and traditional in style and atmosphere. It tends to attract and older crowd and the whole pub has a relaxed air about it.
Four ales on offer. Two of the usual suspects - Pride and Tribute along with the less often seen Everards Tiger and Woodforde's Nelson. I had the Tiger which was in fine fettle.
This place is really worth visiting.
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Well guys, I called in here with 4 friends on the 14th March 2012. A great place - If you like "traditional" this place is for you! A true gem in the London back streets - It really is! Into the bar you go to be greeted by a bloke ina waist coat plus dickie! Glasses above the bar with a good selection of "mainstream" beer/lager - 8/10. If you like a True pub - visit!!!!
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A small, traditional street corner boozer in the heart of Marylebone. The interior d�cor is unremarkable and perhaps a little past it�s best, but it�s a pleasant enough, no frills sort of pub.
The dual aspect leaded windows have some squares of stained glass and the floor is carpeted. There is green velvet bench seating around the walls together with a few round tables and chairs, and more green velvet on the bar stools. There was little decoration on the walls another than a couple of paintings of a sunny Mediterranean scene and a royal portrait. Some other notices on the walls seem to suggest regular music nights, although these may have been just for decoration. There was a small TV up in the corner, but this was not on when we visited. Barman seemed friendly enough.
Beers on tap were Wychwood Paddy�s Tout, St. Austell Tribute and York Brewery�s First Light. There was also a pump for London Pride, although this was off on our visit. The solitary cider was Strongbow unfortunately.
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Lovely little pub, but if you are above 6ft 2in watch your head on the way to the toilet. 3 pints on Pride, Tribute and Adnams. �3.20ish a pint according to my whip. Good service, nice pub definitely worth a look.
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Trad pub, always seem to have a lively atmosphere. Excellent Adnams when I visited this week.
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Having revisited this little corker a few times now, I feel informed enough to post this comment and to rate it. They keep a fantastic pint of Guinness .... which isn't as easy to do as some of you may think! Their ales are also well kept and one often leads to 4 or 5! Their traditional music nights are brilliant and Tony is a credit to them! Last but not least, the barman comes across as a grumpy, little git ... which he can be but give some time and you'll soon realise it's all an act! ...... Or at least that's what I'm telling myself just so I can enjoy a nice pint! 9/10
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Great place to enjoy a thankful rest from shopping in.
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Persona non grata - why a slap? Most of the birds at this pub are very obliging!
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Oi Chav_Man that could have been me you were looking at and you'd have got a slap! Agree beer's cheap for the manor but not much of a winelist. Don't go if you are looking for a gastro-type meal. Staff 5/10 Atmos 5/10 beer 6/10 wine 3/10 food 2/10 (bar snax only) value 6/10
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I have been in this pub, not a bad hostelry when I went, oh, back in 2005, prior to a New Order gig at Hyde Park.
Oh, and I love the term 'crumpet'- LOL! Back to the old school!
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Check out the Barley Mow - miles better with Heineken on tap. Also some decent crumpet hanging around.
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FTB bowled along to the Golden Eagle with hopes high given the high standard P. Chum usually exhibits in all he does. We weren't let down. Although very quiet, there was a pleasing ambience about the place. We found the bar staff very pleasant and prices were cheap enough with a good range of ales and a couple of lagers. The addition of a friendly cat made the place all the more homely. Would definitely go back, but not for a big night. Great place for a few quiets with friends and after 1 or 2 more, to have a sing-a-long with the piano. Only shame was the lack of hot food, there are only so many crisps one can eat!
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It's a good pub, probably the best in the immediate area. Beer is well kept, and the piano nights are interesting, and a taste of London's past. However the staff are professional, but not especially friendly, and whilst it's decent I wouldn't say it's close to being one of the best 30 pubs in the UK. 7/10
mps77 - 19 Oct 2009 17:41 |
Interesting looking pub, both inside and out, but the place seemed to be lacking something despite being busy (and the clashing colours of the interior and glazed windows couldn't really be called attractive by its best friends). Efficient but seemingly unwelcoming staff. My pint of Brakspear was fine, with Pride and Tribute also on. Very slightly disappointing, given its very high rating of 7.5 (from 50).
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This is a nice boozer and although it was quiet on my visit it was still an enjoyable experience. The barman was extremely friendly and my Guinness was well served. Pride, Tribute and Brakspear bitter were all available along with a very limited standard draught selection.
There is a piano against the wall which was covered up, but there were posters on the walls advertising sing along nights on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights which I�d imagine are great fun. I had to make do with some hits of the 80�s being played through the speakers, but it was at a good volume. I spotted a portable TV up on the wall, but I didn�t see any sport advertisements which was no surprise as this pub is about drinking and socialising.
I�d have no hesitation in returning here again.
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The Marvel of Marylebone.
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A hidden gem. A totally unspoilt traditional English pub
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Marylebone's bestest pub;with stools outside to sit,smoke, sup and stare at the sites stutting by. Blish!
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A great little pub;hidden away. A must visit treasure house off Marylebone lane.
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A treasure of a beer house! Clean, friendly, quiet and set on a sunny corner. A true find, so close between Marylebone High Street and Oxford Street. Whisper it not to the massess men. Far too good a pub to share with the common herd.
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Small single bar pub in Marylebone Lane, just off the High Street.
It's a former Charringtons pub, as evidenced by the green banded leaded windows.
The pub has a bit of an old-fashioned look to it, enhanced by the fine mahogany back bar and the etched mirror depicting a golden eagle.
An unfortunate colour scheme - purple-ish wood pannelling - and rather bare walls, however do create a slightly cold, stark feel and I can't help feeling that some local pictures of the area in bygone days ( for example ) would give the interior a bit of focus and a cosier feel. They would also fit in well with the general ambience of the pub.
Real ales available on my recent Sunday afternoon visit were London Pride and St Austells Tribute ( � 3.00p ), the latter being in perfect condition and very tasty indeed. As it's only a smallish pub, I doubt they have the throughput for a bigger real ale range.
Note the old outside sign high up on the street corner above the door, describing the pub as an "Imbibing Emporium".
In conclusion, I think it's worth popping in for one if you're in the area, providing you can stomach the colour scheme of the wood pannelling.
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Have not read all the reviews but surprised that not many mention the sing alongs at this pub. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Mr Tony "fingers" Pearson plays the piano and just about everyone joins in. Pleasantly crowded on these days with a few real ales available. The landlord seems miserable but I think he was just made that way. There can't be many pubs left like this one and for me (an old git) it was an absolute gem found by accident. If you enjoy a sing song get yourself down there.
I would have given a ten if there had been some grub in the evening.
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3 real ales on all in good condition, pub clean and shiney, but doesn't it lack atmosphere, a welcome from the landlord and a smile would help, so would the chance to get some food at lunchtime.
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Traditional corner pub, see the previous entry for a detailed description, guvnor has been there for ages. Another surprisingly welcome survival given it is so close to the main area of Marylebone Road / Baker Street. Long may it be like it is.
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Straightforward single room street corner pub with a central bar. Ornate bar back with etched mirrors and the brass golden eagle keeping an eye on things. A collection of Toby Jug style teapots sits on a shelf over the bar. Mainly cast iron three legged circular tables plus a drinking shelf. Some stools at the bar. The former local street sign "Marylebone Lane W1" forms part of the decor. All woodwork including the bar is painted what I can only describe as magenta, but it does not detract.
A very welcoming quiet oasis from the madness of Oxford St, Pride, Tribute and Brakspears Bitter yesterday.
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Traditional corner London boozer with no nonsense old school guvnor, carpetted throughout, wood tables, cushioned wall banquettes & stools with heavy cast iron bases, attractive lead light windows, highlighted with some stained glass work. Pride, Brakspears, & Tribute in very good nick. I always think that well tended hanging baskets indicate a good attitude of care for the pub, usually reflected in the quality of the ales � a theory borne out again here. Simple, down to earth, we all liked it. Nice, also, to see some independent shops still trading nearby along Marylebone La.
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An absolute gem, with the most miserable barman in history. He's actually quite chatty when not behind the bar, and his scowly face only adds to the atmosphere. Fantastic Guinness and London Pride - a little more expensive than others, but it has some of the best atmosphere you'll find. The pianist (usually the same two) does old classics - 1940s-1960s! - and there's sometimes a singalong to Sinatra or Vera Lynn. Not as corny as it sounds; you get pensioners here as well as us young bucks in our twenties, and that's what a pub should be. Stools outside for smokers; good range of seats (sofas for the romantics), small and cosy. I go out of my way most weeks to pop in.
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Brilliant little pub, tucked out of the way, miraculously untouched by corporate hands. Good beer, well kept and bar staff most friendly. The sessions around the piano only add to the charm of the pub. Track it down if you want good beer, you shouldnt be disappointed.
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Quite an old-fashioned little corner pub tucked away along Marylebone Lane between Wigmore St and Baker St. Unusually quite for a weekday lunchtime with only me and five other punters in. Some rather attractive leaded lights in the windows. Seating comprises some tall stools round the bar, a few smallish round tables with small stools and settles against the wall. �Only� Tribute and Pride on when I was in there, but the Tribute was pretty good. I rather liked this simple unpretentious pub, and will happily drop in again when in the area.
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Have worked in the area for years but only came in here on Friday night on the way to the Pontefract Castle. Small street corner boozer, Pride, Tribute and guest ale Titanic Steerage. Paint work matches the Tribute bar towels which is a nice touch. For the area it seems a down to earth local. Worth a visit.
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I forgot to say - apparently this is not a pub, it is an Imbibing Emporium! That's what it says over the door. Fantastic! I've been on an Imbibing Emporium Amble, not a pub crawl!!!
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Excellent pub serving a very good pint of Tribute. Will come back again to this one.
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Great little pub, in an old fashioned way. Good beer and service.
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After leaving the Pontefract Castle it was my choice of next venue and the Golden Eagle it had to be. Horrified by the sight of a lot of scaffolding I was pleased to find the pub still here and unchanged from previous visits. I always drink Tribute here but noticed there was Chiswick available which makes a change from the London Pride found everywhere. A nice local feel to this place.
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I have tried this place again, still not sure about it, it just dosent feel right their is something really fake about this place, it reminds me of the film Westworld with it anomotronic characters. It just feels that when you open the door to the Eagle, the place springs into action and when you leave and close the door the exhibits deactivate. I dont expect this place to be an identakit pub, but it just felt a little contrived, pubs in their golden age were never this tatty. I dont think it's just me who got this vibe from the Golden Eagle, when I and my partner were their the amount of people who poked their head round the door or walked in and walked out again was quite significent. If heritage is your thing i'm sure this place would be right up your strasse.
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Great little pub, full of friendly locals, who are a bit strange - but that is what makes the place. Feels like stepping back in time which for me is a good thing. They have piano evenings on Fridays and the beer is top quality too.
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Golden Eagle freaky? By far the best pub in the area, Tribute always good. Discovered this pub when the Phoenix got wrecked beerwise.
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This is a creepy looking pub, it has the air of it being a living museum exhibit, i almost thought this was a set from little Britain. I've never seen so many misfits under one roof, this place has an eerie air of unreality about it, It left me feeling quite depressed it was lucky I wasn't their when the pianist was playing, that would have freaked me out.
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Blundered in at 11.30am this morning for a very random quick pint. Felt like a 'proper' pub - and the Tribute was very nice indeed.
Rafa Benitez seemed to be working behind the bar - which cheered me up no end.
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This truly was a godforsaken place: the furniture looked like it had been bought from Steptoe & Son, the barman was as about as welcoming as a Death-Eater and the monged-out clientele looked like they hadn�t shifted since Thatcherism. In fact, a good barometer of how good a first impression this place made was the constant sound of the front door opening and shutting as people looked in and then ran as fast as they could. If only I had the foresight to do the same�
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Wonderful. It's so pleasing to find a pub that is still run and maintained in the way a pub should be. It's verys small, more like a bar in some ways, but thoroughly traditional. Had an excellent couple of pints Tribute. A joy to be in.
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To find this place so close to Oxford Street was an unexpected pleasure.
Very well kept beer, fella playing a piano with half the pub singing along. It felt as though I fallen into a time warp. Really enjoyed the atmosphere and will definitely use the next time I am in the area.
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IT'S A PURE PLEASURE POPPING INTO THE GOLDERN BUDGIE WHEN VISITING THE MARYLEBONE AREA. IT'S A TERRRIFIC TARDIS OF A PUB. CLEAN, FRIENDLY AND VERY WELL RUN. HAD A DRINK THERE YESTERDAY: ARUNDALS WAS BEING SERVED; A BREW UNTIL NOW THAT I HAD NEVER EVER COME ACROSS. LOVELY TASTE; GOOD PINT. I WILL RETURN!
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Long may the St.Austell beers and piano be found at The Golden Eagle. Unforced character and personality like this would be bottled and mass-produced by big BrewCos if they realised the viewing public liked it..
Definitely a port of call on any trip to the area for me. And if you're feeling hungry, don't miss the Golden Hind fish and chip restaurant round the corner.
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Couldn't agree more with the last comment. A relaxed pub with no pretensions. Bar menu limited to 'big fat rolls' which, indeed, they were. St Austell's still as good as ever. Added bonus was Tony 'Fingers' Pearson on the piano.
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Comfortable easy-feeling place with well kept St. Austell's. 7/10.
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Lovely old fashioned pub which meets my definition of what a "public house" should feel like. Almost like walking into the ground floor of someone's house. Two St.Austell beers were on handpump, both were excellent, as well as the ubiquitous London Pride. I'll definitely visit again.
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Used to go a lot when I lived in Marylebone. Went back around May/June time and thought it had lost something. Still a good place but seems to have lost its spark.
Jack Knight - 24 Aug 2004 17:18 |
A lucky find. Quite small and with older clientele, I was astonished to waltz in on a Friday evening and discover a geezer tinkling on the old Joanna while a be-pinted guy sang his heart out. In all my time drinking in and around London - make that England even - I've never been in such a stereotypical British pub. Americans would pay good money to go there. Surprised to see Tribute Cornish Ale on tap, and congratulated the barman on his pub when we were the last (completely unhassled) customer to leave gone 11. He even apologised for the olde-worlde feel of the place without realising that that's what made it special.
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Very few pubs left in this part of London. Traditional, good beer house. Love the atmosphere. Don't stroke the cat......
nigel hill - 24 Feb 2004 17:43 |
Shame about the 7 pm closing on Sundays. Good Tribute though.
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Interesting crowd on Sunday afternoons when they're open until 7:00. The piano is well used and the gang has no problem if you want to join in on a familiar tune. Great atmosphere and pavement space is a premium in the summer evenings.
James - 31 Jul 2003 11:28 |
Quiet, cosy and very well-kept. A very relaxing small pub perfect for a quiet few drinks and a chat.
anonymous - 26 Jun 2003 15:24 |
This is a great pub and I would go there any time, the service and welcoming is great.
Tommie and Andy Ryan - 27 Jan 2003 20:41 |
IT SERVES GREAT SAUSAGES
LG - 12 Jul 2002 13:38 |
