The Eagle, on iconic Ladbroke Grove, serves beer directly from the tank – so fresh it feels like your drink has come straight from the brewery. Tank beer is unpasteurised, unfiltered and completely untouched by light, gas or any other process allowing it to really retain its flavour. The Eagle was historically a Truman’s pub, making this exceptional London brewer the natural choice not only for this project, but all other pubs within the group. Offering the exclusively created Truman’s Raw Tank beer it even gives regulars a chance to have their very own tankard glass kept on site to drink from on every visit!
Plates are substantial, British with a Bavarian twist – luckily they stock takeaway boxes as the food was too good to waste! The tank beer tastes quite different from your standard lager, milder or clearer perhaps. And the food is great. We especially loved the 35-day aged beef cheeseburger £11.5, twice baked gruyere souffle £6.5 and crispy knuckle of pork with fried potato dumplings £15, the latter being so large it came home with us, provided a midnight snack, and then lunch for me AND the dog the following day.
With all-day dining and a mixture of British classics and Bavarian staples the mouth-watering menu created by Head Chef Stan Perry (ex Soho House) will feature dishes including venison carpaccio, crispy knuckle of pork with fried potato dumplings, smoked trout salad and chicken schnitzel with fried duck egg. All plates have been created using flavours that compliment the beer, and the specials board has suggested beer pairings for each dish. The knowledgeable staff are kitted out in traditional beer aprons and are on hand to suggest the perfect beer to match diners’ food. Regular food and beer tastings will run as part of the pub’s programme.
The light and spacious venue occupies two floors with the upstairs area housing a dedicated Truman’s bar. Combining both contemporary and classic interiors, the modern light fittings and artwork are juxtaposed with traditional British pub furnishings including an open fire, original building features and Truman’s tanks, dominating the circular bar and with blackboards displaying dates of brewing.
Hippo Inns Founder Rupert Clevely says “We aim to create a one of a kind experience within each of our neighbourhood pubs. We are delighted to be working with Truman’s, another great London brand known for their exceptionally fresh beer who will offer our guests with an exclusive taste of London’s history at The Eagle.”
Truman’s Founder James Morgan said “This is a hugely exciting opportunity and we’re delighted to be working closely with Rupert and his team at Hippo Inns to bring our brewery fresh Truman’s Raw beer to the drinkers of London for the first time. The fact the Eagle was originally a Truman’s pub is the icing on the cake we’re looking forward to a very strong performance when the pub opens.”
The name Hippo Inns has come about as a result of Hippo Inns founder, Rupert Clevely’s three daughters saying, “Dad, you’ve been wallowing around doing nothing for far too long.” Rupert and his interior designer wife Jo were founders of Geronimo Inns, which they sold to Youngs in 2010. Hippo Inns have strong family values and are dedicated to delivering great food and drink at a sensible price in glorious surroundings.
