The Eagle and Child in Whitefield undergoes £200,000 refurb

The Eagle and Child on Higher Lane has been re-designed with a large open-plan lounge, pizza ovens, carpets and an updated look to “reflect the changing preferences of customers”. 

Traditionally used by those wanting to play cribbage, backgammon, or dominoes, the "Vault" gaming area has been removed from the pub and turned into a lounge. 

Inside The Eagle and Child, Higher Lane, Whitefield (Image: Public)

Denis Maddocks, estates executive at Joseph Holt, the brewery which owns the pub, said: "Over the years customers' needs have changed.

“At one time the area around the public bar, known as the 'Vault', was where people played games like dominoes over a pint.  

“This was separate from rooms such as the lounge or snug where customers would come to enjoy their drink and have a chat.   

Inside The Eagle and Child, Higher Lane, Whitefield (Image: Public)

“Although we still have a dart board, that appetite to come to the pub for a game of crib has changed, now people want somewhere comforting and welcoming to drink and chat so our refurbishment reflects this.” 

The wooden floor and fittings have been replaced by carpets and soft furnishings to reflect the change in tastes.  

Inside The Eagle and Child, Higher Lane, Whitefield (Image: Public)

Dennis added: “As a brewery, our history and traditions are very important however, we also have to reflect on the changing ways and needs of those who visit our pubs.  

“Were sure our newly refurbished Eagle and Child pub reflects that need.” 

The Eagle and Child is one of the company's oldest pubs – the original premises used to be a beer house which was part of a row of cottages, and which was opened to the public in 1802.

It was sold to Joseph Holt in 1907. 

For more information on the pub see here.