Eagle and Child

The Eagle and Child sits just outside Lathom, a proper slice of Lancashire pub history that's been pulling in drinkers since the 17th century. It's the kind of place where the beams creak genuinely under their own weight, not as a tourist gimmick, and the bar staff will chat to you like they mean it.

What makes it genuinely interesting is the literary link. This was a regular haunt of the Inklings - that circle of Oxford writers including Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. They didn't meet here, mind you, but the pub trades on the connection in a way that feels honest rather than forced. If you're into that era of British literature, there's something quite nice about drinking in a place where literary giants might have found themselves.

The building itself is worth the visit even if you're not fussed about the Inklings angle. Medieval oak timber, wonky floors, the whole lot. It's genuinely atmospheric without trying too hard. Food is decent pub fare - nothing fancy, but done properly.

Real talk: it's not going to be the highlight of a week's holiday. But if you're based at The Secret Garden Glamping six miles away and fancy an evening out with some actual character, you could do far worse. Give it an hour, maybe two with food. Go on a quieter weeknight if you want to appreciate the building rather than shout over a crowd.

Worth a detour? Only if you're in the area already.