HISTORIC Oxford pub The Eagle and Child is in line for a major revamp.

Pub company Young’s and St John’s College plans to redevelop the Grade-II listed watering hole in St Giles.

Known as ‘The Bird and Baby’, it was the favourite meeting place of the 1930’s Inklings’ writers group, which included Lord of the Rings and Hobbit author JRR Tolkien and Narnia creator CS Lewis.

The makeover will span numbers 49-51, including Greens café next door and space above, which is vacant.

Under proposals submitted to Oxford City Council, the Eagle and Child will be expanded and upgraded, with distinctive eating and drinking zones created.

The two upper floors will be converted into seven hotel rooms, with en-suite bathrooms.

Leaseholder Young’s is working with St John’s College, which owns the building and both say they expect the redevelopment to be completed by 2018.

Young’s chief executive Patrick Dardis said: “The Eagle & Child is an iconic pub with huge potential and we are very excited to be working with St John’s on its redevelopment.

“Its history and tradition form part of its appeal and our plans are very sympathetic to that.”

He added: “The result will be a beautiful pub that stays true to its heritage, and that brings a new stylish boutique hotel offering to the centre of Oxford.

“We are looking forward to embarking on a long-term working partnership with St John’s to bring this about.”

Other Young’s pubs in Oxford include the King’s Arms in Holywell Street and the Angel & Greyhound in St Clement’s Street.

It also owns the Blue Boar in Chipping Norton.

Prof Andrew Parker, principal bursar at St John’s College, said: “We are delighted to be working with Young’s who have a proven track record in sympathetically and sensitively revitalising premises which have an interesting past to respect – in this case the Eagle and Child’s fascinating literary connection with the Inklings’ writing group.

“On completion, visitors will able to enjoy a meal, a great pint or just a cup of coffee in the upgraded pub, plus new hotel accommodation.”