Atmospheric Cambridge – cosy up at The Eagle

The weather’s closing in here in Cambridge and conditions are perfect for holing up in a pub. One of the city’s most famous is The Eagle. From my point of view, it’s significant because Nate and Ruby meet there for lunch in One Dark Lie. If pushed, I’ll also admit that it’s quite well known for being the hostelry where Francis Watson and James Crick went to celebrate their discovery of the structure of DNA. The Old Cavendish Laboratory where they worked (then just the Cavendish Laboratory, though it was already quite old) is close by on Free School Lane. Rosalind Franklin’s  work was crucial to their breakthrough.

The Eagle is also known for the ceiling in its RAF bar, where WW2 airmen wrote graffiti using cigarette lighters, charcoal, lipstick and candles. Apparently the words were gradually obscured as the ceiling became stained by cigarette smoke, but there’s an article here that explains how they were uncovered.

The idea of the airmen, coming back from perilous sorties over Germany to unwind and add their words to the collection on the ceiling always moves me. Their hopes and fears must have been so intense.

All in all it’s an atmospheric place, which is why I was so keen to include it in my book. And on top of that, the food and beer are pretty good too.

So if you’re within reach of Cambridge, go ahead. What better excuse is there than wintry weather to hole up somewhere warm? And if you want to take some reading with you, to enjoy over your beer, One Dark Lie is on-topic. Just saying.

Here are a few reviews…

“Take some thrilling suspense, add a touch of crime, and sprinkle it with doses of romance, and the ingredients are all there for another great read by Clare Chase.” Writing Round the Block. To read the full review, please click here.

“I read it in one sitting – un-put-downable.” Read the full review on Amazon

“Oh my goodness, this book packed a punch.” Read the full review on Goodreads