Last Updated on 20 December 2025 by Vanessa
Is Camden Town on your London itinerary? Then make sure you stop by The Old Eagle, a well-known music pub with plenty of character. There are lots of reasons to visit, but one of the most charming is its resident cat, Churchill — or just “Church,” if you’re on friendly terms.
How Churchill came to live at The Old Eagle Pub in Camden
Churchill’s story at The Old Eagle began two years ago, around Christmas.
One day, a man walked into the pub carrying two tiny kittens that had been rejected by their mother. Jimmy McGrath, the pub’s manager and a lifelong cat lover, took them in on the spot.
The kittens’ names were Winnie and Churchill, a tribute to Winston Churchill.
Sadly, their time together didn’t last long. Winnie was killed in a traffic accident, leaving Churchill on his own.
According to Allison, the pub owner’s daughter, Churchill has only grown more confident since then. “Church has a lot more personality now—much more swagger,” she says.
Today, Churchill has fully embraced his role as The Old Eagle’s resident cat. He’s also a skilled hunter and keeps a watchful eye on the pub and takes his job seriously, especially when it comes to chasing off mice.
Read next: Meet the cat of London’s Gipsy Hill Train Station
Churchill’s life at The Old Eagle pub
Churchill does much more than keep pests away. His presence gives The Old Eagle a special kind of magic that people notice the moment they walk in.
Tourists, in particular, have fallen for him. Many American and Japanese visitors make a point of stopping by just to meet him. Japanese tourists. They also often stay longer than planned, clearly charmed by the cat’s easygoing nature.
The regulars adore him just as much. One elderly gentleman comes in every single day for one simple reason: to spend time near his favorite cat.
Jimmy McGrath, the pub owner, still sounds amused when he talks about Churchill’s popularity. On busy days, he says, people actually line up, waiting their turn to see the pub’s feline star.
All of this explains why Churchill has become such a beloved presence at The Old Eagle.
As noted in the book London Pubcats, his ability to draw people together and spark instant affection shows just how much of an impression one cat can make.
Read next = The ghosts and cats of London’s Highgate Cemetery
When is the best time to visit Churchill and The Old Eagle pub in Camden?
If you want the best chance of meeting Churchill at The Old Eagle in Camden, timing really matters.
Daytime visits work best. The pub can get lively on Friday nights, but Churchill usually shows up during the quieter hours. He enjoys the calm and tends to keep his distance once the evening crowds roll in.
That said, Churchill plays by his own rules. Some days he heads out on his own adventures and doesn’t come back until later in the day. Spotting him always involves a bit of luck, which only adds to the fun.
If you do meet him, feel free to ask the owner or staff for cat treats. Except… he’s not allowed any Dreamies. “He goes psycho when he has them,” Allison says.
One last warning: Churchill loves prawns and won’t hesitate to steal them if you give him the chance. Keep an eye on your plate, or you may lose part of your meal to his quick paws and cheeky confidence.
Read next = Move over cat cafés; this is Britain’s first ever cat pub
Opening hours hours and location details
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday: 12 pm – 3 pm, 6 pm – 10 pm
- Saturday: 1 pm – 10 pm
- Sunday: 1 pm – 9 pm
Address
The Old Eagle Pub 251 Royal College Street, London, England
How to get there?
The nearest tube station to The Old Eagle Pub is Camden Town.
It is served by the Northern line (black line). From the station, it’s only a short walk of approximately 10 minutes to reach the pub.
Exit the station and head north on Camden High Street. Continue straight until you reach Royal College Street, where you’ll find The Old Eagle Pub on your left.
Read next => Meet Lily, the beloved resident pub cat of Anglesea Arms in London
Final thoughts
Planning a visit to The Old Eagle in Camden? If you’re lucky enough to meet Churchill, take a moment to give him some love—and maybe snap a photo or two. We’d love to see it, so feel free to share your encounter on our social media.
🐱 Churchill from The Old Eagle Pub was also featured in the Ultimate Cat Lover’s Guide to London: 25+ Cat-Themed Activities for a Purr-fect Trip.
Also, check out the book London Pubcats by Vicky Lane and Tim White if you want to learn more about Churchill and all the other pub cats of London.
