On City Road in Shoreditch, The Eagle pub has stood for nearly two centuries, becoming one of London’s most storied drinking spots and an unexpected landmark in British nursery rhyme folklore. Immortalized in the rhyme “Pop Goes the Weasel,” The Eagle isn’t just any pub; it’s a quirky icon of London’s history, connecting modern visitors to the Victorian past.
Pop Goes the Weasel: The Story Behind the Rhyme
The nursery rhyme “Pop Goes the Weasel” is both catchy and cryptic, with lyrics that hint at the everyday struggles and routines of Victorian life. The famous verse reads:
“Up and down the City Road,
In and out the Eagle,
That’s the way the money goes,
Pop goes the weasel.”
The phrase “pop goes the weasel” likely comes from Cockney rhyming slang: “weasel and stoat” meant “coat,” and “pop” referred to pawning. Together, the phrase described the common practice of pawning a coat to get money for a drink, only to retrieve it (or pawn it again) after payday. Londoners struggling to make ends meet might have pawned their coat to enjoy a few pints at the local pub, like The Eagle, and the rhyme captured this lighthearted but realistic take on city life.
The Eagle’s Storied Past
The Eagle originally opened in the 1820s as The Royal Eagle Tavern and quickly became a bustling hub in Shoreditch, an area already thriving with working-class life. Victorian Londoners would often gather here for the music hall entertainment the pub provided, enjoying live performances, variety acts, and plenty of drink. The tavern’s music hall legacy made it a popular spot for residents looking to escape the daily grind, with The Eagle offering a unique blend of humor, performance, and camaraderie.
However, by the late 19th century, changing licensing laws brought an end to The Eagle’s days as a music hall. Rebranded as a traditional pub, it continued to serve locals while holding on to the folklore that had grown around it. The lyrics to “Pop Goes the Weasel” ensured its legacy, describing the comings and goings of patrons as they popped in and out of the establishment.
The Modern-Day Eagle and Its Tribute to the Rhyme
Today, The Eagle still stands as a lively spot in Shoreditch, serving a mix of locals and tourists who are drawn by both the pub’s charm and its place in nursery rhyme history. In a nod to this, the rhyme “Pop Goes the Weasel” is now boldly displayed on an exterior sign, paying homage to the rhyme that’s kept The Eagle’s legacy alive. This addition makes the pub a must-see for fans of folklore and history alike, adding to its reputation as more than just another London pub. Now, it’s a destination for those wanting to glimpse a piece of Victorian London’s spirit, right in the heart of Shoreditch.
Inside, visitors will find a welcoming atmosphere that bridges the pub’s storied past with its vibrant present. The walls are decorated with references to the rhyme and other nostalgic touches that call back to The Eagle’s music hall era. You can easily picture patrons of old crowding in for a show or celebrating payday, perhaps having just pawned their “weasel” to buy another round.
Why The Eagle’s Story Endures
The Eagle and “Pop Goes the Weasel” endure because they capture something essential about London’s history: a blend of humor, resilience, and practicality. The rhyme reflects the workaday realities of life, particularly for the working class, in Victorian London.
If you’re in Shoreditch and find yourself wandering down City Road, stop by The Eagle and immerse yourself in its legacy. Read the rhyme on its sign, order a drink, and join the long line of patrons who, for nearly two centuries, have popped in and out of this iconic pub. Whether or not you “pop the weasel” yourself is up to you, but the spirit of those who have will certainly be with you, making The Eagle a unique part of London’s living history.
The Eagle: 2 Shepherdess Walk, London N1 7LB