The Eagle
The Eagle is a historic pub on Bene't Street in central Cambridge where, in 1953, Francis Crick announced that he and James Watson had discovered the structure of DNA. Scientists from the nearby Cavendish Laboratory regularly ate lunch there, and a plaque outside commemorates the moment.
In practice
The pub's back room is known as the RAF bar: during the Second World War, British and American airmen wrote their names, squadron numbers and drawings on the ceiling with candle smoke and lipstick, and the marks have been preserved. The story of the DNA announcement, and its omission of Rosalind Franklin, whose X-ray images were crucial to the discovery, is now usually told in full.
Why it matters to newcomers
A drink at the Eagle is almost compulsory for anyone new to Cambridge, especially in science. It is busy at lunchtime and in the evenings; mid-afternoon is the best time to look at the ceiling in peace.
Related
- King's Parade - around the corner
- Cambridge Phenomenon - the science-to-business story that followed
- Market Square - a short walk away
Source: University of Cambridge.