Anyone for a bowl of Liverpool's favourite dish, Scouse?
Liverpool is famous for many things; The Beatles, football and being very friendly (we were voted the UK’s friendliest city after all!), but one thing we’re also super proud of is our local dish, Scouse. Everyone in Liverpool has their own recipe for Scouse, passed down through the generations, it’s always been a staple dish on the dinner table in the winter months.
Coming from the word Lobscouse, which was a dish commonly eaten by sailors traveling across Northern Europe; the hearty stew generally consists of meat, either lamb or beef with potatoes, carrots and onions. Serve it with pickled beetroot or cabbage and some crusty bread on the side and you're in for a treat.
If you want to give it a go but don’t fancy making your own batch, we’ve put together some of the best places in Liverpool to sample the local’s favourite cuisine while you’re out exploring the city.
Liverpool Cathedral
For a bowl of Scouse in a stunning setting head to the Liverpool Cathedral. You'll be able to enjoy a hot bowl of the hearty stew in the largest Cathedral in the UK and the 5th largest in Europe!
Skaus
You know the scouse is going to be good when the venue is called Skaus. Inspired by Scandinavian culture, seasonal cooking and Scouse hospitality it's the perfect place to relax with something to eat on a chilly day.
Maggie May's Cafe
Maggie May’s cafe is a Bold Street favourite and one of our favourite places to head for a bowl of Scouse just like your nan would make it. Decorated like a traditional British cafe it’s the perfect setting to stop off for a bowl of homemade Scouse served with red cabbage, beetroot or both! Wash it down with a cup of tea and you’re sorted for your afternoon exploring Liverpool.
Smugglers Cove
What's better than a bowl of Scouse? A bowl of Scouse in a pirate themed restaurant on the Royal Albert Dock, of course! Warm yourself up with a bowl of Mother Redcaps' hearty stew with some of the best maritime views in the city.
Ma Boyle's Alehouse and Eatery
Ma Boyle’s Alehouse is a stone's throw away from the Pier Head and The Three Graces so it’s the perfect place to stop off and warm yourself up after exploring Liverpool’s waterfront. Served with pickled red cabbage and a crusty roll it is the ideal location to sample the local’s favourite dish.
Ma Egerton's Stage Door
Built in 1846, Ma Egerton’s has deep roots within the city’s theatrical heritage and has welcomed many stars of the stage through its doors ever since. Aside from attracting musical talent and serving up top ale, it also offers a brilliant bowl of Scouse, the perfect pre-show dinner if you're heading over to the Liverpool Empire for the evening.
Homebaked
If you fancy a different way to experience the classic scouse flavour then head down to Homebaked at St George's Hall or Anfield Stadium for one of their Scouse filled pies. It might not be the traditional way to eat Scouse in Liverpool but that’s not a bad thing. Having won awards for this pie in particular, it’s worth the visit to try the tasty treat.
Lunya
We’re always excited to try new takes on our classic dish and Catalan eatery, Lunya have come up with their own version with a Spanish twist. Sticking to a traditional recipe of potatoes, lamb and vegetables, they have added chorizo, morcilla (Spanish black pudding) and some classic Spanish flavours for that extra special twist. Make sure you give it a go next time you're there!
The Cavern Restaurant
It doesn't get much more authentic than eating a bowl of Scouse on Mathew Street opposite the Cavern Club listening to Beatles music, sounds amazing, right? Head on down to The Cavern Club Restaurant for a hearty bowl of the good stuff all year round.
The Bluecoat
Head to The Bluecoat for a big bowl of our favourite stew in their cafe and afterwards head around their gallery space to explore the beautiful building.