Anyone for a bowl of 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 and it’s always 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.
THE PALM HOUSE
Celebrate Global Scouse Day this year at the Palm House for their Global Scouse Day Social. Sit yourself down to a bowl of Scouse before taking part in the Scouse Quiz hosted by none other than Scouse Bird herself.
THE BALTIC FLEET PUB
For a traditional Scouse experience, head down to one of Liverpool’s most famous pubs, The Baltic Fleet. This historic pub not only has rich ties to Liverpool’s maritime past, it also serves some top notch Scouse! Served in the traditional manner or blind (meat free), with crusty bread and beetroot, wash it all down with one of their classic ales and you’re in for a hearty Liverpool lunch.
THE SHIP & MITRE
Another traditional Liverpool pub that reflects the city’s maritime links and offers a hot bowl of classic Scouse is The Ship & Mitre on Dale Street. Enjoy a bowl of their famous Scouse, which even the Hairy Bikers have tried and tested, downstairs in the pub that looks like the inside of a ship and wash it all down with a local beer or two.
We’ll also let you in on a secret; on a Wednesday after 5pm they give away FREE bowls of Scouse when you buy a pint until the pan runs dry, all the more reason to head down!
DOWN THE HATCH
Head Down the Hatch to the vegan basement for their versionof blind Scouse. Filled with potatoes, root veg and seitan pieces, this homemade stew will warm you up in the winter months.
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!
FODDER CANTEEN
If you want to go all out scouse with your Scouse, Fodder Canteen in the Baltic Triangle is the place to go for endless options. Aside from offering the humble bowl of Scouse with three flavours to pick from; traditional mutton, chicken or blind scouse (the meat free, vegan friendly option), they also offer All You Can Eat Scouse, which means you can try all three in one go!
The fun doesn't stop there however, as they also have The Scouse Experience, which consists of a starter, main course and dessert all themed around Liverpool’s favourite dishes; Peawack Soup, Scouse and a Wet Nelly (don’t ask, just trust them). There is also a Scouse Afternoon Tea option where you can sample Liverpool’s favourite flavours in their parlour; our mouths are watering just thinking about it.
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 & 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 lucky enough to head down on a Sunday, they serve their Scouse inside a giant Yorkshire Pudding! This is definitely a twist on the local classic that we could get on board with.
THOMAS RIGBY'S
Thomas Rigby’s is one of Liverpool’s oldest pubs and is in the perfect spot for exploring the city and enjoying a bowl of Scouse. Housed on Dale Street the pub serves up their own traditional Scouse recipe and offers over 40 world beers to wash it down with, the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing.
HOMEBAKED
If you fancy a different way to experience the classic scouse flavour then head down to Homebaked by Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium for one of their Scouse filled pies. It might not be the traditional way to eat Scouse in Liverpool but that’s no bad thing. Having won awards for this pie in particular, it’s worth the visit to Anfield for and would also make for the perfect pre-match snack!
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!
FESTIVAL FOOD AND DRINK
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 Festival Food and Drink 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. With three styles to choose from, lamb, beef and vegetarian, there is something for everyone and will make for the perfect lunch.
ALBERT’S SCHENKE
Head over to Albert’s Schenke on a Monday to try their Bavarian take on our favourite Liverpool dish. Served with haus pickle and white bloomer bread, wash it all down with a Pilsner and your Monday night is sorted.
With Scouse being Liverpool’s famous dish there are plenty of places to give it a go, but remember, Scouse in Liverpool isn’t just for Global Scouse Day, it’s for life, so it will always be around for your next visit to the city! Let us know what you think of it over on our Twitter @VisitLiverpool.
If you want to find out how to make Scouse for yourself then check out this blog for a full traditional recipie.
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This blog post has been written by Sophie Shields, Digitial Marketing Assistant for Marketing Liverpool.
Sophie is from Liverpool, loves all things music, particularly the local music scene and Liverpool FC.