Liverpool. Originally built in the 19th century as a coaching house and likely served the needs of sailors, dockworkers, merchants, and locals in the early years. It became a pub in the 1930s. The "Ship" obviously refers to Liverpool's history as a major port city, and the "Mitre" symbolizes the religious history of the area, referencing a bishop's ceremonial headdress (if you visit Liverpool you must check out the glorious Anglican Cathedral!). The downstairs bar is designed to look like the bow of a ship, and the upstairs function room still retains many of its Art Deco features.

For the first time I enjoyed a delicious bowl of Beef Scouse - a Liverpudlian beef stew made with dark ale (an Irish stout from Shindigger Brewing Co. in Manchester), root veg, served with pickled red cabbage and buttered crusty bread. It was so good! It reminded me of the Belgian dish Carbonnade Flamande (a favorite of this Belgian boy!). My beer pairing was a Harry's Best Bitter from the Isle of Purbeck Brewery in Dorset - a perfect match. The Liverpool vs. Arsenal was still on so the pub was hopping. I was not walking alone!