Scouse is a big thing in Liverpool, with recipes being passed down for generations all with unique twists and controversial sides. Are you Team Pickled Red Cabbage or Team Beetroot? This hearty meat stew, typically using beef or lamb, is also served with slices of crusty white bread with a good slathering of butter.
And for Liverpudlians, the end of February only means one thing – Scouse Day! On February 28, the day is dedicated to all things great that have come from Liverpool, including their infamous stew, Scouse.
Originating from the term ‘Lobscouse’, this stew was mainly consumed by sailors in the 18th century throughout Northern Europe. It then became strongly associated with the port of Liverpool and later crowned the traditional dish of the region. By the end of the 18th century, ‘lobscouse’ was shortened to ‘scouse’ and remains a staple meal worldwide for Scousers during the cold, winter months. If you’re looking to make your own, you can find a recipe (including a vegetarian or ‘blind’ Scouse) on Global Scouse Day’s website or you can order from one of these foodie spots.
1. Ma Egerton’s Stage Door
Image: Ma Egerton’s Stage Door
Known for its theatrical connections with some serious celebrities known to have passed through its doors, Ma Egerton’s Stage Door is a Victorian pub that’s been around since 1846. Visitors can have a go at the Scouse Pud on Sundays, which is a Yorkshire Pudding filled with Ma’s authentic scouse. The Classic Scouse is available all week if you can’t make it on a Sunday, so don’t worry!
2. SKAUS
Image: SKAUS
Known for their Scouse served in a bread bowl, of course SKAUS would be getting on board with Global Scouse Day. The Wavertree shop, which opened in November 2020, has the signature Liverpudlian dish presented proudly on its menu and is served with pickled red cabbage or beetroot and an optional slice of buttered soda bread. SKAUS is also selling pre-packed servings of their beef Scouse in-store for you to enjoy at home.
3. Homebaked
Image: Homebaked
Homebaked, a community-owned bakery, opposite Liverpool Football Club and famous for its award-winning pies stocking their Scouse-filled pies in Anfield and their new site at St George’s Hall for you to tuck into. With a lot of Homebaked’s pies, they encompass a lot of Liverpudlian favourites, featuring both modern and classic flavours, such as shankly (which includes steak and bacon), vegan Scouse, mushroom and brandy, to name a few. Plus, Liverpool FC manager, Jürgen Klopp, has even had a pie named after him.
4. Ma Boyle’s
Image: @get_reviewed_liverpool
If you’re not up to cooking your own Scouse, then leave it to Ma Boyle’s. You can order a hot, freshly prepared classic Scouse or blind Scouse straight to your door. The gravy in Ma Boyle’s Scouse is rich and oozing with flavour thanks to the slow-cooked beef. It’s not traditional but we’re also tempted to throw in some honey and sriracha chicken wings into our order too.
5. Maggie May’s
Image: loosy83
This Bold Street café is a great place to head to for a classic bowl of Scouse. Maggie May’s serves this winter warmer, as well as a fantastic fry-up, at a bargain price and the portions are a decent size too. In September 2020, Jamie Carragher even had a go at cooking Scouse at Maggie May’s.
6. The Welsford Bistro at Liverpool Cathedral
Image: The Welsford Bistro
Another spot to get your Scouse fix is The Welsford Bistro. The Scouse at this restaurant situated within Liverpool Cathedral is hearty and accompanied by homemade focaccia bread and pickled cabbage. Take in the marvellous architecture of one of the city’s most beautiful buildings as you tuck into a hearty bowl of Scouse and you’ll definitely leave feeling proud to be in this city.