It was more serendipity than planning when we all managed to meet up at Central station, so the day started well. Once in the pub we were greeted by Leah and, as the weather appeared to be holding up well, we headed straight for the pretty courtyard at the back of The Monro Liverpool. We ordered drinks and then made a dash back into the pub as the rain spoiled play.
Anne enjoyed her Elephant Hamburg gin which was refreshing with citrus fruits infusing the flavour. Dina ordered the Brockman’s violet gin which was also ‘very nice’ with the flavour complemented by raspberries.
My Bacardi Superior, although only a single, had a robust flavour which could have lent itself to a double and was not lost in the soda water.
Conversation ensued and included what we can all do to help to do our bit for the environment. The recent Amazon fires prompting calls for us all to take more responsibility for a greener environment, instead of relying on the ‘the greenhouse of the world’.
In fact, Anne informed us that Toxteth used to be a deer park!
We are doing small things ourselves; with Anne and myself getting rid of face wipes (mine replaced by a flannel from B&M that takes off all make up). Anne and Dina are no longer buying drinks in plastic bottles and Anne is chilling her own infused water in the fridge.
Pets were also a hot topic; the dogs and cats are all well, but Dina’s rescued pygmy hedgehog is poorly and as a consequence Dina accidentally injected herself with antibiotics meant for her prickly pet.
Food at The Monro Liverpool
Conversation lulled with the arrival of the starters. Dina ordered the soup of the day and declared it to be ‘spicy’ and very enjoyable. I had a hearty plate of white bait which was delicious. Anne’s homemade dips and pitta bread plate was enough to feed us all with olives and salad included. We all tucked in, each having a taste of each other’s; vegan-friendly permitting for Dina.
Of course the chat didn’t end there, as we debated scales ‘v’ clothes fit as an indicator of weight gain or loss. Some of the slimmest people I know have never been on a set of scales.
We ordered our main courses and Dina was duly informed that the chef (Christina) was not happy with the batch of soy sauce for her first choice of meal. She happily switched to the vegan scouse and wasn’t disappointed as the portion was wholesome and ‘tasty’.
One of Dina’s bugbears is that when eating out, vegan food is often tasteless with very small portions leaving her still hungry, especially in the ‘fine dining’ establishments.
Not so at The Monro Liverpool!
Anne was delighted with her chicken and mushroom pasta, said to be lovely and fresh and unlike the last pasta she had elsewhere which was inedible.
My lamb scouse was also wholesome, substantial and beautifully seasoned with plenty of tender lamb. No one was going hungry today!
We asked Ben about the history of the place. Anne (our own historian of Liverpool) had given us some background on The Monro, and Ben expanded on this telling us that the pub was once 2 merchants houses.
The Monro is named after the sailing ship the James Monroe, part of the Blackball Line that sailed between Liverpool and New York. James Monroe was US president in 1817 when the Blackball line was formed.
Ben then asked if we would like to see some card tricks and we of course said yes. We each signed a card but did not expect such a masterly display of legerdemain as Ben made cards change suits in front of our eyes and produced them from places we couldn’t have predicted.. .and more.
Ben then told us of plans for a cocktail and magic bar, possibly opening upstairs in September and after seeing what might be on offer we would be happy to to attend this event.
Feeling suitably sated, we gingerly asked for doggy bags as we didn’t want to waste any of the lovely food. Thankfully, there was no snobbery shown at this request.
In spite of full stomachs, we left feeling like kids and kicking our heels at our magical experience at The Monro!
Scores:
Food 9- well done to Christina the chef!
Drinks 10 – well done to Ben and Leah!
Ambience – at that time peaceful, especially in the pretty court yard. The pub was busier on the other side of the open fireplace.
Service – 10…and a special 10* for Ben Francis for his knowledge of the pub and mastery of magic.
Trish, Anne and Dina are ‘Whatever The Weather Girls’; three women in our fifties on a mission to explore the restaurants and vibe of Liverpool each month – whatever the weather, whatever our circumstances.
