The Walker Art Gallery and the Ship and Mitre

The Albert Dock

Today, my wife, John and I visited the Walker Art Gallery in the Liverpool city centre. Followed by drinks and an early dinner at the Ship and Mitre, just down the road.

Walker Art Gallery

I don’t come here very often; I’m not a great fan of art galleries. I’m not actually sure if I’ve ever been here (I’ve forgotten); if I did, it was when I was at school, over fifty years ago.

The Walker Art Gallery opened in 1877. It’s in an area close to Liverpool’s main railway station, containing the art gallery, the national museum, the library, the sessions house and St Georges Hall. Lots to see and look at. Some wonderful old buildings. Well worth a look around.

We had a very enjoyable hour looking at the paintings. An hour is just about the right length of time for me.

As I said, I’m not a great fan of art galleries, but I really enjoyed the visit. I’m hoping to visit a few more times, spending an hour or so in each part of the gallery, to get a better look at the paintings.

It’s a great place to visit when it’s raining.

Ship and Mitre

The Ship and Mitre is just down the road behind the entrance to the old Mersey Road Tunnel. One of my favourite pubs, possibly one of my desert island pubs.

John has problems walking and almost fell over on the walk to the pub. He’s had some operations on his spine, for problems caused during his rugby playing days. He’s recently had a stroke. This makes him unsteady on his feet; he needs to walk with a stick. After a few minutes’ rest, he made the last hundred yards or so to the pub. He might be unsteady on his feet, but he’s still determined to get around. Like me, he likes his beer. Unlike me, strong beer. He loves German Beers. I met him in the sixth form at school; he’s my oldest friend.

Our favourite table was available, in the corner, opposite the bar.

We were going to have drinks here, followed by a curry at a curry house on Bold Street. We decided it would be best to stay in the Ship and eat there. Luckily, there was something suitable for my wife. Crispy braised Pork Belly served with broccoli, and a bean and chorizo stew. I had the excellent fish and chips with mushy peas.

Eventually, my wife and I caught the bus back to Alison’s for the dreaded quizzes.