2006 Review
Deliciously hidden (the tiny
alley is marked by a little pub sign between jewellers' shops), this
charming pub dates back to 1546. A gruffly cheerful and efficient
Scottish bar-man with a fierce military haircut now runs it on properly
old-fashioned lines. The draught line-up is quality (Brains Bread
of Heaven improving the more familiar Deuchars IPA, Adnams Bitter and
Broadside, plus Carling, Carlsberg and Guinness if you must) and wood
panels, exposed beams and gas-powered hearth fire make for a toasty
little lounge bar. Off to one side there's a snug ('Ye closet')
sized for half a dozen close friends without fears for their knees and
you can nip outside to a second small bar. Up a tricky staircase
past the ladies', the Bishop's Room has the least character and the most
room. Gents have an outside facility, off a concrete courtyard
with big barrels, to stand at in summer. The bar menu runs to
toasties, pork pies and even 60p Scotch eggs. Comfortable as a
steamed pudding. Function room. No piped music or jukebox, tables
outdoors (10 barrels, pavement).
2008 Review
This oldie (established 1546) is only accessible through a narrow
passage – incongruously described as 25m long. Still, the Mitre needs no
yard conversion or ‘ye olde’ embellishment to prove its worth. Walk into
its venerable, cramped three-room space, see what’s on as the guest ale
(Orkney Dark Island on our visit) then settle down amid the portraits of
Henry VIII and sundry beruffed luminaries. The taps of Adnams Bitter and
Broadside, Deuchars and Guinness will be easier to pick out than the
extended history in small type lining the hatch of the bar counter. The
handful of wines – Chilean San Rafael merlot, La Serre cabernet
sauvignon – are well priced at under £15. There are stand-up tables in
the courtyard too.