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.