fear and loathing in the vaults

 

 

Lunchtimes with Terry invariably involve a descent into the gloomy depths of The Post Office Vaults. You wouldn't know it was a pub from the outside. Just an anonymous door in a busy street of shops at the centre of Birmingham. But down its stairs lies a vast collection of bottled beers, some of which boast eye-watering alcoholic strength.

 

This lunchtime I have with me a newly-purchased copy of , 'A Life in Ink', a fantastic book packed full of illustrations by the legendary Ralph Steadman.  I first came across Ralph's work when reading Dr. Hunter S. Thompson's gonzo novel, 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas'.

 

The new book proves a perfect aperitif for the Belgian beer that follows!

 

 

 

 

lunches with terry

Lunches with Terry are always delightfully fluid.

This one kicked off in 'Primitivo' before we adjourned for a swift pint in 'The Wellington', beloved of Birmingham's real ale sub-culture.  From there it was but a hop, skip and a jump to the subterranean pleasures of 'The Post Office Vaults' and their amazing menu of international bottled beers.

Our final stop was beneath the Snowhill railway arches and some excellent Indian dark lager at 'The Indian Brewery'.  A superb day out indeed!

journey no. 18 - lunchtime walk

sometimes I leave my place of work to 

descend

in a green-neon

lit

lift

to dance in the warming

spring 

lunchtime

of

hope

strange rushing ice-creamed faces

toward

the

cut-up girls 

in selfies

and 

dummies

reflected in the endless

city mirrors

then all too soon

it's 

time 

to

return