Boats, Beers and Boozers 2018. No.7

One of the reasons we had come to Liverpool was to go and see the Terracotta Army exhibition. Helen had booked tickets well in advance as they were a bit scarce. We did hear that they did hold a few back for everyday for people who turn up first thing

We had a little time to wait until our timed entry so we called into the Central Library next door. What a magnificent space the central atrium is. It did make me think of the new Central Library in Birmingham.

It must have been fantastic to dig and come across a sight like this. Mind you, by all accounts, there is a large part of the site that is still to be excavated so maybe many more folk will get to see something like this again. They must have looked so much more impressive when they were still colourful.

 This wonderful four horse chariot was discovered in 1980 and is one of two that were buried. It is bronze with sliver and gold embellishments. It was highly decorated and coloured. It is the type of chariot that the first Emperor would have toured round his unified kingdom. It was buried with him so that he could continue his journey in the after life. It is also said that his body was brought back to the capital in a similar, with an open cart of salted fish behind to hide the smell of his decomposing body!!

Not far away, on Dale Street, near the entrance to the Queensway Tunnel, is the Ship and Mitre. It was built in the 1930's on the site of a previous coaching house. In fact the name comes from previous names of the pub, the Flagship and the Mitre. Downstairs is all wood and seems like you are in an old wooden vessel. Upstairs the function room retains a real Art Deco feel. There are 12 hand pulls at least usually on, plus loads of ciders and hundreds of bottled beers.

The pub brews their own beer using Stamps Brewery equipment in Crosby. They supply the pub and one or two other outlets. They changed the name from Ship and Mitre to Flagship in 2016.

I tried a pint of the Lupa that has citrus peel and Styrian Wolf hops. It was a bit too sweet for me but would make a great introducing beer for newcomers I think.

I had a pint of the Flagship Lupa 3.8% at £3-00. Citrus peel is mixed with Styrian Wolf hops to bring a sweeter beer but it was a little too sweet for me, but would be a great beer for an non beer drinker to try.

A pint of Silhouette was much more to my taste. 4.5% makes it much more of a mouthful and £-20. It is a dry Irish Stout that was presented with a great head and full of roasted malt flavours and was like a meal in a glass.

There is plenty of pub grub available and is plentiful and quick. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and any pub goer would find something to like in here. It is one not to miss off your list of pubs to visit in Liverpool.