The Temple
About
Music Venues, Dive Bars
Price Range : Under $10 (££)
Location
Adress: 100 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester, M1 5JW
Phone: +44 161 278 1610
Work Hours
Business info
- list_altTakes ReservationsNo
- directions_bikeBike ParkingYes
- accessibilityGood for KidsNo
- groupGood for GroupsYes
- insert_emoticonAmbienceHipster
- turned_in_notMusicLive
- local_barAlcoholFull Bar
- transit_enterexitOutdoor SeatingNo
- tvHas TVNo
Reviews
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Kelli F.
A decently rockin' hidden gem! As all other reviews proclaim, yes, this dive used to be of citizen use as a public toilet back in its day. For me, that gives the place all the more historic and downright punk rock gusto!
I came here with my boyfriend as a stop on what was meant to be a slightly well-behaved pub outing, but lets be honest. Once we entered down the stairwell into this sunken drinking den, we were engulfed by the poster-ladened walls and massively respectable jukebox jams. We couldn't help but stay for 2...(maybe 5?) pints. There were only 3 other people in the place but that just added to the unique experience. Honestly, I'm not sure how I'd feel about such a small watering hole slammed with so many other degenerates, such as ourselves.
The narrow width and overall intimate size of the entire establishment makes it a great spot to cosy up and enjoy great conversation over a pretty nice selection of beers on tap. As this spot was the turning point to our night, we definitely felt comfortable and un-judged by the chill bar staff and other patrons (as it was about 6:30 in the evening, no regrets).
I must say, though divey and unkempt, this spot is a must-see for a true Manchester drinking experience. Its quite..distinct..history makes it a fun go-to for a few pints and slap-happy banter with friends. -
Minghui T.
Cool dive bar with authentic punk spirits! Has a nice range of beer and most importantly, bunch of cool people;)
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Michelle C.
With Emma P leaving Manchester we had a bit of a farewell tour of some of her favourite drinking dens in the city. I feel ashamed to say that this was my first time in The Temple, and I can't believe that I came to it after I'd abandoned Manchester too.
Walking down the steps into what was once a public toilet I was a little apprehensive, but what greeted me was the grimiest bar I've ever been in - and I mean that in a good sense. So often bars in Manchester (and Leeds) are so up themselves with fancy cocktails and a gimmick. This place is no frills, no gimmicks, dark, dank and a little dingy. It also has one of the best jukeboxes I've seen in along time, putting me firmly in mind of King Tuts in Glasgow. Great place for laid back drinks and forgetting that the world is outside. Although bear in mind not to get too drunk since you'll need to be climb (or crawl) up the stairs at the end of the night! -
Andrew Y.
Don't get the appeal. I am sure you heard it used to be a pubic toilet. And sometimes you get a smell of a public toilet. Personally, I am not bothered about it being "different" or the novelty factor.
The selection of beer is pretty good though. Only been a couple times I think. You do get a mix of different types of people.
Close to a 1/5. But I reserve this for really awful places. -
Ciel D.
Best dive bar in England as far as I'm concerned. I felt more at home there than I have in a few years of living in Birmingham. Just don't expect to be able to sit anywhere, as there's only room for about 20 people.