Temple of Convenience

The Temple started out in life as an underground lavatory. Once the novelty of drinking in a bar that was formerly a public toilet has worn off, you can explore the juke box which has a fantastic selection of music that caters for the diverse tastes of the typical customers. Space inside the bar is very limited so it tends to get busy and your chances of finding a seat are slim. However, this does create an intimate atmosphere. The drinks prices are about average for the city centre and there???s a large selection of European beers on offer.

My first visit to The Temple was the night of Nick Cave's concert at the Bridgewater Hall. Even though me being an avid fan of the Bad Seeds, I found it difficult to leave when I should have done 'cos of all the different beers to try, and the impressive juke box. In agreement with Paul Walters that you need to get in before the office workers get in for a post work drink though - it gets proper packed. Can't wait for me next visit. (note to self) Take more money next time, not the cheapest place but what do you expect in Manchester city centre.

This isn't a bad little place for a former toilet. Now how many bars can you say that about? Yes, its true, this bar used to be a public convenience, and now evidently it is a temple to the fact. Maybe because if you drink enough beer you will undoubtedly be leaving your own tribute... *ahem* Anyway, this is surprisingly, a nice little bar. Buried just under a side street off Oxford Road it's easy to miss, just the awning and the drifting music over the hole in the ground denotes its presence. But should you enter (and its not already heaving inside) you will find yourself in a very small, intimate bar. Admittedly it is very small, and finding a seat is a nigh on impossible and milling around is a danger to all, it is a comfortable place to sit and chat and enjoy the stunning jukebox selections should you get there early enough. It is pot luck as to whether you can wedge yourself in, but if you can the atmosphere of the venue is surprisingly very relaxed, unlike many other small, gimmicky bars.

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