Temple Tavern at the Cavern Quarter Liverpool (Image: christopher megrath)
Another Irish bar has popped up in the north of England, boldly promising the familiar craic that’s echoed through numerous nearby venues. As someone jaded by the replication of my native pubs overseas, I wasn’t hopeful for a fresh experience, yet Temple Tavern managed to leave an unexpected mark.
Nestled within Liverpool’s hip Cavern Quarter, former home of fashion titan Reiss, Temple Tavern isn’t exactly breaking ground with its location near Mathew Street, yet it boasts a promise others shied away from: “We’re going to roll back pricing to what you expect from a local pub.”
To claim city centre pint prices will rival those found in Walton seemed almost far-fetched – this was Temple Tavern’s grand allure and a challenge I couldn’t resist verifying myself.
My visit at 1.30 p.m. revealed a populated tavern, not overcrowded, but lively enough to weave a sense of camaraderie and let personal space slide under the radar, reports the Liverpool Echo.
I decided to visit the pub for myself (Image: christopher megrath)
Despite being the new kid on the block, and thus presumed pristine in any case, Temple Tavern indeed displayed an exceptional polish. Having my roots in Belfast, I fancy myself quite adept at picking out an authentic Irish pub, typically gauged by its title and trimmings.
Temple Tavern, eschewing the typical Irish forename and surname, opts for an unassuming title that doesn’t warrant a second thought, earning it a tick on the authenticity scale. The interior design leans towards a dark, classic style featuring exposed brickwork and structural metal beams, with splashes of crimson paint across the walls, and wood being the material of choice for everything from doors and banisters to panelling and ceiling.
The walls are adorned with various clocks, trinkets and bookshelves, with an ornate fireplace taking centre stage on the upper level. Hanging chandeliers and intricate glass bulbs emit a warm glow that barely bounces a little light around a room already illuminated by large windows.
I reckon this place would be ideal for a snug winter drink.
Temple Tavern at the Cavern Quarter Liverpool (Image: christopher megrath)
Despite its dark ambiance, the venue is spacious and inviting. After a quick look around, I headed straight to the bar to verify the pricing claims.
The bartender, who greeted me with a smile, served me a pint of Madri.
As she poured the pint, we engaged in a brief conversation about the beauty of the venue and our mutual surprise at its readiness for opening after such extensive construction. I had actually tried to visit earlier in the week but final touches were still being applied and I found myself at a closed pub.
But I made it eventually!
I approached the bar to settle my pint of Madre with a card, casually inquiring about the cost. To my utter astonishment, the bartender cheerfully replied: “£3.50, please.”
I was gobsmacked.
Temple Tavern at the Cavern Quarter Liverpool (Image: christopher megrath)
Accustomed to forking out £5 – £5.50 for a lager, depending on the establishment and day, this felt like daylight robbery—in reverse.
I pressed her for confirmation, half-expecting a mistake, but no, it was indeed £3.50. I paid up, feeling like I’d just committed grand larceny against the pub.
Temple Tavern had somehow managed to undercut even my local’s prices, leaving me reeling from the shock.
Temple Tavern at the Cavern Quarter Liverpool (Image: christopher megrath)
It’s not uncommon to stumble upon early bird specials, but a brand spanking new pub in the Cavern Quarter throwing out pints for a mere £3 was beyond my wildest dreams. My visit was cut short by work commitments, yet the brief encounter left a lasting impression.
The clientele were of a more mature age group, minding their own business, which gave me the freedom to choose my spot and enjoy my time without any hassle. The buzz of conversation was just right—not too loud that you’d need to plug in earphones, nor too quiet to make sitting alone awkward.
While part of me wishes the venue was located in a different part of town, you can’t win them all. One thing’s for sure—I’m eager to return for a more leisurely session next time.