How a public toilet became a drinking den for Manchester musicians
From the poster-stapled walls to its graffiti-scrawled toilets, Temple is brimming with character - a rare breed of bar that offers something completely different to any ordinary pub visit.
Once an underground public loo, The Temple bar on Oxford Road has become a (slightly unusual) Manchester institution.
The tiny pub has become so much a part of our city’s furniture, we often forget to take stock of what a little gem it is.
So we’re looking back at exactly what – besides its novelty – makes The Temple such an icon of Manchester’s bar scene.
This is its story.
The night I first stumbled across Temple Bar – one of Manchester’s weirdest and most wonderful institutions – will live long in the memory.
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I’d been travelling on the top deck of the Magic Bus one Saturday evening, when my friend bolted from his seat, grasped the yellow railing and jabbed his index finger against the red ‘stop’ button.
“There,” he said, answering my quizzical expression by gesturing to a underground staircase in the distance.
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“Change of plan. We need to try this place. I’ve been wanting to go for ages.”
The doors hissed open and I clambered off the bus earlier than anticipated, strolling over to a set of stone steps, encircled by a black railings, covered by a white canopy.
Printed overhead was a name. “The Temple”, it read.
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We descended, and discovered a whole other world waiting for us at the bottom.
Wikimedia Commons
It was unlike any other pub I’d ever visited before; boasting a larger-than-life vibe that defied its diminutive size.
The place served as a public toilet over a hundred years ago during the Victorian era, but as TimeOut so aptly put it: “Temple Bar is anything but crap.”
Ever since being converted into a subterranean drinking den; the venue has become a real favourite among Mancs; earning a reputation for being low on frills but big on music.
Despite the fact that two dozen drinkers in here is a tight squeeze, Temple Bar is nonetheless the proud owner of the best jukebox in the city – serving a wide array of draught and bottled beer brewed from all around the world.
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This has led to the cubby hole acquiring quite the creative cult following – with the bar being frequented by Manchester’s poets, writers, artists and, most prominently of all, musicians.
Elbow lead singer Guy Garvey is a particularly popular patron, with Temple even inspiring some of the lyrics for his band’s song “Grounds for Divorce”.
There’s a hole in my neighbourhood, down of which I cannot help but fall.
Garvey told the BBC he spent many a night below Great Bridgewater Street penning songs – finding solace in scribbling away in the nether regions of the city centre.
Footage shows a newspaper cutting of the vocalist was even plastered on the side of the pub at one point; accompanied by a speech bubble saying: “Pint of Krombacher please”.
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Despite being one the smallest watering holes in the city, Temple is among the most intriguing you’re likely to find.
From the poster-stapled walls to its graffiti-scrawled toilets (you won’t need to scroll your phone for reading material in here), it’s brimming with character – a rare breed of bar that offers something completely different to any ordinary pub visit.
In a nutshell, you could describe Temple as tight-knit, offbeat, and obsessed with music.
Or in other words, utterly Mancunian.
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Lantern Pike – the countryside walk with amazing views, an old railway line, and a great pub at the end
Daisy Jackson
If you’re looking for a country walk that’s got a bit of everything – we’re talking views, lakes, history, picturesque villages and, crucially, pints – this is the one.
Step across the Greater Manchester border into High Peak, and you can take on a circular walk that’s got it all.
The walk takes in all the best bits of the English countryside, from rolling hills to proper pubs.
Park in the village of Hayfield, with an optional stop at Marmalade Coffee Shop for a bacon sandwich and some caffeine.
Then head out west to join the Sett Valley Trail, which joins Hayfield and New Mills.
The trail itself is 2.5 miles and follows a former railway line – but now it’s a tree-lined trail that’s perfect for a gentle stroll, cycle or even horse ride.
Lantern Pike in the Peak District. Credit: The Manc GroupLantern Pike in the Peak District. Credit: The Manc Group
You’ll pass the Birch Vale reservoir, but won’t be following the trail all the way to New Mills.
Instead, turn off to the right to cross the River Sett and walk towards Sitch Lane.
The road will take you to the very edge of the Peak District ready for an uphill climb to the peak of Lantern Pike.
It’s not a giant by Peak District standards (373m compared to Kinder Scout’s 636m) but the views are 360 degrees – fields on all sides and the incredible Manchester skyline in the distance.
Walk straight over the summit and back down the other side, passing the Lantern Pike pub (we won’t judge if you pause for a pint here), cross the road, and join Snake Path.
This will take you past Twenty Trees, which is literally a group of trees standing on its own, and back into Hayfield.
Here you’ll find The Pack Horse, a country pub that’s gained some serious accolades in the last year.
Despite a top-notch menu, the pub is more than happy to welcome in customers (and dogs) who are covered in mud – as all good countryside boozers should.
You can see a map of the circular walking route at alltrails.com.
Featured image: The Manc Group
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Hairspray lands at the Palace Theatre, proving to audience members that you really can’t stop the beat
Oli Lowe
Energetic ensemble numbers, lavish costumes and stand-out performances: Hairspray welcomes everyone to the 60s in its latest tour production.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll hold very fond memories of the 2007 movie-musical version of Hairspray, a cinematic masterpiece that breathed new life into the already iconic musical. I bring this version of the show up because until last night it was my only experience of the story.
Yes, much to my shame, I had never seen a live production of the show but after coming out of the Palace Theatre last night, I can now say that Hairspray‘s latest tour production is just as fun-loving – and as free wheeling.
From start to finish, Hairspray is a vibrant, colourful, high-energy show which takes you on the journey of teenage misfit Tracey Turnblad as she deals with the struggles of pursuing her dreams, in the face of adversity and a 1960s America that seems determined to halt progression.
The entire cast gave stellar performances from leading lady Alexander Emmerson-Kirby in the role of Tracy, all the way through to the ensemble who constantly wooed me with brilliantly executed dance routines, filled to the brim with swinging-sixties dance moves.
I’d like to take a second to highlight some standout performances, which in my opinion elevated the show to new heights. Starting with Neil Hurst in the role of Edna Turnblad, Tracy’s ‘larger-than-life’ mum.
Neil was a constant comic relief throughout a show that whilst generally lighthearted does tackle some serious issues such as unrealistic female beauty standards and racial segregation.
Neil, alongside his comedic partner Dermot Canavan, gave a standout, belly-laugh performance of their duet ‘You’re Timeless To Me’. It truly had the audience in fits of laughter and lauded huge applause from the entire theatre.
On to Gina Murray as Velma Von Tussle and Michelle Ndegwa as ‘Motormouth’ Maybelle. Both gave superb renditions of their solo numbers and showcased their experience in every scene they were in.
Murray’s rendition of Miss Baltimore Crabs (still always caught off-guard by that name) was impressive, to say the least, with the performer delivering big and bold vocals, all whilst being held upside down by a group of the male cast.
Meanwhile, Michelle Ndegwa’s version of ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ was spellbindingly beautiful. It carried with it the weight and severity of the number, all whilst delivering knock-out vocals that were filled to the brim with pain and suffering.
Hairspray Production Photos taken on 16th July 2024 in ManchesterStunning vocals all around.
Finally, a small shoutout to Reece Richards as Seaweed. Growing up (and occasionally to this day) I tried many times to stumble my way through Seaweed’s big number, ‘Run And Tell That’, and let me tell you from experience, that’s one damn hard song to sing…
Reece delivered the number expertly, all whilst dancing in a routine that even just watching, made me feel slightly exhausted. Props to Reece… One day I will nail that opening high note (I won’t).
All in all, Hairspray delights, delivering laughter, splendor, and high fuelled entertainment from start to finish – we’d consider a must-see if you’re a fan of the film, especially.
The show runs through till 27th July and with limited tickets still available, there’s no reason to not get yourself down and enjoy an evening of mesmerising, musical fun. You can grab yours HERE.
Hairspray Production Photos taken on 16 July 2024 at the Palace Theatre in ManchesterSeriously, give it a go.