I asked the bartender if she was serious, and she was
19:42, 04 Jul 2025Updated 19:44, 04 Jul 2025
I decided to visit the pub for myself(Image: christopher megrath)
Yet another Irish bar has opened up in the city centre, confidently offering more or less the same experience as countless others a stone’s throw away. As someone who’s grown incredibly bored of seeing pubs from my hometown recreated across the sea, I wasn’t expecting anything new, but Temple Tavern has actually left me a little bit speechless.
Temple Tavern has moved into the Cavern Quarter, located in the premises previous occupied by fashion house Reiss. The idea to open an Irish pub in the vicinity of Mathew Street was hardly Nobel Prize winning but it came with the bold claim none of the others dared to make: “We’re going to roll back pricing to what you expect from a local pub.”
You’re a city centre pub on Liverpool’s most tourist-heavy street and claiming to match the price of a pint in Walton? That was Temple Tavern’s biggest draw and one I was dying to see if it could live up to.
I decided to visit around 1.30pm to a venue already full of patrons. The afternoon time slot didn’t result in a packed pub but enough to create an atmosphere and divert attention from yourself.
Temple Tavern at the Cavern Quarter Liverpool(Image: christopher megrath)
Even though Temple Tavern is a new arrival, and so you’d expect it to be in top condition anyways, it was noticeably so. Growing up in Belfast I’ve become accustomed to spotting an authentic Irish pub from a mile away, which you can usually tell by the name and decor.
Temple Tavern ditches the cliche Irish forename and surname for an unremarkable title you don’t think twice about, bagging it a point on the authenticity scale. The interiors opt for a dark, classic style with exposed brickwork and load bearing metal beams, crimson paint lashed across the walls, and wood being the finish of choice for everything from the doors and banisters to panelling and ceiling.
A number of clocks, trinkets and bookshelves decorate the walls with an ornate fireplace stealing focus on the upper level. Hanging chandeliers and intricate glass bulbs boast a warm glow that barely ricochets a little light around a room already lit with massive windows. I think the place would be perfect for a cosy winter sip.
Temple Tavern at the Cavern Quarter Liverpool(Image: christopher megrath)
The venue is spacious and welcoming despite its dark atmosphere. I went straight to the bar after a quick snoop around to put the pricing claims to the test. I asked the bartender, who welcomed me with a smile, for a pint of Madri.
While she was pouring the pint we chatted briefly in how beautiful the venue is, and how we were both surprised it was ready in time for opening after such heavy construction. I actually attempted to call in earlier in the week but final touches were necessary and I landed to a closed pub. But I got there in the end!
Temple Tavern at the Cavern Quarter Liverpool(Image: christopher megrath)
I told the bartender I’d pay for my pint of Madre on card, before asking how much it was. With a smile, she said: “£3.50, please.” I was in a state of shock. I asked if she was serious and she was. Most pints of lager hit me at around £5 – £5.50, more sometimes depending on venue and day.
I asked the bartender to confirm the price and she did. So I paid £3.50 for a pint and scurried away as if I’ve just rinsed the entire company of what it’s worth. Temple Tavern actually managed to roll back its pricing against my local. I could’ve died with shock.
There are plenty of places around to offer a cheeky discount if you visit before a certain time. I never expected a brand new pub at the Cavern Quarter to be lashing away pints in the realm of £3. I couldn’t stay for long as business called but I was impressed with what I experience during my brief visit.
Temple Tavern at the Cavern Quarter Liverpool(Image: christopher megrath)
The patrons were middle aged and kept to themselves, allowing me to sit where I liked and do as I pleased without stepping over anyone. The atmosphere was lively enough with chatter you won’t be embarrassed to sit in silence or search out headphones from your bag.
A part of me wishes the venue was elsewhere in the city but you can’t have everything. I’ll definitely be back for a longer stay next time.