Jul 7, 2025

Temple of Convenience Manchester

Fall down an ex-toilet

""Temple of Convenience" Manchester for me is a signature bar that personifies its attitude, atmosphere and the personality of the Manchester people."

Every city has a signature bar that personifies the attitude, atmosphere and the personality of its people. Manchester's is the Temple of Convenience.

Its name will be demystified with a visit, as the Temple is housed underground in a former public toilet.

The Temple was a favourite of indie band Elbow's frontman Guy Garvey when he lived in Manchester. In the band's song 'Grounds for Divorce' he describes it as "a hole in my neighbourhood down which of late I cannot help but fall".

Following years of intense research, I'm certain that the Temple has the best jukebox in Manchester, although it's a close call with its sister bar Big Hands.

If you're experiencing a dark night of the soul during your visit, consult the writing, doodles and nuggets of advice on the Temple's bathroom walls. Far too genius to be passed off as graffiti, maybe 'wisdom-drenched toilet murals' is more fitting.

Either way, lots of people have been all kinds of drunk in the Temple's cubicles and their walls are the fine product of Manchester's wittiest drinkers.

The Temple's modest but varied international beers (from £ 4.20), lively but intimate atmosphere and one-of-a-kind setting form a rare combination you won't find anywhere else. In a good way, that is.

Make sure you fall down this much-loved hole while in Manchester.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

About this spot

100 Great Bridgewater St

Beer from:

£

4.20

1612781610

Find your way with 63 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Manchester guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Manchester

Platt Fields Park

Urban adult playground

"Platt Fields Park" in Manchester is in the heart of the city's sleep-deprived student district Fallowfield, so believe you me, it's not just for kids...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Vimto Monument

Pay homage to an iconic drink

The "Vimto Monument" in Manchester is an oak sculpture carved for a much-loved Manchester-born soft drink made up of blackcurrants, raspberries & grapes.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Sinclair's Oyster Bar

Busy historic hub

"Sinclair's Oyster Bar" has genuine historical significance, sitting in central Manchester since the 16th century. It has plenty of that old pub feeling!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Ishinki Touchstone

Big gorgeous pebble

"Ishinki Touchstone" in Manchester is an 18-tonne marble scultpure that very pleasingly satisfies my inner marblehead fascination with its smooth curves...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Levenshulme Antiques Village

Antiques & tea

"Levenshulme Antiques Village", a short bus ride from Manchester city centre, is home to a jumble of shops selling vintage and unique items under one roof!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Elizabeth Gaskell's House

Literary haven

"Elizabeth Gaskell's House" in Manchester is a testament to the history of the north of England. It's an essential stop for any literature pilgrimage...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Cask Bar

Cozy craft beer

"Cask Bar" in Manchester is a hidden gem of a cozy hideout. It's an ideal pit stop for craft beer when wandering around the city. Check out the jukebox!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Parthian Climbing Centre

Get high in a church

"Manchester Climbing Centre" is in a former church! This building and the setup is mind-blowing for climbing and bouldering - do also check out their cafe!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Cloud 23

Glitzy sky bar

"Cloud 23" in Manchester is a bar on the 23rd floor of the Hilton hotel that offers great views, especially in the evening. It's glitzy, but not so pricey.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Fab Cafe

Retro-lovers' heaven

"Fab Cafe": a Manchester basement filled with retro TV and film merchandise & geek stuff, retro sweets etc. I love that this bar is just so unpretentious!

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

The Foundation Coffee House

Coffee is life

"The Foundation Coffee House" in Manchester stands out by being in airy surroundings, having innovative brews and being a great workplace for freelancers.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 7, 2025

Matt & Phred's

Envelope-pushing jazz

Abandon your jazz assumptions at "Matt & Phred's" famous neon-lit door in Manchester and step inside for some true musical innovation!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 3, 2025

Heading to Manchester?

63 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

63 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Bars

Our team loves Manchester

Get to know our other Spotters from Manchester

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
54
Filters