Newington Temple, a historic pub in Liverpool, has recently undergone an extensive 8-week refurbishment project led by the Liverpool-based Ma Pub Group. The pub, which dates back to the mid-1800s and once hosted legendary circus performer Tom Thumb in the 1840s, has been lovingly restored to its Victorian glory and is now ready to welcome guests once again.
The £200,000 renovation project involved peeling back layers of history to reveal original features that had been hidden for decades. The restoration process also included a meticulous paint color match throughout the pub, with a period State Room Green chosen to match the original ceiling color that was uncovered when a modern dropped ceiling was removed. Additionally, items dating back over a hundred years were found in storage on the upper floors and have been incorporated into the pub’s decor, adding to its historical charm.
Newington Temple now offers a range of craft and local beers, cocktails, and wines, along with a unique back bar display reminiscent of an old-fashioned sweet shop. The Cabinet of Savory Curiosities features over twenty large glass jars filled with a rotating selection of delicious savory snacks, such as Salt and Pepper Cashews and Chocolate Caramelized Peanuts. The pub also screens Premier League football and sports on several TVs around the venue, providing a lively and engaging atmosphere for guests.
During his research on the pub, Iain Hoskins, Director of Ma Pub Group, discovered the fascinating history of the building as a vaudeville performance space and the venue for Tom Thumb’s debut UK performance in 1844. In honor of this history, the lounge area of the pub has been named the ‘Tom Thumb Lounge’, and their own brewed lager has been named after the legendary performer.
Iain Hoskins expressed his pride in the renovation project, stating, “It’s been a labor of love over the past couple of months as the building was in quite a bad way. Like with domestic renovations of period buildings, 8 Newington threw up a number of unforeseen surprises and challenges along the way. It reminds me of the work we did with Ma Boyle’s and Ma Egerton’s here in the city, both of which had reached the end of the road and the future for them looked bleak prior to the work we did with restoring them and giving them a fresh purpose. With Newington Temple, I’m very pleased with what we’ve achieved; the place is stunning, we’ve done justice to its rich history and preserved the pub and the building for future generations to enjoy.”
Newington Temple is open until 11pm Sunday to Thursday and until 1am on Friday and Saturday. Located at 8 Newington, Liverpool, L1 4ED, the pub invites guests to experience its historic charm and unique offerings. For more information, visit their website at www.mapubgroup.co.uk.
Overall, the refurbishment of Newington Temple has breathed new life into this historic pub, preserving its rich history while providing a modern and inviting space for guests to enjoy. The attention to detail in restoring original features and incorporating historical items into the decor adds to the pub’s unique charm and appeal. Whether guests are looking for a relaxing drink, savory snacks, or a lively sports-watching experience, Newington Temple offers something for everyone in a setting steeped in history and character.
