Historic Liverpool pub that has 'outlived every other business' reopens after major revamp

Newington Temple, located just off Bold Street, closed for eight weeks to undergo a major refurbishment which has seen the treasured venue restored to its Victorian glory.

Acquired by Liverpool-based Ma Pub Group back in February, the site - which has operated as a traditional pub for nearly two centuries - has benefited from a £200,000 renovation, with its original features uncovered and restored.

Items dating back over one hundred years old found in storage in rooms on the upper floors have also been incorporated into the pub’s decor including the original pub telephone which has been rehung.

When researching the pub, Iain Hoskins, director of Ma Pub Group, discovered the fascinating building’s origins as a vaudeville performance space which hosted the debut UK performance of circus performer Tom Thumb in 1844.

Managed by circus impresario PT Barnum, Tom Thumb was booked for a week-long engagement in February 1844 at No 8 Newington, where he performed in costumes such a Napoleon and the Greek Gods for the price of 6p entrance fee.

In tribute, the lounge area Newington Temple has now been named the Tom Thumb Lounge, with their own brewed lager also named after the legendary performer.

- Subscribe to our free Liverpool World newsletter to get a round-up of the latest news, sports and food & drink.

Iain Hoskins said: “It’s been a labour 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 before that 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.

He added: “I’m very pleased with what we’ve achieved; the place is stunning, we’ve done its rich history justice and preserved the pub and the building for future generations to enjoy.

“The pub in its various name changes across the decades has outlived every other business on Bold Street over the last two centuries, so it’s great to see her properly back in business.”