The Temple - Brighton and Hove

Sad to say but had quite a bad experience. I was made an incorrect drink and was told it was my fault even though it was not what I asked for. The manager was extremely rude and to the point we're it's hard to believe she got placed in that role. Would definitely avoid. There are other great bars in the area. The bouncers here were friendly but I assume they are probably an external company.

Dropped in on New Years Eve for an early drink and shorthy after arriving the sounds were cranked up (6 PM) so impossible to have a conversation. On the positive side lots of great choices of drinks at reasonable prices served by a lovely team.

The following is an exchange of emails following a recent visit to the Temple Bar “My wife and I popped into your bar on our way home from shopping (something we often do) We ordered two glasses of Rioja (medium). We were both surprised to find the wine was Luke warm. Both were returned to the bar, we spoke to the chap on duty and explained the wine was undrinkable. While the chap was polite, he also appeared uninterested saying “We serve red wine at room temperature”. This might be appropriate when the temperature is @16 19C but not when the room temperature is 30+. I asked if there was a manager on duty but apparently there was not, it was clear we were not going to resolve matter so we left. I appreciate this very hot weather is unusual but it is not unheard of and I would have hoped some effort would be made to serve wine in a drinkable condition” Reply “Thank you very much for reaching our regarding your concerns. It pains me to tell you via email that, yes, in fact we do serve the red wine at room temperature even when there’s a continuous heatwave. I’d like to take the opportunity to inform you that upon request, we would happily have provided you with some ice to counter the issue. However since you seem to believe the staff member was uninterested I will take the opportunity to remind you that upon working in 30+ degree heat, staff may appear fatigued and tired. I trust you can understand this. Would be happy to provide you with ice next time you choose to visit Temple Bar we will welcome you with open arms” My reply “Many thanks for your prompt response, I’m not sure why it would pain you to tell me you serve red wine at room temperature (even if that room temperature is 30C) unless of course you are acknowledging is is the wrong thing to do. Your advice regarding putting ice in red wine clearly indicates this is not a drink you enjoy. I do take the point about staff working in hot conditions, as I said in my original email, he was perfectly polite, just appeared uninterested in our feedback and two undrinkable glasses of wine which we had paid for but we’re unable to drink”.

The security staff at this restaurant act as though they are protecting some top-secret location, when in reality it is just a regular pub. In particular, there was a woman named Laura who went out of her way to confront me as I was leaving, saying she didn't appreciate my attitude when she checked my ID. I am 22 years old, but I understand that I may look younger, so I have no issue with people thoroughly checking my identification. I apologize if I didn't appear enthusiastic while she inspected it multiple times and whispered to other bouncers that they didn't believe me. I wasn't being rude until she confronted me on my way out. After confirming that my ID was valid and that I was already inside the pub, it was unprofessional of her to stop me as I was leaving and try to embarrass me. I recommend avoiding this place and instead going to a nearby pub where the staff don't target customers for no reason.

Popped in for some food and found Halisco are currently running the kitchen. Genuinely impressed with the quality of the Mexican street food. Birria beef, chipotle chicken burritos and street corn, all very tasty. Friendly staff and dog-friendly.