It’s the end of an era: the iconic little boozer tucked underway the Oxford Road archways, Thirsty Scholar, is officially no more – but while this chapter has closed, a new one is set to begin very soon.
Set to take its place this month, a brand new Irish pub set to open in its place, joining the recent run of contemporaries opening across Greater Manchester.
The name of the new spot is O’Connell’s Irish Pub and not only is it opening up before the end of February, but its first visitors will be getting a taste of that familiar Gaelic charm as early as Tuesday ahead of the official public launch this Friday, 28 February.
Once known as ‘The Attic’ and famed for small gigs and Northern Soul nights down the years, it’s not the first time Thirsty Scholar has changed faces but we’re eager to see what its latest iteration turns out like.
Before…Soon to be…Thirsty Scholar may have closed but a new kid on the block is taking on the mantle. (Credit: The Manc Group)
Following a major renovation courtesy of its new owner, the once poky but ever-pleasant little pub has been transformed into a fresh space that feels authentic and fitting of the history it’s steeped in.
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The main bar front was sourced from an early 20th-century bank at Colledge Green in Dublin, and the ‘bunk’ seating arrived from locations such as a cathedral in Tralee, with some items even being moved over from Manchester Cathedral.
The upstairs – the aforementioned ‘Attic’ which overlapped with neighbouring live music venue and drinking sport, Zombie Shack – has also been completely transformed into a cosy, welcoming extension, complete with its own bar and snug area.
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With wooden panelling enveloping the interior; original stained glass features sourced from back home in the Emerald Isle, not to mention an impressive wall-to-wall whisky cabinet displaying a vast collection, O’Connell’s is set to become a fast favourite amongst city centre pubgoers.
Not only do we love a drink around here but Manchester famously has some of the best Irish bars outside of, well, Ireland, so we have every faith that O’Connell’s is going to prove an equally popular replacement – and believe us, it was well-loved:
The newly designed outdoor terrace underneath the arch seats 80 and will play host to events throughout summer, with murals from Guinness and Teeling Whisky due to cover the arch in time for warmer days.
Following on from its predecessor, O’Connell’s will have a jam-packed lineup of live music and performers every week on their dedicated stage, plus sports will now be shown all year round. Put simply, it’ll have a bit of everything.
There are a few keepsakes from the Thirsty Scholar too that you’ll spot around the building, plus new owner, Dom, has employed many of the former team, so it’s safe to say you’ll be in good hands.
With Dom and his team keen to get going, he said of the exciting new project: “I’ve worked in the industry all my life and always wanted an Irish pub, with the recent trend even more so. When the opportunity came up with the Thirsty Scholar being for sale I jumped on it.
Nice new planters instead of metal railsAs long as there’s still gig we’re happyThe old Zombie Shack/Attic cornerCredit: The Manc Group
“My aim is to let the fit out do the talking, I’ve sourced fixtures from all over Ireland, and the rest of the work fits around these pieces to give it a proper Irish pub feel. Plenty of nooks and crannies, space for big groups or for couples after a quiet pint.”
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O’Connell’s Irish Pub will be open from 11:30am until midnight Sunday-Thursday, with Fridays and Saturdays extended until 1am.
If you were hoping for one last pint in the Thirsty Scholar as you once knew it, we’re afraid to see you’ve missed you’re window as it closed some time ago, but don’t worry, punters at the new venue will be entitled to a free whisky with their first drink on opening night (28 Feb) from 5-7pm.
See you there, by a very colourful gas works wall!
In pictures: O’Connell’s Irish bar opens in Manchester
The bar itself has been reclaimed from an old bank in DublinThe main bar at O’Connell’sThe O’Connell’s snugRelics of The Thirsty ScholarUpstairs in the new O’Connell’s barUpstairs in the new O’Connell’s barGuinness at O’Connell’sPints of GuinnessUnder the arches is O’Connell’s terrace
New CGIs released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre
Emily Sergeant
Some new CGIs have given us a sneak peak inside Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel soon to open in Wigan town centre.
In case this is the first you’re hearing of the development, Wigan Council announced back in March 2024 in collaboration with its development partner Cityheart that it had signed a franchise agreement with world-renowned hotel brand, Hilton, for a stunning six-storey Hampton by Hilton hotel pop up right in the heart of Wigan town centre, just off Market Street.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment of the former Galleries Shopping Centre – which was approved in July 2023.
The hotel will be located directly-opposite the bus station entrance of New Market Street, and is within 500 yards of both town centre train stations.
It’s being called ‘one of the most important elements’ of the Galleries masterplan.
New CGIs have been released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre / Credit: Supplied
As well as the 144 bedrooms – with ‘accessible’ rooms to be built on each accommodation level – the new hotel will also house a gym overlooking the new square, a main reception area and dining space on the ground floor, meeting and conference rooms, and secure parking will be available for guests.
Dozens of staff are expected to be employed at the new hotel – which the Council says will provide a range of job opportunities for local residents.
Once complete, the hotel will form part of the exciting new town centre neighbourhood providing a new Market Hall and food court, more than 400 homes, bars, restaurants, and leisure uses, all designed to celebrate Wigan’s proud heritage and unique identity.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment / Credit: Supplied
“It’s great to see the progress of this exciting Hampton by Hilton development, which not only plays a role in Wigan’s regeneration, but continues to strengthen our footprint in the North West,” commented Paul Blackmore, who is the Vice President of Development at Hilton UK & Ireland, as the CGIs were released this week.
“The ambition shown by Wigan Council and Cityheart to create a dynamic new hub for retail, leisure, business and living truly resonated with us, and we look forward to welcoming guests when the hotel opens in late 2027.”
Construction work will start on site in October 2025, with an expected opening of the new hotel in winter 2027.
Featured Image – Supplied
Food & Drink
A groundbreaking new multi-use entertainment and leisure venue is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
A new multi-purpose food, drink, entertainment and leisure destination is coming to Manchester city centre and the Salford border this autumn, and you won’t find many places that roll so much into one spot.
Mancs, get ready to welcome ‘Tangerine’.
Conceived by an impressive collective of local creatives, indies and those with plenty of experience catering to the Northern masses, Tangerine is promising everything from multiple resident kitchens, a live music hall, an arthouse stage, a specialist martini bar and more.
Better yet, after a year in the making and quietly chipping away at the striking space, it opens later this month, so you don’t have to wait long to try it for yourselves.
Located on New Bailey Street, just on the edge of Spinningfields and Salford Central, this groundbreaking new venue features two main platforms (utilising the integrated charm of the historic railway arches), each boasting its own selection of attractions.
While platform one will offer a bakery, coffee roastery, wine store and bottle ship, the ‘Canteen Club’ and even a florist, number two will contain the music hall, arthouse stage and the stylish ‘Grand Departures’ bar – serving seven espresso martini alone – Tangerine will deliver a seamless day to night transition.
Arguably, however, the centrepiece is the ‘Cantina Collective’. The food and drink hall promises seven in-house kitchens, showcasing a variety of cuisines.
The opening line-up already confirmed includes Vanda: a family-run Parisian-inspired Ukrainian bakery; Mexican taqueria, PANTERA, burger joint Juicy, as well as Yo Dutchie (a unique fusion of Dutch-Japanese food) and a new Korean/ramen concept from local sushi favourites, Unagi.
Our stomachs are already grumbling just thinking about it.
CGI renders of the completed space. (Credit: Supplied)
Designed not only by the brains behind Northern Quarter’s beloved Mala hidden garden but WANT STUDIOS, who will be ensuring local artists, independents, and traders will be regularly spotlighted, the site will boast a capacity of well over 300 people.
Artyom Dmitrijev, owner of Tangerine and Mala, said in a statement: “Over a year in the making, we’ve used all our experience in design, interiors, architecture and hospitality to create our dream project. A place for all the independents to come together and thrive.”
Andy Windsor, Director of WANT STUDIOS, added: “Tangerine unites the city’s independent kitchens, bar tenders, bakeries and entertainment specialists. It is a unique showcase of what we do in the city. This is a new space for creativity, food, and culture, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
Debuting to the public with a big Halloween weekender on the evening of Friday, 31 October, with another launch event the following Saturday, you can sign up for exclusive early access for free, which could see you score a few freebies to boot.
Danny Jones -
28th February 2025 
