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
The new BBQ restaurant beneath a Manchester railway arch where meat is cooked very, VERY slowly
Daisy Jackson
There’s a new BBQ spot beneath a railway arch in Manchester, and it’s cooking its meat very, very slowly.
Sandy’s Smokeshed has just opened in Castlefield, where Sam – and his smoker, Angela – are serving up serious Texas-style BBQ, with queues already stretching out the door.
The idea is simple: take great cuts of meat, cover them generously in seasoning, put them in the smoker and give them all the time they need.
That means beef shin smoked over oak and cherry for 10 hours, eight-hour smoked beef chuck and the Boston Butt, alongside brisket, short ribs, chicken and plenty more.
Sam has always been a fan of BBQ, but decided to take things rather more seriously when he bought the enormous smoker now sitting underneath the arch. It’s a serious piece of kit, cooking the meat from all directions and producing the kind of results where everything practically collapses in your hand.
And the location only adds to the atmosphere. While you’re eating, trains rattle overhead, giving the place an appropriately industrial Manchester soundtrack.
Sandy’s Smokeshed is beneath the arches in CastlefieldOwner Sam seasoning his pulled porkJuicy, pull-apart chicken
The BBQ comes with plenty of proper sides, too, including pit beans and slaw, plus garlic BBQ sauce for pouring over the top.
There are also some particularly good sandwiches, made with Holy Grain sourdough from next door and filled with pulled pork, steak, or braised ox shin.
Sandy’s Smokeshed kicked things off last weekend with a free food, BYOB feast, and judging by the queues, word has travelled quickly.
It’s open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am – but only until they sell out.
Vegetarians, look away now. Everyone else, you’ll want to get there early.
‘A very special day’ – Northern Quarter institution The Trof added to Michelin Guide
Daisy Jackson
Just months after relaunching as a classic pub and dining room, Northern Quarter icon The Trof has been added to the prestigious Michelin Guide.
The long-standing Manchester bar has always been a firm favourite locally for after-work drinks, brunches, and Sunday roasts, but underwent something of a transformation back in April.
Now rebranded from simply ‘Trof’ to ‘The Trof’, the pub has a new, refined menu of British pub classics showcasing top local produce, under the steer of Matt Nellany and Jamie Pickles, of Stow fame.
The pair’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed – just months after its relaunch, The Trof has already landed a spot in the Michelin Guide.
The guide described it as a ‘welcoming’ and ‘no-nonsense’ spot that’s perfect for a lot of things, whether it’s a pint downstairs in the bar or a full meal upstairs in the dining room.
The Trof now joins a list of Manchester’s finest restaurants, including Michelin-starred Skof and Mana, Bib Gourmand-rated spots like El Gato Negro and The Sparrows, plus a raft of other brilliant food spots.
Sharing the achievement, The Trof said: “To think that our little pub on the corner of the Northern Quarter has made it in to the Michelin Guide – makes today a very special day!
“This one’s for the whole team. Up The Trof.”
Downstairs in a refurbished The TrofThe Trof’s new dining room
And adding to that, co-owner Matt Nellany told us: “Trof has been a huge part of my life for almost a decade. I worked here as a manager and General Manager before Jamie and I took ownership, so while the venue has evolved, it has always felt incredibly personal to us.
“We’ve always tried to build on the strong foundations that made Trof such an institution, but earlier this year we made the bold decision to take it in a new direction as a heritage pub and dining room.
“It wasn’t a change we made lightly. Trof was already thriving, but we had a clear vision for what it could become and felt compelled to take that next step. While the transformation may have happened over the last few months, the work and ambition behind it have been building for the best part of five years.
“Seeing the response from our guests has been incredibly rewarding and has made the risk worthwhile.
Pie and steak at The Trof in ManchesterA cherry and pistachio Bakewell pudding
“Whether people have joined us for a pint and a scotch egg, dinner in the dining room, or a Sunday roast, the support we’ve received has meant the world to us. It’s a project we’re immensely proud of, and it’s really special to see both long-time regulars and new visitors embracing this next chapter of Trof.”
The Michelin Guide said: “From its name alone, you could guess that there’s a no-nonsense approach to this red-brick pub in the city’s bustling Northern Quarter.
“Run by the same team as Stow, it’s a welcoming spot where the ground-floor pub is ideal for a pint and a snack, while the upstairs dining room is the setting for mightily appealing British dishes that come with full-force flavour.
“Ox cheek pie with mash and an intense beef sauce is typical of the kind of hearty cooking to expect. As the chef-owner is from the Peak District, expect some version of a Bakewell tart on the menu too.”
Danny Jones -
28th February 2025 
