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
Authentic pizza restaurant Proloco to open inside luxury Manchester apartment building
Lydia Mastrolonardo
A new modern pizza restaurant is coming to town – say hello to Proloco.
Opening inside One Port Street in the city centre, Proloco is set to have a seasonal menu and a weekly rotating selection of sharing plates, gelato made in-house daily, and pizzas crafted with ingredients from local suppliers across the North West, as well as the best quality tomatoes and oil imported from Italy – naturally. Have we said all of your buzz words yet?
Sharing a chef with Honest Crust Sourdough Pizza too, it’s guaranteed to be good.
Priding themselves on fantastic food, unfussy drinks, outstanding hospitality, and a love for music – which is at the heart of everything – Proloco will be a welcomed addition to the city.
Some of the seasonal dishes currently available include succulent grilled lamb chops with anchoïade, salt-baked beetroot with ricotta and dill, and radicchio agrodolce with stracciatella.
CGIs of Proloco, set to open in Manchester city centre / Credit: Supplied
The main event – being their selection of 18-inch pizzas, of course – includes one with porchetta, whipped potato, and fennel pie, charred seasonal greens with anchovy pie and a tomato butter pie with marjoram.
Finally, the question on everyone’s lips – the drinks list. You can expect honest wines, locally sourced quality beer, aperitivi, and the star of the show, their £7 Negronis. No, we can’t wait either.
“Proloco is about cooking food I genuinely love with the best people and produce around me,” commented co-founder, Richard Carver. “I want it to feel effortless – warm, a little bit fun, and always worth coming back to.”
Manchester’s food scene truly does just keep getting better and better.
You can sign up for Proloco’s soft launch information at www.proloco.uk, or follow their progress at @proloco.mcr.
Featured Image – Supplied
Food & Drink
Viral Christmas Markets trader to open Manchester’s first tiramisu cafe
Daisy Jackson
Manchester is set to get its first tiramisu cafe, after viral Christmas Markets trader Misu Tiramisu has secured a bricks-and-mortar location.
The local business was one of the most popular operators at this year’s festive event, thanks to its miniature tiramisu ‘drawers’.
The individually portioned and colourfully packaged desserts quickly became one of town’s top puddings, and owners Aleem and Aishah went on to launch a stand inside the Manchester Arndale too.
And now they’re branching out again with their first tiramisu cafe, over in Stretford.
You’ll find all their delicious flavours of handmade tiramisu, including classic, pistachio, Biscoff, mango, and lemon – plus a whole host of new varieties for the cafe.
Misu Tiramisu will be creating new flavours like strawberry matcha, white hazelnut, and ‘intenso’.
The desserts will be served alongside speciality Italian coffee, plus focaccia sandwiches and pastries.
The new cafe will feature an open counter where customers can see the tiramisu being made.
Misu Tiramisu owners Aleem and Aishah spent a year refining the recipe for their tiramisus after a trip to Milan, first launching with their first market stall in Sale.
Misu Tiramisu at the Manchester Christmas MarketsMisu Tiramisu will open a cafe in Stretford
Aleem, Co-founder of Misu Tiramisu, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be opening our first bricks and mortar cafe in Stretford town centre. It’s a big milestone for us, and we can’t wait to create a destination where people can sit down and really enjoy the experience of our range of freshly made tiramisu..
“More than anything, we want to build somewhere that brings people together and becomes a genuine part of the local community – see you soon, Stretford!”
Chris Houghton, Retail and Leisure Director from Bruntwood added: “The Misu Tiramisu cafe will be a great addition to Stretford town centre. The team’s unique offering adds a fresh and vibrant concept to the area and we can’t wait for everyone to try it and enjoy their great hospitality.”
Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: “We are delighted that the Misu Tiramisu cafe has decided to open in the new-look Stretford town centre.
“The Council is committed to improving all our town centres. This will be a great addition to the shops and hospitality in the Stretford redevelopment.”
Misu Tiramiu will open its doors at Unit 6, The Mezzanine, 26 King Street, Stretford, Manchester, M32 8AE.
Danny Jones -
28th February 2025 
