Tucked away in a railway arch below the viaduct taking the line between Manchester Oxford Road and Piccadilly Stations, O'Connell's previously the Thirsty Scholar is in an area of the town popular with students but attracts a wide variety of clientele. The pub also has some of the latest opening times of any free entry pub in the area. During the day, the pub provides a retreat from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Road outside and the train line above. There are 2 handpumps on here which change, the last survey showed Hobgoblin IPA and Wainwrights Gold. Live music Thursday to Sunday evenings, usually Irish acoustic, details on Instagram (@oconnellsmcr).