Thirsty Scholar, Manchester

Tucked away in a railway arch below the viaduct taking the line between Manchester Oxford Road and Piccadilly Stations, the Thirsty Scholar and its associated Attic nightclub is in an area of the town popular with students but attracts a wide variety of clientele.

The pub is one of the city's premier venues for free live music with live music most nights from Monday to Thursday, from up and coming acoustic artists to full bands. Weekend evenings feature DJs. Saturday sees DJ Martin The Mod host 'Suitable' which attracts a mixed crown to listen to beat, ska, motown and a great selection of Northern Soul tunes, all played on vinyl. Friday and Sundays operate a rotating sequence of nights covering a variety of musical styles but tending towards the 60s, 70s and 80s. 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 husstle and busstle of Oxford Road outside and the train line above. The pub is unusual in that it offers a totally meat free kitchen, with Vegan and Vegetarian food only served daily.

Special 'happy hour' prices are offered on drinks 2pm - 8pm Monday to Friday and all-day Sunday.