We found this place at the Prinworks and what an amazing place that is behind the door, it looked like it was carved out of some adventure, it was so Irish that I expected a Leprechaun to jump out of somewhere. We walked down the wonderful winding staircase​ down to the lower level. Found a table somewhere dug inside this wonderful place, fireplace by the table and wonderful atmosphere. Ordered food at the bar, the menu was exciting and I ordered the steak and steak and ale pie, my wife got the chicken baguette. The steak was to die for, the pie was pure magic I felt like I had died and gone to Ireland my wife loved the baguette. I would recommend​ playing more traditional​l irish music, because most Irish themed bars lack that type of music. Also have more then one person at the bar. But overall we loved every inch of this place, and just to walk around and look at the amazing setting they build in there. It´s quite the lucky charm to visit. read more

Been in here a few times when visiting Manchester it based in the printworks it a pretty big pub with 2 levels. The staff very nice and friendly the drinks are pretty expensive but what can you except in a city centre. They do some proper good Irish food with what Iv seen which 1 day I'll have to try. The decor good with the tree trunk In middle. read more

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Having been to Waxys twice in two weeks, I've had 2 very good experiences. Organised lunches through work, the staff offered great service, provided a discount on both the food and the drink, and were very helpful with information about where our tab was up to (I had a specific budget). It was a fairly quiet time, I understand it can be quite a different place when it's busier at the weekend. I've had both the Steak and the stuffed chicken, both were delicious. Food is quite well priced, most options under £10. Many of my colleagues chose the fish and chips, and they all enjoyed it. A star was lost for the dessert. There are only 3 dessert options on the otherwise extensive menu. The sticky toffee pudding is quite nice, but there are problems with how they serve it. The pudding itself is quite large and comes piping hot. However, they insist on sitting it in a thimble full of tepid custard. This happened on 2 visits so one has to assume it's the norm. Thankfully they did bring some more custard on request but there was quite a wait for it. Wifi is listed, I asked for the password which is: printworks. It accepts the password but then it just doesn't work. Would I return? Yes, but at quiet times, it's a nice place with good food to sit and spend a couple of hours. read more

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You don't expect to find somewhere like this in the Printworks. A strange labyrinth of a place, sort of like an Escher painting, this gnarled and seemingly wizened old pub has obviously been made to look the part. I came at the right time to enjoy these odd if manufactured little features - late afternoon to early evening, during the summer when my friend and I would always head for a drink on weekdays. At this time it was peaceful, just the odd after-work suit and retail assistant in there for their wind-down beverage. However, my friend is more of an expert on this bar than me, and she says that it's hell at peak times, as the reviewers below have all confirmed. Calling it the Wetherspoons of Irish pubs is indeed a very good call, as it does have that chain feel about it, and it is, after all, in the Printworks. Apparently the worst is St Patrick's Day, which is right around the corner as I type. You wouldn't think the Irish would go somewhere so... un-authentic, I suppose; however, sometimes the end justifies the means. The end is getting trollied, Gaelic revellers love a good beverage, hence, they don't care where they fall in and out of, and neither do we Brits by default. I'm told there's some decent food to be had in here but it's rather hit and miss. If you're looking for a great pint of Guinness try O'Shea's (which my Irish housemate often recommended) or better still, Mulligans (which she swore by). If you're in the mood for some crowded, rowdy revelling on a Friday or Saturday night, pop in here, but be warned. It's pleasant when it's sparsely populated, tantamount to Satanic when packed. read more

I may just be a big fan of every and all Waxy O'Connors, but this particular one in Printworks really made me feel fantastic inside. A great choice of ales and lagers, as Waxy's so brilliantly masters, along with their signature "treehouse" ambience makes it a cosy staple. What made this particular experience wonderful for me was the live music on a Saturday night. Two Irish blokes strumming away, drinking beer and engaging with the crowd absolutely made my night. They were fantastic! This Waxy's is a hidden fortress that is definitely understated in my opinion. You'll find me dancing and singing along with the band next Saturday night, and most likely many more to come. read more

Waxy O'Connor's - Love Waxy Oconnor's emblematic atmosphere - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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The traditional Irish bar is dead. And over the last twenty years its bones have been picked at over and over again by vulturous chain proprietors attempting to make a killing of another kind. Though today's city centre versions are probably the last places on earth that you'll actually find any genuine Celts, most 'Irish bars' at least make some attempt at authenticity. But in pitching up in the nightmare theme park that is the Printworks, Irish piss take Waxy O'Connors has decided for forgo any of that nonsense and approach this miserly practice of insulting a country in the name of a buck open handed, with its wares on show. I don't whether to admire them more for their openness and honesty or despise them for helping to turn tradition into a Disneyland style children's ride. All I know is that my money is hard earned and my time here too short and I won't be wasting either in some tacky make believe parody world- I prefer the real thing thanks. read more

Waxy O'Connor's - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

Hmm this little mistake happened one night before a gig, a particularly rowdy gig, where it seemed not many people gave a crap about any support acts, no surprises there, the first ones on were rubbish, and where the gig was on a Saturday night if I recall rightly. Flippin heck, I wish we went in the night Kirsten did, it was rammed, and i mean rammed, like bad tempered bar staff rammed. If I didn't know any better I would have thought all of them had been put on the bar for their first time that night. There was one lad who actually, to give him his dues, seemed to be in control of most of the goings on and tried to get as many people as possible served. Anywhere near the bar area resulted in an elbow fest of pushing and shoving, and the bar was at a constant 5 or 6 deep, which meant patrons were starting to get a bit on the fractious side. We managed to secure a couple of tables as one party was leaving, but as we sat down and left it to the lads to get the drinks in, underage gropings, girls falling over their hooker heels, cries of "ah neva slept wiv im did ah" test tube shots for sale as paraded by our very own ring girl, it was a veritable 3D version of Jeremy Kyle. A sort of fight broke out behind us, and it seemed more than breaking it up, the staff stayed well away from the trouble, leaving it up to the guys involved and their mates to break it up. Extra star for entertainment value. As for authentic Irish pub...haha nah. read more

I have only been in here once and it was with my mum. We went before a Bryan Adamas concert one year and decided to meet some friends in here. I was intrigued at first with the layout of the place, I thought it was really weird and then I walked further in and saw that the place was full of young teenagers more or less. It is ok. The drinks are ok and the setting is ok but some people that were in there werent exactly nice. I would recommend if you are wasted by seeing. read more

I came here with a couple of friends on a weeknight. I can't quite remember why, but I'm sure it must've been because somewhere else was busy or closed! There can't have been more than 6 others in this huge labyrinthine pub including the staff. I can't even imagine the scene when this place is rammed, but I'll have to make do with imagining as I doubt I'll ever be back in this pub. We found a little wooden table in a corner and my fussy friend decided she was hungry. She's a vegetarian who doesn't like vegetables and won't eat anything that has touched herbs. Basically she lives off crisps and chips, so it didn't take her long to decide she wanted a plate of chips. However, on ordering she was rudely told that they were no longer doing food as of about 2 minutes ago. Well, they could have collected our menus, and surely they could've rustled up a quick plate of chips, or at least an apology? Settling for her second favourite food, she ordered a bag of crisps. Apparently they don't do crisps. Fussy friend is actually a Mancunian-born Irish girl and she was probably the most authentic feature in the pub. Having been to a few Irish bars in Manchester, in Ireland and, well, all over the world, this has to be one of the worst. There was nothing wrong with the drinks, but the bad atmosphere and rude staff would encourage me to head to O'Shea's in town or O'Neill's in Didsbury next time I fancy a pint of Guinness. You'll be pleased to know that said fussy friend got her chips at Nando's. read more

Waxy O'Connors is a chain of four interesting Irish Bars. The Manchester bar is at the Victoria Station corner of the Printworks complex. This pub is more like a dark wooden maze that appears to be largely recycled from a church with 3 bars covering 4 levels and 9 separate areas that are linked together by staircases and passages. Each area has its own style and atmosphere, making them ideal for all kinds of occasions. The bar gets very busy at the weekends, but because of the number of areas it is often possible to find somewhere if you go exploring, which is quite fun in itself. There is a reasonable menu, ranging from Sunday Roast to the usual pub fare. Mains range from around £6-13. The pre-theatre menu offers two courses and a drink for under £10. As long as you like Irish bars, worth a visit. read more

During food festival in manchester, I went to baileys night which hold at Waxy O'conner's. It was fantastic. The specialist ( mixlogist they called ) tells how to make some nice baileys cooktail and we could do many tastings! The manager at waxy O'conner's is very friendly and nice. She made sure evryone enjoyed. I have tried thier Irish breakfast, and pretty much nice , impressed with Irish bread. I think the foods are pretty good even if they are chain. I also love the mussles, it was a huge portion for a starter! read more

This chain Irish bar is based in the Printworks and has several floors laid out in a rather eccentric fashion. The food is good although they're nearly always out of your first choice. This gets very busy at the weekends and the bar does get backed up. The staff seem completely unable to cope at times and are sometimes very rude to the customers, which is a shame as its an OK place otherwise read more

OK I'm gonna up the average on the ratings here. It's in the Printworks I know, and I was a bit sceptical about visiting. The last time I had been to the Printworks was when I was about 18. But...what's not to love about and Irish bar? Came downstairs in here on a Friday evening and there was live music- think that's the second time I'd seen live music in the city centre after The Oast House and Botanist. Had a hot whisky to warm up after sitting outside in the wet at Sinclair's Oyster Bar, then went on to the Guinness. Plenty of space, few crazy people dancing, got chatting to some Norwegian lads who'd come over to Manchester for the first time. Friendly place, went back the next day after a long day on the Ale Trail through Yorkshire! read more

If you're looking for a meal with little stodge in it, don't come here. However, if you're looking for a slap up shin dig of a meal then here should be ur choice. Feels like a chain, tastes like a chain and although it's alright food, I couldn't help but feel like a dominant portion of the bangers and mash had been microwaved :( read more

Labyrinthine drinking establishment in the neon-drenched behemoth we all know as the Printworks. Waxy O'Connor's has so many nooks and crannies to drink in it's almost dizzying. That said, they do do a decent pint and it's a good antidote from the shiny, trendy bars opposite and around the corner. It can get very busy at the weekends, and due to it's mainly underground location, pretty stuffy in there as well. It's also not one for the purists either, it's more of an Irish theme bar as opposed to a proper Irish pub - however, that doesn't stop it from doing VERY well around St Patrick's Day time. Is a decent place to go to for the first couple of pints of the night but I wouldn't spend all night in there read more

Great Irish pub i the heart of Manchester city centre. I watched a 4pm kick off game involving my team in the UEFA cup before seeing Madness at the MEN arena o a trip to Manchester when I came here and it fit its purpose. Kind staff turned the sound up in one corner for us on the TV as the after work crowd came to drink. There was a lot of pre-concert goers in there in fancy dress too (nutty boyz) getting rather drunk. It was busy and loud, but its supposed to be the hubbub of the community otherwise it isnt a real Irish pub! read more

This is like a wetherspoons if the irish 'wannabe' pubs. Its ok if your in the Printworks, but for a proper irish pub, go to O'Sheas!

This is a curious and quirky little venue situated in the Manchester's Printworks. The pub has lots of twisty stair cases and small rooms branching off, with lots of big wooden tables and chairs. They also serve food mainly during the daytimes. Can be very tight and compact at the bar areas and can take a while to get served on the busy weekend nights. Not a bad place to start off if you're drinking in a few places on a night out. read more

On the surface, this is quite possibly a frankly ridiculous episode in themed pub madness. However, it turns out to be an interesting pub, if not for the diversity of ales on tap then for the interior architecture which is a bit of a puzzle. Reminds me a little Via Fossa in the village, in that various trails and stairs lead you to the centre of the earth whilst losing half your mates in the process. There is some great woodwork going on the basement bar (there are a few bars within the pub itself) which is worth the price of a cheeky pint, although best not going late night as this place cab get very busy. I usually pop in for a pint if I'm ever in the printworks catching a film - seems to be one of the better pubs within the dark labyrinth that is the printworks (although rumours out this week suggest the roof of the place is to be replaced with a huge glass ceiling). In the centre of the pub lies a large tree for some reasonbut if you rest your cynicism for a moment or two it kind of works. Situated smack bang in the middle of an entertainment complex you're unlikely to find yourself alone in there for a quiet drink: sometimes you don't want that. Other times though the tedium of having to walk past the 12,000th bouncer of the evening just to grab an ale makes me a little jaded. Go there early evening if you've never experience the place, it's worth at least one visit. Don't forget to check out the piped Irish comedian's in the toilets too. read more

not too keen on this place as not a great lover of the print works and even though nice laid out pub, doesn't remind me of a traditional irish pub as theres hardly an irish people in there, just people going to the pictures. Would recommend o'sheas every time but does have good live music on everynow and again read more

This is a pub we use as a stop off,usually on the wat to the MEN arena or whilst waiting for our train from Victoria station. It has quite a nice atmosphere and an unusual layout,in fact I usually lose my bearings whilst in there. I am not a lover of the printworks but this is one of the better places in there! I much prefer O'Shea's though read more

Went to Waxy's last night. Wasn't as full as it used to be. And a woeful lack of bar staff meaning that it took you 15 mins to get served. Don't know what's happened to the drink prices here! its up to £3.60 £3.70 a pint! Used to be that it was fairly standard prices, but they seem to have changed their policy, trying to rip off the tourist market I guess. Problem is the place hasn't changed for the better in any way. Sound system is just muddy and inaudible. And no band on a Saturday night! Its also not a clean as it used to be, strange sewer like smells eminating from dark corners. . And I don't think thats them deliberately trying to add to the medieval vibe. Either that or its the decaying corpse of one of the bar staff - can't be easy trying to serve 50 people on your own. Next time I'll go back will probably be a couple of years from now! read more

As our son was living in Manchester for a time we would pop in to Waxy O'Connors for late, leisurely lunches and the odd dinner. As in all other Waxy's this one was not an exception. The entire pub is huge with different dining rooms. They are all characterful too. However, the Waxy's in Glasgow is even larger. Food was excellent whether it was the fish and chips, mussels, Irish stew or hamburgers. Everything was tasty and had good portions. We ordered pints and half pints but great beer offerings for sure. Service was always friendly and efficient. read more

Nice, old worldly layout, with steps & corridors leading 2 different levels. Decent food & drinks available but a bit expensive. Ideal location if u r going 2 a gig @ the MEN. read more

Huge bar in the Manchester's Printworks with a number of surprising branch off booth-like small rooms connected by a number of twisty/small staircases. Serve high quality food maybe at an above reasonable price at times but definitely a good place to start if you're after a big night in the Printworks or for a drink after the cinema. read more