Regulars at the Nyarutarama-based Manor Hotel know it for its three specialty restaurants–Silk, for Chinese; Shere Sardar, for Indian, and Marco’s, for Italian. 

Those that have ventured a little further than the food also know that the hotel boasts another feature –the O’Connells Irish Bar and Nightclub.

O’Connells is divided into three main sections; the bar area that also hosts the main bar/service counter, a private lounge/discotheque, and an outside terrace.

Prominently displayed on the counter are a splattering of Shisha canisters, and at Rwf 3,500, one can have their go at it.

There is another splattering of plasma TV screens in the bar area, and upon request, management will have a movie of your choice screened on one of the screens.

Being the Irish pub that it is, some of the first drinks that will seize your attention on the extensive counter are whiskies from that country: Jameson Gold, John Jameson 12 years, and Black Bushmill...

This is complemented by an impressive selection of white, red and sparkling wines, and hot drinks –(espresso, café latte, Americano, hot chocolate, African tea etc). Add to this a selection of champagnes, blended whiskies, cognac, gin, rum, single malts, besides the usual selection of local beverage brands.

For beer drinkers, the good news is that your beer order will be accompanied by a complimentary bowl of peanuts and slices of potato crisps.

They have a separate (and extensive) menu for food, which is a plus for the ‘bar and nightclub’ kind of establishment that it is.

This menu is exclusive to the pub, designed for the taste buds of those imbibing alcohol, but should you wish for regular food from any of the specialty restaurants, your wish will be granted just as well, and your food brought right to your bar table.

They serve light bites like chicken cashew teamed with coriander spring rolls, at Rwf 3,500, and mini puff pastries at Rwf 3,000. Should you wish for something cheaper, however, they have some hand cut potato pieces that I tried at just Rwf 1,500, the same price as my small beer.

If you want something more wholesome, their main dishes offer the options of homemade fish cake, homemade cheese burger, grilled beef fillet, spicy beef, and sticky barbecue chicken wings, all ranging between the Rwf 4,000-5,500 mark. Their kebabs are priced at Rwf 7,500, but worthy of note is that they are some of the most sought-after pub grubs.

Did we mention a nightclub section earlier? They have a modern woolen carpet and wood dance floor adjacent to the bar, and what’s more, it’s free entrance come weekends, when DJ Rovas plays his non-stop DJ mixes till the wee hours of the night. Otherwise, it is a rather popular venue for private events like birthday parties, wedding after parties, and corporate launches.