AO Arena has today unveiled plans for a brand-new range of ‘luxury experiences’ as part of its £50 million redevelopment.
As Manchester‘s flagship entertainment venue undergoes its major transformational redevelopment over the next three years, and continues to expand and elevate its premium portfolio, the venue has today unveiled exciting plans for a brand-new and exclusive ‘members only’ state-of-art luxury suite, bar and restaurant.
Called ‘The Mezz’, and set to open in early 2024 – with bookings being taken from this month – the new level promises to take guests “above and beyond the show” through two connected experiences.
The new premium bar and restaurant will serve up the best in modern British cuisine, champagne, fine wines, signature cocktails, and post-show entertainment – with freshly-prepared modern dishes using local and seasonal ingredients, complemented by an expertly-crafted wine list, and “impeccable service timed to perfection”.
AO Arena has unveiled plans for a new ‘luxury’ suite, bar, and restaurant / Credit: AO Arena
Master mixologists will pour champagne, and prepare a wide range of cocktails and mocktails accompanied with snacks and sharing platters.
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Guests will have an unrivalled view of the arena bowl and world-famous stage from The Mezz, as well as direct access to the best seats in the house, and then after the show, the bar will stay open with a DJ on the decks to keep the party going.
The AO Arena says The Mezz will be “the ultimate space” to start and end a night of live entertainment.
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The Mezz promises to take guests “above and beyond the show” / Credit: AO Arena
Speaking on the unveiling of the plans for The Mezz, Jen Mitchell – General Manager at AO Arena – said: “With our redevelopment works well underway, we are absolutely delighted to announce the launch of The Mezz – a stunning new suite, premium bar and restaurant for guests right here in Manchester city centre.
“There will of course be access to watch the shows from some of the best seats in the house.
“We’re incredibly proud to be elevating AO Arena as we drive ahead to a bright future, so it’s fantastic to be able to reveal this latest addition in the works as part of our state-of-the-art premium portfolio.”
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The AO Arena says The Mezz will form part of the long-term vision and investment to “future-proof” the venue as it looks ahead to exciting times at the heart of the action in Manchester city centre.
The AO Arena is currently going through a three-year £50 million redevelopment project / Credit: AO Arena
As well as The Mezz, customers will also see upgraded concourse areas with revamped bars and new menu offerings that “cater for diverse and evolving food and drink requirements”, all opening throughout 2023 and into 2024 as part of the redevelopment plans.
And crucially, the floor space within the arena’s main bowl is being expanded as part of the redevelopment to allow for increased capacity.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall Manchester – groovy, hazy and effortlessly cool
Clementine Hall
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall proved exactly why they’ve built such a cult following over the past decade.
Formed in 2010 by frontman Ruban Nielson, the band first broke through with their scrappy, lo-fi self-titled debut and since then, they’ve become known for their signature blend of psychedelic rock, funk, and warped pop.
I first saw the band back in 2023 at Glastonbury, and yes sorry I am one of those annoying people that bring it up all the time.
They’re the perfect band to close your eyes, sway your head and tap your foot to – and that’s exactly what the crowd were doing in unison last night at the Albert Hall.
Image: The Manc Group
From the second they stepped on stage, there was no rush – just that signature hazy groove met with enough stage lights to sink a ship.
You could barely see them on stage, but that made it even cooler. And you can only imagine how gorgeous the Albert Hall looked with hundreds of spotlights in different colours whizzing all over it.
Early tracks simmered and pulled us in before the band stretched out into crowd pleasers like ‘Multi-Love’ and ‘Hunnybee’. What an absolute tune by the way.
Image: The Manc Group
There wasn’t much crowd interaction but, again, there didn’t need to be. They let the music do the talking and by treating us to some of the most epic guitar solos we’ve ever heard (no, seriously), we’ll forgive them for not talking to us.
Each song melted into each other as the band oozed effortless charm and talent throughout the almost two hour set, which is no mean feat.
Of course, a sea of phones shot up for ‘So Good at Being in Trouble‘, their most popular track which prompted a harmonious audience singalong. Not very harmonious by me, admittedly.
It was a fantastic ending that left the audience feeling united by the laidback brilliance of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and I hope they don’t leave it too long to come back this time.
Review | Leon Thomas at Manchester Academy – ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’ but this gig healed me
Thomas Melia
American singer-songwriter Leon Thomas visited Manchester Academy last night, performing hits from his deluxe album to a sold-out crowd of more than 2,600.
One year after an exclusive London MUTT Live date, Mr Thomas returns to the UK with the ‘MUTTS DON’T HEEL’ Tour, venturing to five cities, including the music capital of the North: Manchester.
The night started off just how it should’ve done with ‘HEEL’, as the audience were welcomed by the drum-loop and a chill atmosphere from the start.
Now, it wouldn’t be a Leon Thomas gig without at least one Ty Dolla $ign collaboration making the setlist, and there’s plenty to choose from with a new one dropping just over a month ago, ‘miss u 2’.
Leon Thomas performing hits at Manchester Academy (Credit: Audio North)
The funk-influenced musician opted for ‘FAR FETCHED’, and the audience was in the palm of his hand. No matter which of the four link-ups he chose, it was always going to go down well – Manchester never disappoints.
Leon didn’t even have to ask the crowd to bring more energy; they already matched him. When he sings, “For someone who don’t ask for favours, I’ve done way too many favours”, on ‘PARTY FAVORS’, he really meant it.
Last year, Leon Thomas dropped PHOLKS, a project which saw him exploring old-school funk and soul sounds even further and ‘Just How You Are’ had even the shyest dancer pulling out a little two step.
This isn’t the only hit that sent the crowd into a frenzy; ‘Baccarat’ and its impressive psychedelic guitar solo had jaws literally falling to the floor at Manchester Academy.
His songs might not be dramatic or extravagant, but they don’t need to be. Leon’s artistry prevails when he’s softly singing, and you’re still able to detect each instrument.
Leon Thomas brought the MUTTS DON’T HEEL Tour to Manchester Academy (Credit: The Manc)
‘Breaking Point’ is an easy-listening soul track that had all 2,600 Leon Thomas fans in our feelings as we realised we were coming to the end of a phenomenal concert.
And of course, ‘Mutt’ – his biggest single to date: a bouncy and swag-filled number that sticks in your head for weeks on end – sounded even better when backed by a live band as I discovered last night.
There was some insane musicality, distinct bangers and impeccable live arrangements that elevated the original studio recordings. Maybe ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’, but Leon Thomas definitely healed me.
He wasn’t the only cool cat playing last night either:
Emily Sergeant -
11th May 2023 
