Manchester

Inside The Mezz, the AO Arena’s ultra-luxury new restaurant and bar

It is absolutely stunning.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 8th March 2024

The AO Arena in Manchester has finally unveiled its new VIP bar and restaurant, The Mezz, as part of its £50m redevelopment.

The luxurious new space promises to elevate the gig-going experience with five-star hospitality before, during and after every show at the huge venue.

There’s the restaurant space, of course, where the menu of modern British cuisine has been worked on by Simon Rogan MBE (of three-Michelin star L’Enclume) and Tom Barnes (of soon-to-open Skof in Manchester).

The pair will be working on quarterley seasonal dishes, which currently includes a roast rump of Herdwick lamb with onions and split pea; and a lightly-set jasmine cream with white chocolate and rose for dessert.

And members of The Mezz will gain priority reservation access to restaurants across the UMBEL portfolio, which are among the best and most sought-after tables in the world.

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Then across the way from the restaurant is The Mezz bar, where there’s a menu packed with signature cocktails, fine wines and champagnes.

The bar area remains open throughout every gig – so no more scrambling to get served in the main arena bars.

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The Mezz has been built above one of the AO Arena's new bars
The Mezz has been built above one of the AO Arena’s new bars
Inside The Mezz Bar at the AO Arena in Manchester
Inside The Mezz Bar at the AO Arena in Manchester
Inside The Mezz Bar at the AO Arena in Manchester
Inside The Mezz Bar at the AO Arena in Manchester

There’s no rush to leave either. The Mezz bar remains open for several hours after the curtain falls, with DJs providing post-show entertainment.

Once you’ve eaten and drank your fill and are ready for the show, you can head up a short flight of stairs and find yourself in prime position in the AO Arena.

With plush best-in-house seats and a clear view straight-on to the stage, The Mezz’s audience experience is sure to set a new gold standard for arenas everywhere.

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The Mezz restaurant at the AO Arena
The Mezz restaurant at the AO Arena
The Mezz restaurant at the AO Arena
The Mezz restaurant at the AO Arena

The new hospitality area sits between the new concourse and the 23,000-capacity arena bowl.

VIPs who have already tested it out include Brian McFadden, Jorgie Porter, Rachel Lugo and Peter Hook, who all attended a glittering red carpet launch night and watched Niall Horan perform.

Member perks include guaranteed attendance for all shows at the AO Arena, direct access to the arena bowl, early access via a dedicated VIP entrance, dedicated parking, all-inclusive food and drink, a private cocktail bar, a private dedicated table in the restaurant and personalised service including a cloakroom boasting the latest in venue technology, members app and portal, and dedicated host service. Pretty fancy.

But of course, all this luxury comes at a price. Memberships for The Mezz start from £3,500 – that gets you access to 10 shows and The Mezz Bar (for 10 shows with The Mezz Dining it’s £4,000).

And if you want to really soak in all the action with a 50-show membership, that’s £8,500 for the bar or £12,500 for the restaurant.

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You can find out more about The Mezz in Manchester and memberships here and follow The Mezz on Instagram here.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Manchester

An apres-ski yurt village is returning to Greater Manchester for Christmas party season

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

One of the coolest Christmas party venues in the UK will reopen its doors in Greater Manchester this winter, whisking you away for an apres-ski-inspired party.

All the vibes of a classic apres-ski experience will be brought to a pop-up Yurt Village, each one decorated with log fires, Christmas trees, ski racks, fur throws, and even cable cars. 

Spending your Christmas ‘do at the YurtBar pop-up in Sale means you could have an evening packed with steins of beer, live music, and ski shots, surrounded by your loved ones (… or colleagues). 

And to celebrate its triumphant return to Manchester, we’ve got a lovely 20% discount for The Manc readers – find out how to claim yours below. 

Each yurt in the YurtBar’s pop-up village is a different size, so there’s the right event space for everything from a 350-strong private Christmas party to a table for six for a birthday night out. 

An apres-ski yurt village is returning to Greater Manchester for Christmas party season
An apres-ski yurt village is returning to Greater Manchester for Christmas party season

They’re all named after and inspired by iconic European ski resorts, like Chamonix, Val D’Isere, and Avoriaz. 

On arrival at the festive Yurt Village you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink before tucking into an Alpine-themed three-course meal by The Hog and Apple. 

That includes a festive arancini ‘snowball’, slow-cooked beef daube with mash, cabbage and a sticky bourguignon sauce, and an Alpine sharing board for dessert with a chocolate log, Aperol spritz cheesecake, and lemon posset pots. 

Inside the YurtBar pop-up
Inside the YurtBar pop-up
Inside the YurtBar pop-up
Inside the YurtBar pop-up
Inside the YurtBar pop-up

And to get the party started there’s a full cocktail bar, plus live music with a DJ and saxophonist.

You’ll be able to document your festive celebration in a photobooth with an Alpine themed backdrop, as well as a 360 degree videobooth. 

Billed by previous customers as ‘the best night of the year’, YurtBar bookings are now open for minimum tables of six.

The Manc readers can get an exclusive 20% off their booking by using the code yurtbar20 – book your party HERE.

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Featured image: Supplied

Manchester

Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 prices for beer, mulled wine, bratwurst and more

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 prices for food and drink

Here it comes – the Manchester Christmas Markets are back for 2025, and we’re sure you’re all wondering, ‘Okay, but what’s it gonna cost me?’.

We’ve been running around the markets this morning checking out all the prices on things this year.

From pints of beer to mugs of mulled wine to glasses of prosecco, there’s loads on offer for drinking, and it doesn’t cost the same at every corner of the Manchester Christmas Markets.

We’ve also scoped out the cost of a bratwurst this year, because it just wouldn’t be Christmas without forking out £8 for a sausage, would it?

This year, your hot drinks will be served out of the newly designed Manchester Christmas Markets mugs, which are decorated with toy town illustrations of the city.

Remember, you’ll need to pay a deposit on these, which is £3.50 this year – you get it back when you return your mug to the bar, or you can keep the mug as a keepsake for that price.

So without further ado, here are the prices at the Manchester Christmas Markets for 2025.

Average food and drink prices at the MCR Christmas Markets 2025

  • Mulled wine – £5.50
  • Beer – £6.50 a pint
  • Prosecco – £7
  • Hot chocolate – £4.50
  • Bratwurst – £8

Albert Square

Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 prices for beer, mulled wine, bratwurst and more
Credit: The Manc Eats

Blitzen’s Brigade (a fire engine that’s been converted into a bar)

  • Reinbeer – £6.50 for a pint, £13 for a stein
  • Brew-dolph IPA – £6.50 for a pint, £13 for a stein
  • Cider – £6.50 for a pint, £13 for a stein
  • Prosecco – £7
  • Hot chocolate – £4
  • Hot Vimto – £3
  • Mulled wine – £5.50 / £6 – add a shot for £3 / £4
  • Spirit and mixers – £7 single, £9 double for standard spirits (add £1 for premium)
  • Baileys – £5.50
  • Eggnog – £8

Deposits on glasses here are £2 for a pint glass, £6.50 for a stein, and £3.50 for a mug

Mr Crumble

  • Build-your-own crumble – £8 regular, £12 large

Bratwurst King

  • German bratwurst – £8
  • Smoked sausage – £8
  • Cheese sausage – £8
  • Halal hot dog – £9
  • Currywurst – £9
  • German gluhwein – £6
  • Krombacher lager – £6 a pint, £3 a half pint
  • Soft drinks – £2

Unnamed bar

  • Cocktails – £11
  • Prosecco – £6.50
  • Kir Royale and Cointreau Royale – £8
  • Sparkling sangria and Negroni spritz – £10
  • Homemade mulled wine – £6.50 for a small, £8.50 large
  • Boozy hot chocolates – £8.50
  • Hot chocolate – £4.50 (deluxe flavours £5.50)
  • Christmas cream soda – £5.50
  • Tea – £2.50
  • Soft drinks – £3

St Ann’s Square

North Star Bar

  • Gins – £7
  • Rums – £7
  • Mixers – £2
  • Cocktails – £7.50
  • Wine – £7.50 / £6.50
  • Prosecco – £6.50
  • Kids cocktails – £3
  • Beers – £6.50 / £4

Bratwurst

  • 1/2 metre bratwurst – £9
  • Big Dutch chips – £5

C&C

  • Hot chocolate – £5.50
  • Coffee – from £3.80
  • Affogato – £6.50 for classic, £8.50 for pistachio, £10 for Amaretto or Baileys
  • Chocolate shot from the chocolate tap – £4.50

Main bar

  • Extra large grilled sausage – £7
  • Flaming cocktails – £8.50
  • Slushy cocktails – £9
  • White wine – £7
  • Hot chocolate – £4, or £6.50 for specials

New Cathedral Street

The Witch House

  • German bratwurst – £8
  • Smoked sausage – £8
  • Cheese sausage – £8
  • Beef chili frankfurter – £8
  • Currywurst – £9.50

Bar3

  • They don’t list prices on any signage, so you’ll have to ask the staff (or try and barter…)

Exchange Square

Main wooden bar

  • German bratwurst – £8
  • Smoked sausage – £8
  • Cheese sausage – £8
  • Christmas punch £6
  • Gluhwein – £6
  • Krombacher lager – £6 a pint, £3 a half-pint
  • Soft drinks – £2

The Mill Exchange

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  • Homemade mulled wine (various flavours) – £6.50 small, £8.50 large
  • Cocktails – £11
  • Prosecco – £6.50
  • Kir Royale and Cointreau Royale – £8
  • Sparkling sangria and Negroni spritz – £10
  • Boozy hot chocolates – £8.50
  • Hot chocolate – £4.50 (deluxe flavours £5.50)
  • Christmas cream soda – £5.50
  • Tea – £2.50
  • Soft drinks – £3

Market Street

Macaroons

  • Coffee – from £3.50
  • Loaded hot chocolate – £5 (original / white / caramel / Biscoff)

Piccadilly Gardens

Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 prices for beer, mulled wine, bratwurst and more
Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 prices for beer, mulled wine, bratwurst and more. (Credit: The Manc Group)

Christmas Alley Bar

  • Mulled wine – £5.50 (or £8.50 with a shot of rum, whiskey, brandy or gin)
  • Caramel rum, bramble gin, toffee cider – £8
  • Cocktails – £9.50
  • Prosecco – £6.50
  • Wine – £5 small, £7 medium £8.50 large
  • Lager – £6.50 pint, £4 half pint
  • Guinness – £7 pint, £4 half pint
  • Spirits – £6.50 single, £9.50 double
  • Soft drinks – £3.50

Manchester Winter Ale House

  • Local craft and cask beers – £6 pint (5% abv and under), £7 pint (over 5% abv and Guinness)
  • Manchester’s famous hot blobs – £6 a glass
  • Gluhwein – £5.50, or £8 with a shot of alcohol
  • Hot Vimto cocktails – £6 per glass, £9 for a double
  • Wine – £7 small, £8.50 large
  • Snowballs – £6 glass, £9 with a shot
  • Cheeky Vimto – £7 glass, £10 with a shot
  • Strawberry daiquiri or passionfruit martini – £7 glass
  • Big baby Guinness – £8 a glass

Brook’s Mill

  • Gin & Tonic – £6.50 single, £8.50 double
  • Mulled wine – £6
  • Hot spiced cider, hot caramel run and other winter warmers – £6.50
  • Processo – £7, or £8.50 with a dash of fruity gin

Mamma Mia!

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  • Prosecco – £7
  • Peroni – £6.50 pint, £3.50 half pint
  • Mulled wine – £6, or £8 with a shot of Amaretto or rum
  • Bellini – £8
  • Wine – £6

Blitzen’s Bar

  • Hot chocolate – £5, or £8 with a shot of alcohol
  • Coffee – From £4, or £7 with a shot of alcohol
  • Mulled wine – £5.50 small, £7.50 large, plus £4 for whisky, rum or brandy
  • Prosecco – £7, plus £2 for liqueur
  • Lagers, beers and ciders – £6.50 or £7 a pint, £3.50 or £3.75 for half
  • Wine – £7
  • Baileys – £4.50
  • Soft drinks – £2

Tipsy Wheels

  • Cocktails – £9.50
  • Lager, cider and Guinness – £6.50 a pint, £13 a stein
  • Prosecco – £7
  • Spirits – £7 single or £9 double for standard (plus £1 for premium)
  • Hot chocolate – £4.50
  • Mulled wine – £5.50 or £6.50, plus £3 for Baileys, Disaronno or brandy

Windmill Bar

  • Lager, wheat beer and cherry beer – £6.50
  • Cider – £5.50
  • Mulled wine – £5.50, plus £3 for a shot
  • Mulled cider – £5.50
  • Hot whisky – £6.50
  • Hot chocolate – £3.50, plus £3 for a shot
  • Soft drinks – £2.50

King Bratwurst

  • German bratwurst – £8
  • Smoked sausage – £8
  • Cheese sausage – £8
  • Halal hot dog – £9
  • Currywurst – £9

Bar Humbug

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  • Spirit and mixer – £7 single, £9 double
  • Mulled wine – £5.50 regular, £6.50 large (plus £3/£4 for a spirit)
  • Hot cocktails – £9
  • Coffee – £4
  • Hot chocolate – £4.50 (plus £3.50/£4 for a spirit)
  • Prosecco – £7, or £9 for an Aperol Spritzmas

Off Piste Bar

  • Lager, ale, cider – £6.50
  • Wine – £6
  • Prosecco – £7, £8.50 with gin
  • Mulled wine and cider – £5.50 small, £6.50 large
  • Italian vin brule with Disaronno – £8
  • Nordic glogg with brandy – £8
  • Canadian mulled with whiskey – £8.50
  • French vin chaud with cognac – £8.50
  • Hot cocktails – £9
  • Soft drinks – £2.50

Cathedral Gardens

Main wooden bar

  • Standard hot drinks – £4
  • Liqueur coffees – £7
  • Christmas cocktails – £9
  • Baileys, Brand or Amaretto hot chocolate – £8
  • G&T – £7
  • Sparkling prosecco – £8.50

The Globe Bar

  • Pints of draught beers and cider – £6.50
  • Steins – £13
  • Prosecco – £7
  • Winter gin prosecco – £8.50
  • Cocktails – £9.50
  • Mulled wine – £5.50/6.50
  • Spiced rum punch £9
  • Mulled spiced gin – £9
  • Hot vimto – £3
  • Single spirit and mixer – £7 (£8 premium)
  • Doubles – £9 (£10)
  • Baileys – £5.50
  • Soft drinks – £2.50

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Featured Images — The Manc Group

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