Manchester

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

It is absolutely stunning.

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.

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.

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 — The Mezz has been built above one of the AO Arena’s new bars

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.

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.

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