Popular Manchester entertainment venue AO Arena has undergone a major, transformational redevelopment, which features a brand new suite, premium bar and restaurant, known as The Mezz. Opening last night (March 5), The Mezz is the new and exclusive, members-only level at Manchester’s iconic venue and promises to “take guests above and beyond the show”.
With two connected experiences, The Mezz’s bar and restaurant, guests can expect the very best modern British cuisine, champagne, fine wines, signature cocktails and post show entertainment. Master mixologists will man the bar at The Mezz, delivering champagne, mocktails and cocktails accompanied with snacks and sharing platters.
The restaurant also features a unique collaboration between Chefs Simon Rogan MBE and Tom Barnes – the first collaboration of its kind in any arena. There will be regular appearances and quarterly seasonal dishes from both chefs, and the highest-calibre, sustainably sourced fresh produce from Simon Rogan’s regenerative ‘Our Farm’ in the Cartmel Valley.
Simon’s opening dish Roast Rump of Herdwick Lamb, Roscoff Whey Onions, Split Pea and Fennel Vinegar is the highlight of the main menu, with Tom’s Lightly Set Jasmine Cream with White Chocolate and Rose completing the dessert menu. Members of The Mezz also enjoy priority reservation allocation across the UMBEL restaurant portfolio.
From The Mezz, guests will have an unrivalled view of the arena bowl and world famous stage, as well as direct access to the best seats in the house. According to AO Arena, The Mezz aims to be “the ultimate space to kick-start and end a night of live entertainment”.
The Mezz sits between the brand-new concourse and 23,000 capacity arena bowl as part of the £50 million redevelopment, taking guests just moments to move seamlessly from their tables to the best seats in the house boasting spectacular, uninterrupted and panoramic views of the main stage. During the show, The Mezz bar remains open, ensuring members can be served swiftly during the show. And once the final curtain falls, the party continues in The Mezz bar which remains open for a few more hours with live DJs providing post-show entertainment.
The Mezz member perks include guaranteed attendance for all shows at AO Arena, direct access to the arena bowl, early access via dedicated VIP entrance, dedicated parking, all-inclusive food and drink, 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.
AO Arena is home to a range of suites, VIP lounges and bars, offering an impressive entertainment experience such as The Beautiful North, AO Electric Lounge and Heineken Sky Lounge, all of which offer unique packages and unreal views. Find out more information about The Mezz and memberships here.