AO Arena - Welcome to The Mezz
In 2021, AO Arena announced a £50m renovation project to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The iconic Manchester venue wanted to increase capacity, celebrate its story and set new benchmarks for GA and hospitality experiences.
The Mezz is a VIP members’ bar and restaurant, created to rival the best venues in the city centre’s vibrant dining scene. Guests can enjoy early access to the arena with a choice of two elevated hospitality experiences leading directly into the bowl for panoramic views of tonight’s entertainment.
The Mezz Restaurant and Bar offer distinct guest experiences and service styles, but their character is connected through tone, materiality and understated opulence. They share an elegant and contemporary palette inspired by Manchester’s historic textile industry.
The Mezz Bar draws guests in with sculptural lighting and a feature cocktail bar, enveloping them in rich, warm metallics and a social pre-show ambiance.
Clever zoning means this space can comfortably cater to around 200 guests, offering a variety of seating styles to create open communal areas alongside smaller, more intimate experiences.
Views over the bustling event concourse one level below deliver a connection with tonight’s performance, building excitement and anticipation for the show.
Post event, The Mezz Bar takes on a club vibe, with master mixology and music from the house DJ taking centre stage.
The Mezz Restaurant is a sophisticated fine-dining experience for 150 guests. Serving Modern British cuisine from Chef Tom Barnes and Michelin-starred Simon Rogan, this space sets new benchmarks for Arena dining in Europe.
A glittering kitchen pass frames the chefs as they work and puts food front and centre to the overall dining experience.
Circular booths and feature lighting create intimate dining areas to indulge with friends, while central tables and mid floor banquettes provide a more open experience to soak up the pre-show atmosphere with fellow members and kindred spirits.
