Welcome to The Mezz - one of Manchester’s most exciting bar and restaurant experiences located in the world-famous AO Arena

Flavour is everything when it comes to indulging in a dining experience to keep the long winter nights at bay. Hearty produce and ingredients guided by seasonality, coupled with sophisticated drink pairings to match, can elevate a night out to one that is truly memorable.

But what if that experience was served up as an inspiring starter to an unforgettable evening of entertainment?

The Mezz is for those with discerning tastes providing guests the chance to upgrade and elevate their entertainment experience to enjoy the best acts, artists and shows. And as the clock counts down to Christmas and the festive party season, The Mezz is just the ticket to treat a loved one with an early gift or entertaining a client ahead of the holidays.

A culinary collaboration taking centre stage

If you’re into fine dining or simply love food brimming with flavour and seasonal integrity, then you have come to the right place.

In a unique and exciting collaboration, Executive Head Chef, Tim Kewley, has designed a menu for The Mezz Bar and Restaurant at AO Arena in partnership with two of the UK’s most celebrated chefs, acclaimed restaurateur and pioneer of the farm-to-fork movement, Simon Rogan MBE and chef and owner of Manchester restaurant Skof, Tom Barnes.

Together they have created a distinctive autumn-winter menu which draws inspiration from shared culinary philosophies where ingredients take centre stage to produce memorable dishes served up in a stylish atmosphere perfect for festive overindulgence.

Simon and Tom have each created an exclusive dish for the The Mezz Restaurant, showcasing homegrown produce from Simon's Our Farm located in the Lake District’s Cartmel Valley and a small selection of sustainable suppliers.

Upon arrival through a dedicated VIP entrance, guests to The Mezz Restaurant are treated to Parmesan Biscuits and Nocellara Olives aged balsamic and lemon verbena offering subtle whispers of Italian summers past.

Celebrating the spirit of the season, the menu’s starters including Native Lobster Roll with fennel and caviar and a Radish Tart of ricotta, black garlic and alyssum are for sharing and connecting over conversations for the entertainment to come.

For those with an appetite to match their pre-show excitement, dishes on the main menu feature a diverse mix of rich and hearty flavours fit for the season. Brown Butter Poached Hake with baked potato velouté, brown shrimp and sea vegetables and the Corzetti Pasta featuring honey-roast squash, Ribblesdale goat’s cheese, amaretti, sage, pineapple weed vinegar are joined by a Salt-aged Dukesmoor Rib-eye cooked on the bone, braised cheek, dripping potatoes, beef-bone béarnaise. There is also a dish created by Simon himself, the Cartmel Valley Game is brought to life with root vegetables including grilled onions, Boltardy beetroot and beautiful chestnuts.

To freshen up the palette, the menu’s curtain call delivers a breadth of signature desserts ranging from luxurious indulgence to zesty flavours. The Manchester Bee is a 64% Manjari chocolate mousse imbued with pear and elderflower, as well as Bez’s buzzin’ honey provided by AO Arena’s friend and local icon, Bez from the Happy Mondays. Whilst the Lightly Set Woodruff Cream showcases the very best of Tom Barnes’ technique and flavour with blackberries, caramelised white chocolate and roasted almond.

Elevating the entertainment experience

After enjoying pre-show libations, guests at The Mezz can sit back and relax or throw their hands in the air like they just don’t care from the comfort of their premium seats which offer panoramic views of the stage.

There is something for everyone on the festive bill which offers a truly immersive experience.

Topping the bill with his first shows in 12 years is the one and only Peter Kay set to deliver a residency like no other and the perfect comedy Christmas gift.

Disney on Ice is perfect to treat the family featuring a delightful afternoon tea with festive surprises to keep the kids smiling all the way home, whilst Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics offers a mid-winter escape to the Balearics with a celebration of dance culture through the generations supported by a Dave Haslam Afterparty in The Mezz Bar.

Capping off an incredible roster of talent and world class entertainment, Human League will deliver a trip down memory lane for 80s synth-pop connoisseurs and one not to be missed is the classic musical phenomenon Les Miserables which follows the tumultuous journey of Jean Valjean - a former convict seeking redemption during the French Revolution.

No matter what show you attend, after the entertainment is finished the party doesn’t stop there. Head back to The Mezz for one last tipple in comfort before heading home, totally converted and ready to make every event a premium one.

Book now to upgrade your experience or reach out via email to hospitality@ao-arena.com to find out more how you can elevate your experience.

Visit ao-arena.com for more information on upcoming shows and entertainment coming to Manchester.

Human League - 6 December, 2024:

All-inclusive drinks and food package with access to exclusive afterparty with Rusty Egan

Pete Tong - 7 December, 2024:

All-inclusive drinks and food package with access to exclusive afterparty with Hacienda legend Dave Haslam

Disney on Ice - 11 – 15 December, 2024:

Early access, Christmas Afternoon tea experience, face painter and other magical surprises.

Peter Kay Live - shows available until summer 2025:

Various packages available, ranging from 3-course a la carte dinner in The Mezz restaurant to bar snacks in The Mezz bar and early access options

Les Miserables - 26 – 29 December, 2024:

Early access, all-inclusive drinks and food package

Hungry for more?

Read up on the latest news, delicious eats, travel treats and seasonal style trends in FEATURES, or browse a curated selection of our FEATURED PRODUCTS, meander through our guide to the finest things to do in Cheshire and beyond in WHATS ON or partake in our COMPETITIONS.

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