The Mezz: A Celebration In The City
The Cheshire Magazine invited some of the region’s top businesses to experience AO Arenaís luxury hospitality offering
Since it’s launch in March of last year, The Mezz’s bar and restaurant at AO Arena has offered its guests the very best modern British cuisine, champagne, fine wines, signature cocktails and post show entertainment.
Last month, The Cheshire Magazine invited a group of the region’s top businesses to enjoy The Mezz experience before seeing Peter Kay Live at Manchester’s most famous arena.
The red carpet was quite literally rolled out, as guests arrived via the exclusive Trinity Way Road entrance and fast tracked to The Mezz area where coats were checked into the exclusive cloakroom. After a quick name check at the host position, guests were given a branded lanyard and wristband and guided to their table in the sleek bar area.
Each table received first-class table service from the team; there was no queuing at the bar here. The food menu at The Mezz has been created by talented chefs Simon Rogan and Tom Barnes, chef owner of the Michelin-starred, city centre restaurant Skof. Guests received the all-inclusive bar package and were served elevated small plates that included cheese and salsa crackers, corn-fed chicken Caesar salad, lamb belly shawarma and the venue’s signature mac and cheese finished with a miniature fab lolly for dessert. The drinks were also flowing as guests enjoyed everything from soft drinks and non-alcoholic cocktails to wines, beers, ciders and champagne, all from the comfort of their table.
Guests were invited to take their seats in the arena in plenty of time before the show started, which were conveniently located close to the entrance of The Mezz. The entertainment for the evening was one of Britain’s best-loved comedians, Peter Kay, who had the sell-out audience rolling in the aisles with laughter.
During the interval, guests took advantage of the close proximity of The Mezz to use the facilities and enjoy their pre-ordered drink, before heading back to their seat.
Post-show guests returned to The Mezz to enjoy a nightcap and enjoyed the live DJ taking the party late into the night.
The bar has certainly been set for elevated live hospitality and entertainment experiences in the North West.
What did the guests say?
Design by UBER
“It’s been a long while since I’ve been to the AO Arena. I was expecting the seating provided to be so far back we would be witnessing via binoculars. However, I was elated to discover that we actually had super comfy seats a few short paces from The Mezz and a direct view of the stage.
The super-tasty small plates in The Mezz were as fast-paced as the attentive staff. Expectations were high due to the star chef collaborations and we challenged them with gluten-free options and some left-field drink choices…everything was matched and surpassed.
The surrounding decor was as well appointed as any hospitality space I’ve enjoyed with a cool urban-luxe tone.
A great luxury evening experience, of which I’m now scouring future events to plan the next trip in a similar fashion. Well worth our 230-mile round trip.”
CPASE
“Our experience was exceptional from start to finish. Walking into The Mezz was a true ‘wow’ moment, the space is glamorous and beautifully designed.
The staff were incredibly attentive, ensuring we were well looked after throughout the night. The food and drinks were of the highest quality, making the experience even more special. The atmosphere was vibrant yet relaxed, creating the perfect setting to enjoy the event.
Finding our seats in the arena was easy and having access to The Mezz during the interval with pre-ordered drinks ready, was a fantastic bonus. It made the whole evening feel exclusive and stress-free. We wouldn’t hesitate to return.”
Clear Living
“What an amazing venue! We arrived to a warm welcome at the new VIP entrance, given our passes and whisked through to our table. The Mezz is beautiful – stunning décor with a lively bar vibe. The staff were so attentive and the food and drinks lovely. Cocktails were fabulous! We were shown to our seats for the show which were just outside The Mezz and then popped back in for a cocktail at the interval! A great night!”
Space and Time
“The Mezz was really easy to find from Trinity Way, security was really quick and efficient and the entrance to The Mezz had that VIP feel. The customer service from start to finish at The Mezz was absolutely fantastic, everyone was so attentive and friendly, we were made to feel really special. The food and drink choice and quality was excellent. The access to the arena from The Mezz was super quick and easy – the seats had a fantastic view, and it was so handy being able to access The Mezz during the interval and after the show, we enjoyed a few more drinks whilst the crowds dispersed! The Mezz is definitely the way forward when attending a gig at AO Arena.”
Tomorrow Cardiovascular
“Fantastic evening. Great hosts. Great food. Great drinks. Great company.”
Jordan and Halstead
“The Mezz was really impressive, down to every last detail. The space is absolutely stunning – it’s a beautiful restaurant with a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere. The food is top-level and matched by the friendliness and attentiveness of the serving staff. We’ll be back for sure!”
Bents
“The atmosphere at The Mezz’s bar was great, it felt like we were in one of Manchester’s trendy city centre bars. The service was perfect, attentive whilst not being intrusive.
The small plates that were served to us came out at the perfect time, tasted delicious and were just enough.
As we headed through to the area from the bar to find our seats for the show, we were really surprised by how centrally we popped out. The special seating area was great, and we enjoyed the comfortable premium seats and a great view of the stage.
I cannot wait for an excuse to return to The Mezz and I would certainly look at booking it in the future.”
Hungry for more?
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About The CHESHIRE Magazine
We are the definitive guide to luxury lifestyle in the North West. Latest news, delicious eats, travel treats and seasonal style trends. The Cheshire Magazine is the largest luxury lifestyle title for the North West of England, dropping directly through the letterboxes of VIP subscribers from the Wirral to Greater Manchester plus all the villages and towns in between and digitally available as a subscription in print and digital on issuu.com worldwide. We specialise in connecting luxury brands to likeminded consumers.
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