Manchester’s AO Arena opens new exclusive luxury bar & restaurant

The AO Arena has officially opened its new premium experience bar & restaurant The Mezz.

On Tuesday night (March 5th), guests headed to AO Arena for the star-studded red carpet launch of brand new VIP bar and restaurant experience The Mezz – part of the venue’s £50m redevelopment.

The Mezz marks a world-first for arenas and is now officially open and set to transform the in-venue hospitality experience. Brian McFadden, Jorgie Porter, Rachel Lugo & Peter Hook were in attendance and amongst the first to experience it for themselves.

At The Mezz’s bar and restaurant, guests can expect the very best modern British cuisine, champagne, fine wines, signature cocktails and post-show entertainment.

At this members only space, guests can enjoy a stylish dining experience before stepping out to the best seats in the house, you’re guaranteed the ultimate VIP experience from arrival to encore.

ASM Global has joined forces with award-winning Chef Simon Rogan MBE and UMBEL Restaurant Group alongside Chef Tom Barnes, embarking on this new and exclusive culinary partnership. The menu features two dishes designed by the team, including a main dish by Rogan and dessert by Barnes.

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.

Guests can expect an unrivalled pre-show experience that takes them above and beyond the show as they take in the impressive panoramic views of the stage and a premium hospitality service, in the heart of the action.

Located close to your seats for comfort and convenience, guests will reap the benefits of having premium seats with the best views of the stage for the ultimate experience.

Whether you’re entertaining clients, networking or celebrating, The Mezz promises the perfect venue to help make your evening out a memorable one.

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.

Chris Bray, President of ASM Global Europe, said: “We are truly so excited to be launching this innovative concept and partnership with UMBEL. 

“There’s nothing like this in UK arenas right now, so we’re incredibly proud to be setting the standard in F&B innovation, alongside some of the UK’s most exciting fine dining experts. 

“We believe our customers deserve the best, and we’re always exploring new ways to do just that, reimagining what live entertainment experiences look like, including the food and beverage that’s available.”

“As the AO Arena looks to a milestone year, opening The Mezz in March, this new partnership with Simon, Tom and UMBEL Restaurant Group will no doubt take it to the next level,” he added.

Simon Rogan MBE, Chef and Owner of UMBEL Restaurant Group, said: “UMBEL is excited to embark on this partnership and to work alongside ASM by means of elevating its premium F&B offering at Mezz. 

“Working alongside Tom Barnes, who has been a key part of my team for many years, we are looking forward to introducing special seasonal menus which champion natural ingredients and sustainability, whilst using ingredients from my farm in the Lake District.”

Tom Barnes said: “Our involvement with ASM and The Mezz enables us to share the UMBEL philosophy with a wider audience. 

“Manchester is my favourite city in the UK, and now my new home as I also prepare to open Skof in the N.O.M.A district of the city in the springtime, so I am proud to be a part of the city’s exciting food and drink scene in more ways than one.”

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