As the New Year brings both reflections and resolutions for 2025, we’re considering how valuable time with loved ones can be made even more memorable

Whether that’s connecting through a shared love for a musician or comedian, or a passion for fine dining, investing in personalised experiences with friends, families and business partners are at the top of our resolution lists this year.

First on our must-visit list is an exquisite bar and restaurant nestled within the iconic AO Arena in Manchester, The Mezz. As an upgrade to an evening’s entertainment in the arena, The Mezz invites you to start your evening right with an indulgent dining experience that sets the stage for an unforgettable night.

Exceptional customer service and personalisation

If you seek more than fine dining but an experience that feels uniquely tailored to you, guests to The Mezz can look forward to evenings filled with exceptional customer service and attention to detail.

Leading the charge is the AO Arena’s esteemed Director of Food and Beverage, Paul Malley. With a rich background across the hospitality industry, Paul ensures that his team provide every guest with personalised care from the moment they make a reservation to the time they leave. The team are dedicated to making every visit an exceptional one, whether you have a special dietary requirement or a last-minute request.

To understand what makes The Mezz a standout in luxury entertainment, we spoke with Paul, who shared his thoughts: “We believe that every experience should be a celebration, and our team is passionate about creating moments that our guests will remember long after they’ve left. The passion, energy and knowledge from the team is unparalleled to any other, and ensures guests have the best experience possible. From the quality of our food to the warmth and efficiency of our service, we aim to set the standard for luxury dining and drinks in Manchester.”

With the environment harbouring creativity and relaxation, you will feel taken care of from the second you enter The Mezz, with your hardest decision of the evening being choosing what you’d like to drink.

Culinary excellence that provides a feast for the senses

The gastronomic dining journey at The Mezz Bar and Restaurant is led by Executive Head Chef, Simon Mason, and in collaboration 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. The menu celebrates the finest sustainable ingredients, with each dish a masterpiece of innovation and flavour.

With an array of elevated drinks on offer, the bar is a destination in itself. The expert mixologists create handcrafted cocktails that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Enjoy classics with a twist or try one of the signature creations, all while soaking in the vibrant energy of the AO Arena.

The Mezz Experience: Beyond Dining

Stepping beyond dining, The Mezz truly creates moments of pure indulgence with pre-show packages designed to enhance your evening, offering a seamless transition from a luxurious meal to an exhilarating concert or show. Making memories and sharing the good times with both personal and professional partners is an indulgence you will look back on for years to come.

For those who wish to continue the celebration into the night, post-show offerings include expertly crafted nightcaps, that ensure the evenings end on a high note while the crowds disperse.

An unparalleled atmosphere

The New Year brings a new era in hospitality where cravings for atmospheres that are both luxurious and welcoming can be satiated.   

The Mezz offers a unique blend of modern elegance and classic sophistication with interiors that feature rich velvet seating, ambient lighting, and art deco details that create a sumptuous yet inviting environment that harnesses deeper connections.

The carefully curated playlists enhance the ambience, ensuring that from the moment you walk in, you feel enveloped in a cocoon of luxury and anticipation for the night ahead.

Make 2025 a year for connections with fine dining and comfort at The Mezz in AO Arena, where every detail is crafted to perfection.

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

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

What’s On: January - March 2025

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

• Peter Kay Live from now until summer 2025

• Ateez - 30th January (including exclusive Mezz Bar after-party with DJ Emkay)

• Strictly Come Dancing Live 1st - 2nd February

• Toto - 4th February

• James Blunt - 15th February

• Limpbizkit - 15th March

• Tom Segura - 19th March

• The Wombats - 22nd March

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.

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.

If you are interested on how you can partner with The CHESHIRE Magazine, read more about us. Or get in touch to find out more about marketing, featuring or partnering with the Cheshire Magazine in print or online.