Where to eat before or after a show at the AO Arena (Manchester)

The AO Arena has one big advantage over most arenas: it sits right in Manchester city centre. Within a few minutes' walk of the Victoria station complex you will find two large leisure complexes, the bars and restaurants of the Northern Quarter, and some of the most talked-about tables in the city. The hard part is not finding somewhere, but finding a table on a sold-out night: book ahead.

The Corn Exchange and the Printworks: two minutes away

These are the two obvious choices for a quick meal before the doors open.

• The Corn Exchange, on Exchange Square, is about two minutes' walk from the arena according to the venue. It houses around a dozen restaurants with cuisines from around the world, and the venue mentions vegan, vegetarian and halal options as well as children's menus. Visit Manchester cites, among others, Banyan, Mowgli (Indian street food) and Pho (Vietnamese street food).
• The Printworks, also about two minutes' walk away, is an entertainment complex with more than twenty bars, restaurants and leisure venues, mostly well-known chains. Visit Manchester recommends it for a drink after the show, with late-night bars such as O'Neills, Bierkeller and Walkabout.

For a pre-show cocktail right next to the station, Visit Manchester suggests Mamucium, just outside Victoria station.

The Northern Quarter and Shudehill: five to fifteen minutes

Behind Shudehill, the Northern Quarter is Manchester's independent district, full of cafés, bars and casual restaurants.

• The Pasta Factory, in the Old Bank building next to Shudehill Interchange, about five minutes on foot: fresh pasta made on the premises, ideal for a quick, simple meal before a show.
• Northern Soul Grilled Cheese, on Tib Street, about ten minutes away: loaded toasties and a lively atmosphere. Check its hours before relying on it for an evening show.
• Mackie Mayor, in the former Smithfield market hall, a food hall with several kitchens and a bar under one roof. A good choice for a group who cannot agree on a cuisine.

For a special dinner

• Skof, on Federation Street, about a minute's walk from the arena, is chef Tom Barnes's restaurant, awarded a Michelin star in 2025. Booking is essential, and its tasting menus take time: it works better for a long lunch before an evening show than for a quick bite.
• Bangkok Diners Club, in the upstairs dining room of The Edinburgh Castle pub in Ancoats, about fifteen minutes' walk away: Thai cooking over fire, with dishes to share.
• New Century, on Hanover Street, combines a music hall with a food hall and bar, a few minutes away, and is listed by the arena among the nearby options.

Eating inside the arena

Food and drink kiosks are spread across the Main Concourse and the Lower Concourse, with hot food, snacks, alcoholic and soft drinks, as well as a grab-and-go "frictionless" bar where you pay by tapping your card on entry. The arena is cashless: card or contactless only. You cannot bring food or drink into the venue, except for specific dietary or medical needs (speak to a steward and contact the arena beforehand). For a more upmarket evening, The Mezz, the arena's premium bar and restaurant, offers menus curated by Simon Rogan and Tom Barnes as part of its hospitality packages.

Our tips for a show night

• Book if you are more than two: the Corn Exchange and Northern Quarter fill up fast before big shows.
• Check the door time on the event page or your ticket. Doors usually open an hour to an hour and a half before the show, and there are no pass-outs: once inside, you cannot go back out for food.
• After the show, the Printworks and the Northern Quarter are the liveliest areas, and Victoria station is right next door to get home.

Before setting off, see our guides to getting to the AO Arena, parking and the best seats.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I eat near the AO Arena?

The closest options are the Corn Exchange and the Printworks, both about two minutes' walk away. The Northern Quarter, behind Shudehill, offers more independent restaurants within five to fifteen minutes on foot.

Can I take food into the AO Arena?

No. Only food and drink bought inside the venue can be consumed there, except for specific dietary or medical needs, which you should discuss with the arena before your visit.

Is the AO Arena cashless?

Yes. The bars and kiosks accept only card and contactless payments.

Where can I go for a drink after a show at the AO Arena?

Visit Manchester suggests the late-night bars of the Printworks, such as O'Neills, Bierkeller and Walkabout, two minutes from the arena.