Where to eat before or after a show at Co-op Live (Manchester)

Co-op Live stands on the Etihad Campus, in east Manchester, in an area of stadiums, sports facilities and housing rather than restaurants. There are only a few places to eat right next to the arena. The good news is that Ancoats, one of Manchester's best food neighbourhoods, lies on the way: the CityLink walking route from Piccadilly goes straight through it, and the New Islington tram stop is a couple of stops from Etihad Campus. The best plan is to choose your restaurant according to your route.

Ancoats and New Islington: the best choice

Ancoats, a former mill district around Cutting Room Square, is full of independent restaurants. Eat there, then walk the rest of the CityLink route (follow the blue lampposts) or take the tram from New Islington to Etihad Campus.

• Rudy's, on Cotton Street: the original branch of this Neapolitan pizza chain, quick and well suited to groups, with vegetarian and vegan pizzas.
• Canto, on Cutting Room Square: Mediterranean tapas, ideal for sharing, with a group menu for larger tables.
• Elnecot: seasonal modern British cooking, for a slower meal if you can start early.
• Bruco, on Murray Street: Italian small plates, pasta and focaccia.
• Erst, also on Murray Street: a neighbourhood restaurant with small plates and a well-chosen wine list.
• Mana, on Blossom Street, holds a Michelin star; its tasting menu is better suited to a day when the meal is the main event, not a quick dinner before doors.

For a drink, Cask Ancoats (beers) and KERB (natural wine) are both mentioned by Creative Tourist.

Close to the arena

According to FEAST magazine, a few addresses are practical when you want to stay near the Etihad Campus:

• Vermilion, for a proper sit-down dinner (Thai and Indian-led menu) without going back into town;
• The Townley, a simple pub with food in Beswick;
• City Chippy, near the stadium, for fish and chips or a quick takeaway.

These places get very busy on event nights, especially when football is on at the same time: book or arrive early.

Arriving at Piccadilly station

If you arrive by train, eating near Piccadilly and then taking the tram or walking is often simpler. FEAST suggests Bundobust (Indian street food, vegetarian), Nell's at the Kampus development (New York-style pizza, also by the slice) and Madre (Mexican, good for groups).

Eating inside Co-op Live

The arena has around thirty food and drink outlets: bars, restaurants, lounges and club spaces, with allergens clearly labelled on all items. On Level 0, Vertu Place, described by the arena as the heartbeat of the venue, has a 22-metre bar and food markets for general admission ticket holders. Free water is available from 14 water points. Co-op Live is cashless: card, contactless, Apple Pay or Google Pay only. Outside food and drink are not allowed in, except for medical needs (contact the arena at least 72 hours beforehand).

The Canalside Café, just off Joe Mercer Way, is a daytime café rather than a pre-show option, and the arena says it is temporarily closed during works on the campus.

Our tips for a show night

• Book early for Canto, Elnecot, Bruco or Vermilion: on sold-out nights, the best tables go first.
• Allow for the journey: finish your meal well before you want to be in the queue, since the tram from Ancoats or the walk to the arena take time, and security checks too.
• Queuing for the standing floor? The arena says limited facilities are available before doors open, so eat and bring water before you join the queue.

Before setting off, see our guides to getting to Co-op Live, parking and the best seats.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I eat near Co-op Live?

There are only a few places right next to the arena, such as Vermilion, The Townley and City Chippy. Ancoats, on the CityLink walking route from Piccadilly, has a much wider choice, with Rudy's, Canto, Elnecot or Bruco.

Can I take food into Co-op Live?

No. Outside food and drink are not allowed, except for medical needs, which must be arranged with the arena at least 72 hours before the event.

Is there food inside Co-op Live?

Yes. The arena has around thirty bars, restaurants and lounges, including the 22-metre bar and food markets of Vertu Place, on Level 0. Payment is by card or contactless only.

How do I get from Ancoats to Co-op Live?

Take the tram from New Islington to Etihad Campus, a couple of stops, or continue along the CityLink walking route through Holt Town, marked by blue lampposts.