CityLife

The View

The View

The View
MEN Arena
December 2009

Overall: 2/5

CONSIDERING its name – The View – I was expecting the new exclusive bar at the MEN Arena to be overlooking the action.

I was wrong on that front, but the venue does have a large mural of Manchester’s skyline and its glass frontage allows for some great people watching on the concourse entrance below.

In theory, the concept for The View makes commercial sense and mirrors the growing industry trend for early evening/after-party bars transforming live music venues into multi-functional destinations where people can spend their entire night.

Sponsored by Tuborg, the bar is smart, spacious and has the feeling of a high street chain, with wooden floors, LED lighting and a variety of seating options.

The 200-capacity bar opens 30 minutes before Arena doors for those who have pre-booked the £80+ ‘The View Experience’ ticket. Special privileges include a free glass of champagne, priority seats and parking, drinks in glasses and an extensive light bites menu. Pricey drinks include Tuborg, Carlsberg Export, Bulmers, San Miguel and Tetleys, with a small section of wines, champagne and cocktails.

The bar re-opens post-gig – although the queue was 20 minutes long ­ and the framed pictures of superstars, small dancefloor and music from that night’s act mean it’s great for keeping the gig vibe alive and meeting fellow fans, if you can put up with the rather scripted niceties from the staff and the inflated prices of the Arena.

The View at MEN Arena, Victoria Station, Manchester M3 1AR (0161 950 7008).