£600,000 investment in food and drink offering at M&S Bank Arena

Three new catering units, all including bars, have been created at the Liverpool waterfront arena including the refurbishment of six existing kosks.

Guests can now enjoy a selection of mouthwatering food such as buttermilk chicken, classic pizzas and seafood ahead of watching leading artists such as Craig David, Diana Ross and Elton John who are all set to perform at the arena.

A wider range of draught beer and cider is also now available and meal deals will be on offer.

Tom Beauchamp, Sodexo development chef UK & Ireland, said: "Our versatile new food offering will include items such as chilli and lime chicken wings, sticky sriracha beef ribs and classic pizzas.

Classic pizzas available at M&S Bank Arena

“Menus will be tailored to shows so for example for Mrs Brown’s Boys we offered Irish themed menus.

“We are passionate about providing great tasting food and are pleased to be able to offer a much wider menu for customers before they head into the arena to enjoy a performance.”

The new developments will improve speed of service meaning customers can relax with quality food and drink before shows.

New food and drink concepts have been branded to reflect the arena’s waterfront location such as Clarence Fries, Albert Tavern, Gladstone BBQ and Victoria Grill – all named after surrounding docks.

Battered fish goujons available to sample at M&S Bank Arena

The Ticket Quarter box office, which was located on the arena concourse, has moved to a new building on the piazza creating additional space for one of the new catering units.

M&S Bank Arena launched the new menu as Rod Stewart performed to a sell-out crowd on December 10.

Ben Williams, commercial director the ACC Liverpool Group, operator of M&S Bank Arena, said: “We want all our visitors to have a fantastic experience when they come to watch a show at the arena which should start as soon as they walk through the door.

"It’s important that guests can relax with a drink and a tasty bite to eat and make a night of it.

“We have been working closely with Sodexo and have made a significant investment to open three new units on the arena concourse and refurbish existing kiosks.

Grilled cheese at M&S Banks Arena (Picture: Matt Baker)

"We have upgraded equipment so will be able to offer a wider range of food and drinks while improving service.

“We continuously look at how we can enhance the visitor experience and have further developments planned for the future.”

M&S Bank Arena and Sodexo have ensured that the venue's kitchens are equipped with in-kitchen food waste trackers to allow chefs to immediately see the financial and environmental impact of food waste.

This technology means that up to 55 tonnes of waste are diverted from landfill every three years.

All plastic beer bottles have been replaced with draught served in biodegradable cups and all disposables and packaging across the venue are made from either compostable or 100% recyclable materials.