Subscribe Advertise with us
Powered by Confidentials.com
Jo Milligan, writer at Confidential Guides.

Jo Milligan

Writer

Summary

Jo Milligan is one of the main writers at Confidential Guides. She has almost fifteen years experience as a writer and copywriter specialising in writing about food, restaurants, bars, events and family days out in the North West of England. Her work includes features, reviews, articles and practical guides designed to help readers make the most of their city and beyond.

Experience

Jo writes a range of pieces for Confidential Guides. She understands the local food scene and as a parent to two young children, has a lot of experience in planning days out and activities for families. Her articles, features and guides are underpinned by knowledge, authority and an informed but conversational style.

Areas of Expertise and Interest

Food, drink, and things to do across Manchester, Liverpool, and the wider North of England including:

  • Restaurants and dining
  • Bars, cafés and hospitality venues
  • Family activities, days out and things to do with children
  • Music, gigs and record shops
  • Theatre, art and culture

Review Approach

Jo’s writing is grounded in direct experience and on-the-ground research. She focuses on what readers need to know — from atmosphere and setting to practical details — ensuring recommendations are clear and considered. Her writing is designed to entertain readers but also to help them discover new places and activities, or get the most out of well-known attractions.

Editorial Transparency

Confidential Guides (part of Confidentials) is independently written by our editorial team. While premium listings are paid-for, they are not written by or approved by clients, ensuring unbiased and independent coverage.

Author Posts

Place The exterior of Fort on Deansgate

Fort

Deansgate Cafes

Fort is one of only a small batch of multi-roaster coffee shops in Manchester. If you want your espresso to...

Place Poached eggs on sourdough at Layla's Cafe in Castlefield, Manchester.

Layla’s Cafe

Castlefield Cafes

Layla's Cafe is a canalside coffee shop in Castlefield. It has a welcoming community feel and an appealing menu of...

Article The grand dining room at Tender in Manchester.

Where to book next for an ultra stylish Sunday lunch

Want a roast dinner date that feels like a real occasion? Jo Milligan visits one of the most luxurious entries in our Best Sunday Lunches guide

Published: 24 June, 2026
Place Ice cream at Greene's Bistro & Parlour in King George V park in Uppermill

Greene’s Bistro & Parlour

Uppermill Cafes

Greene's Bistro & Parlour is the urban offshoot for the Saddleworth ice cream megastars. All things are relative in this...

Guide A child standing on a rock in a river.

Shorts on, shoes off: 7 places to go for a paddle this summer

It's not that deep. Seven shallow, child-friendly spots for splashing about in a river.

Published: 22 June, 2026
Place Street food at Foodie Festival, Tatton Park

Foodies Festival

Knutsford Festivals
Place Aerial shot of ground floor tables at House of Social with band on stage and busy atmosphere

House of Social

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Global

House of Social is both student accommodation and an open-to-all food hall, but it's a world away from your average...

Place Bar and ticket desk at The Northern Light Cinema Stretford

The Northern Light Cinema Stretford

Stretford Cinemas

The Northern Light Cinema Stretford is the seventh cinema from the Mundin family who specialise in running independent boutique venues...

Place Interior and bar at Aahaa

Aahaa

Chorlton Restaurant - Indian subcontinent

Aahaa is a new Indian restaurant in Chorlton which has already become very popular. The website is not very convincing...

Article Aubergine parmigiana risotto at Vesuvio

How to make the perfect risotto

Learn how to make the perfect risotto with Chef Giuseppe Lombardo from Vesuvio. Follow our step-by-step guide for a dish to be proud of. The first in our series of recipes from renowned local restaurants, this month we show you how to make aubergine parmigiana risotto - a new take on a Southern Italian classic.

Published: 28 April, 2026
Place Boxes of snacks from Lily's Deli

Lily’s Deli

Chorlton Deli

Lily's Deli is from the family behind Lily's, the award-wining vegetarian Indian restaurant in Ashton-under-Lyne. You'll find all the ingredients...

Place The outside of Plere with its tables in the sun

Plere

Chorlton Bars

Plere is - whisper it - a wine bar, but it's one that brings a Europhile cool to Beech Road...

Close