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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 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 Performers staging a heist in Return to the Forest at Aviva Studios (Photography by Henri T)

Preview: Return to the Forest at Aviva Studios

Return to the Forest mixes dance, puppetry and play in an immersive theatrical experience. The world premiere takes place on Thursday 7 May and the Manchester run continues over the Bank Holiday Weekend before heading to London at Sadler's Wells East.

Published: 1 May, 2026
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...

Place Newly-painted frontage of The Musical Box in bright red

The Musical Box

Tuebrook Record Shops

When people describe somewhere as an institution, they're usually talking bollocks. Not so in the case of The Musical Box....

Place Records and a space hopper from Collect and Survive in Waterloo

Collect and Survive

Waterloo Record Shops

Collect and Survive is only open on Saturdays but it's worth planning your day around if you like music and...

Place The terrace and stunning views at The Strines Nightingale

The Strines Nightingale

Strines Pubs

The Strines Nightingale is a country pub, but as you might imagine from the name, it is also a source...

Guide A collection of chairs and tables and lamps at Insitu in Manchester.

5 low-pressure places to shop for secondhand furniture in Manchester

Skip the flat-pack faff - these five places for secondhand furniture in Manchester make it easy to find characterful, pre-loved...

Published: 19 March, 2026
Article Cherry blossom in a Manchester park.

Easter holiday plans: Keeping the kids entertained in Manchester

Trying to think of things to do in Manchester with kids this school holidays? Get out and about with Jo Milligan's tips to make the most of spring.

Published: 17 March, 2026
Place Pho served at Le Viet Social in Liverpool.

Le Viet Social

Baltic Triangle Restaurant - Vietnamese

Le Viet Social is an independent Vietnamese restaurant serving up dishes that stay true to its roots. Think vibrant street...

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