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 A tile from Insitu Manchester.

Insitu

Hulme Furniture

Insitu isn't your average antiques shop; it specialises in sourcing in vaster vintage pieces like huge steel columns - a...

Place The mosaic tiled floor at Levenshulme Antiques Village

Levenshulme Antiques Village

Levenshulme Furniture

Levenshulme Antiques Village is the first stop if you're doing up a period property or even just looking to add...

Guide The outside of Plere with its tables in the sun

New on Confidential Guides: 12 places to check out this summer

Our round-up of new entries on Confidential Guides is a mix of new openings and places we have loved for...

Updated: 5 May 2026
Place Roast chicken, salad and fries at Mollie's Diner

Mollie’s Diner

St John's Restaurant - American

Mollie's Diner is the third instalment from the hip motel brand and the first in the North. Think Twin Peaks meets mid-century...

Place Seared scallops and edamame beans at Engine Social Dining

Engine Social Dining

Sowerby Bridge Restaurant - Global

Engine Social Dining serves up a delightful array of global small plates where Spanish boquerones rub up against masala cod...

Place Snails with garlic and parsley at Bavette

Bavette

Horsforth Restaurant - French

Bavette in the Leeds suburbs wouldn't be out of place in the heart of Lyon. Dishes are traditional French and...

Place Jerusalem artichoke and apple at Norman's Neighbourhood Kitchen

Norman’s Neighbourhood Kitchen

Kirkburton Restaurant - Modern British

Quality wines, stunning small plates made from local, seasonal produce and an atmosphere that's hard to replicate in city centre...

Guide Marinated Flank Steak with sugar snap peas, cherry tomatoes and tuna n’duja at Engine Social Dining.

Bib Gourmand restaurants in Manchester and the North West

From new inclusions to long-standing favourites, here are the Bib Gourmand restaurants in Manchester and the North West.

Published: 16 February, 2026
Place Half a roast chicken with a slaw and potato side from Butter Bird

Butter Bird

Ancoats Restaurant - British

The food at Butter Bird is excellent – if you like chicken, and things cooked in chicken fat. A pleasant-looking...

Place Hot chocolate topped with marshmallows at Diggle Lock

Diggle Lock

Diggle Cafes

Diggle Lock is a cafe located next to the Huddersfield Narrow Canal towpath, so as you'd imagine, both walkers and...

Place Girl climbing a bouldering route at Rock Over Climbing Sharston

Rock Over Climbing Sharston

Sharston Activities

Rock Over Climbing Sharston is the newest climbing centre from the respected Rock Over group - and it's one of...

Article A model of Humpty Dumpty with a man dressed as a soldier looking on.

Half-term in Manchester, come rain or shine

Jo Milligan shares her tips and ideas for where to go over the school holidays - including a free festival in Manchester for families.

Published: 11 February, 2026
Close