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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 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
Guide Pasta at Sicilian NQ

12 vegan and vegetarian friendly restaurants in Manchester city centre

Plenty of restaurants cater to vegans and vegetarians but many see a plant-based diet as an afterthought. We've chosen these...

Manchester Central
Guide Seasonal dining at Seaforth

The Hot 20: the most popular Liverpool restaurants

Want a snapshot of which restaurants and bars in Liverpool are 'hot' right now? The Confidential Guides Hot 20 is...

Updated: 30 June 2026
Guide Cheesecake ice cream with malt crumb and macerated strawberries at Stow, Manchester.

The Hot 50: the most popular Manchester restaurants

Want a snapshot of which restaurants and bars in Manchester are 'hot' right now? The Confidential Guides Hot 50 is...

Updated: 1 July 2026
Guide Lobster ravioli at the Horse & Jockey, Chorlton.

Manchester restaurants: 2025’s biggest new openings

The only constant is change on the Manchester restaurant scene. Here's the pick of this year's new openings - 15...

Published: 19 December, 2025
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