Sarah Tierney
Editor
Summary
Sarah Tierney is the editor of Confidential Guides and one of its main writers. She has over 20 years of experience as a journalist and copywriter, covering restaurants, bars, hotels, travel, fitness, culture and things to do in the North of England, particularly Manchester and Liverpool. She has also written two novels which are published by Bloodhound Books.
Experience
Sarah writes across Confidential Guides producing guides, reviews and features. Her work spans independent neighbourhood spots, major city openings, and regional hotel stays, with a focus on clarity, practicality and genuine experience.
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
- Hotel stays and city breaks
- Seasonal and themed activities and days out
- Fitness and wellness
- Independent shops
Review Approach
Sarah’s recommendations are informed by first-hand visits and independent editorial judgement. She assesses venues based on overall experience — including food, service, atmosphere and value — with the aim of giving readers a good sense of what to expect and whether it’s right for them. Her work highlights new openings, established favourites and lesser-known venues, with the aim of helping readers discover places worth visiting.
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
Marbu
Northern QuarterDepop hit Marbu Vintage was an appointment-only studio on Oxford Road until winter 2025 when owner Martha Burns opened this...
The Abbey
HulmeThe Abbey - formerly The Old Abbey Taphouse - is back open in Hulme. And it’s in the capable hands...
Goyt Valley
BuxtonThere’s something magical about the Goyt Valley - a long, secluded stretch of reservoirs, hills and moorland between Buxton and...
Millennium Walkway and Torrs Riverside Park
New MillsTake the train from Manchester Piccadilly to New Mills Central then follow the footpath leading off Station Road. You’ll soon...
Kinder Scout
HayfieldIt’s one of only two official mountains in the misleadingly-named Peak District - and many people (myself included) would say...
Sticks’n’Sushi Manchester
SpinningfieldsLet’s think of two really on-trend, cool countries and combine them into one hit restaurant concept. That isn’t how Sticks’n’Sushi...
Pubs and bars showing the World Cup 2026 in Manchester
Working out your World Cup plans? Here's our list of pubs and bars showing it in Manchester
Where to watch the World Cup in Manchester: the fanzones
Five World Cup fanzones in Manchester to book before football fever hits
Africa Oye
Sefton ParkFor two days every June, Sefton Park becomes the epicentre of African music and culture in the UK. Africa Oye...
Creamfields
DaresburyHeld over three beats-packed days and nights over the August Bank Holiday weekend, Creamfields is one of the world’s biggest...
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
Oxford RoadIf you want to stay somewhere that's luxurious and glamorous - but also distinctly Mancunian, this has to be the...
My child-friendly city break at Manchester’s Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
Sarah Tierney discovers family-friendly glamour at this Oxford Road icon - and shares her top places to go in Manchester with a tween.