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
Pilgrim
Mossley HillWhat a journey it’s been so far for Basque-inspired restaurant Pilgrim. After beginning life as a pop-up in Dalston, London,...
Cotton Neptune Mill
PiccadillyAdd this to your list of places to meet near Piccadilly Station – then make sure you've got Google Maps...
Llanddwyn Beach (Newborough Beach)
AngleseyIt's not the nearest beach if you're travelling from Manchester or Liverpool but I can't be the only person who'd...
Vibean
Manchester City CentreAlong with Turkey, Italy and Australia, Vietnam is one of those countries where coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s part...
Shepley’s Cafe
GlossopAll eyes turn to the Shepley’s Facebook page when Easter approaches, as its small legion of fans eagerly awaits the...
Manor Park
GlossopWith a miniature railway, decent-sized playground, and hopefully soon, a reborn cafe, Manor Park in Glossop has enough going on...
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.
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...