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Sarah Tierney, editor of Confidential Guides.

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

Place

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel

Oxford Road Hotel

If you want to stay somewhere that's luxurious and glamorous - but also distinctly Mancunian, this has to be the...

Article Looking up at the tower of the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel on a sunny day with flags flying over the door.

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.

Published: 22 April, 2026
Article Two girls wearing cowboy boots.

Boots, beats and back issues: My line dancing comeback

In the second of her 'Moving on' series about finding new ways to exercise after injury, Sarah Tierney tries line-dancing - and finds out about a free session coming up in Manchester

Published: 15 April, 2026
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
Place A white mural on a red brick background at Emmaus Mossley,

Emmaus Mossley

Mossley Markets

Emmaus Mossley is a 'secondhand superstore' in a former cotton mill. Run by a homelessness charity, it’s staffed in part...

Place Secondhand and upcycled wooden furniture on the pavement outside Glossopdale Furniture Project.

Glossopdale Furniture Project

Glossop Furniture

Glossopdale Furniture Project is a local charity that provides secondhand furniture to people in need, while also selling items to...

Guide People in summer clothes heading into the Black Friar in Salford.

The 10 best restaurants in Salford

Salford has its own culinary stars - it’s just a case of knowing where to find them. Here are our...

Published: 10 March, 2026
Place The lounge area at Brysk.

Brysk

Deansgate Therapeutic Services

Brysk is a new, family-run wellness studio off St Ann’s Square that offers high-tech recovery treatments in a calm and...

Place A dessert served at Riva restaurant and bar in Hale, Greater Manchester

Riva

Hale Restaurant - Modern British

Bringing new life to Hale village is relaxed restaurant and bar Riva, which cleverly scoops up trade from morning till...

Article The back of a person walking in the snow in the woods with a bobble hat on.

Snowdrops, sciatica, and cake-stops

In the first of her 'Moving On' columns, Sarah Tierney writes about walking for back pain - and how to make it more enjoyable in winter

Updated: February 19, 2026
Place Afternoon tea in Royal Albert china in a rustic setting at Dunham Barn

The Dunham Barn

Altrincham Cafes

If you’re not in the mood for the National Trust cafe at Dunham Massey, you have a locally-grown option here...

Place Pistachio tartlet displayed in the window with more cakes at Libby's Bread & Wine.

Libby’s Bread & Wine

Marple Cafes

I’ve never seen Libby’s Bread & Wine quiet. It probably never is, except, perhaps, when the bakers arrive at 5am...

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