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
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.
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
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...
Emmaus Mossley
MossleyEmmaus Mossley is a 'secondhand superstore' in a former cotton mill. Run by a homelessness charity, it’s staffed in part...
Glossopdale Furniture Project
GlossopGlossopdale Furniture Project is a local charity that provides secondhand furniture to people in need, while also selling items to...
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...
Brysk
DeansgateBrysk is a new, family-run wellness studio off St Ann’s Square that offers high-tech recovery treatments in a calm and...
Riva
HaleBringing new life to Hale village is relaxed restaurant and bar Riva, which cleverly scoops up trade from morning till...
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
The Dunham Barn
AltrinchamIf you’re not in the mood for the National Trust cafe at Dunham Massey, you have a locally-grown option here...
Libby’s Bread & Wine
MarpleI’ve never seen Libby’s Bread & Wine quiet. It probably never is, except, perhaps, when the bakers arrive at 5am...