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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

Guide Snowdrops in the sun at Castlefield Viadiuct.

4 walks with snowdrops in Manchester (and where to go for cake afterwards)

You don't have to go far to find snowdrops in Manchester - here are our favourite spots including a city...

Published: 17 February, 2026
Guide Dexter beef bavette, black pepper and Delica pumpkin at Skof - which gained its first Michelin star in 2025.

Almost all the winners of the Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards 2026

The city's thriving food scene was honoured last night at the 2026 Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards. Here's a...

Published: 27 January, 2026
Article Cathedral interior lit up with rainbow-coloured lights from the Luminescence show.

5 uplifting events in Manchester to take you through to spring

Add some joy to the last few months of winter 2026 with these five uplifting Manchester events, shows and experiences.

Published: 20 January, 2026
Guide Seabass a la plancha served with smoky butter bean and piquillo pepper purée, pan-fried beans, salsa verde, crispy jamón at The Beeswing Wine Bar and Kitchen in Manchester.

5 January dining deals in Manchester worth making plans around

There's a lot of offers out there at the moment but there's also a very comfy sofa waiting for you...

Published: 14 January, 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 Chicken kiev with creamy savoy cabbage and mustard at Nord in Liverpool.

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 April 2026
Guide Meatballs in a red dish with red tomato sauce served at Louis in 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: 30 April 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
Guide

Where to get the best pizza in Manchester

Whether it's Neapolitan, Roman or Chicago deep-pan, grab a slice of the action with Confidential's Guide to the best pizza...

Updated: 18 December 2025
Guide Harvey Leonard's Wine & Ale in the old Conservative Club building in Glossop.

The neighbourhood guide to Glossop

Just half an hour by train from Manchester, could Glossop be about to become a day-out destination in its own...

Published: 11 December, 2025
Guide A candle and a book from The Whitworth gift shop

The best independent shops in Manchester for last-minute gifts

Looking for cool, individual or arty gifts? Here are the best independent shops in Manchester for unique and thoughtful presents.

Updated: 11 December 2025
Guide Snowy footpath flanked by trees at Dunham Massey

Beautiful spots for walks near Manchester

If you think Manchester is all about factories and industry, you're either about 150 years in the past, or you've...

Updated: 8 December 2025
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