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
Liverpool’s top 20 places to celebrate Father’s Day
Planning a meal or a day out to big up your dad on Sunday 21 June? Confidential Guides is here...
Celebrate your graduation at one of these Liverpool restaurants
Hats off to the Class of 2026. Celebrate your graduation at one of these Liverpool restaurants.
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...
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...
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...
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.
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...
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