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
Festive ice skating in Manchester, Liverpool and beyond
Get your skates on and book a Christmas session on the ice. Here are our top-rated rinks for festive ice...
Let it glow: 10 Christmas days out near Manchester
From the Manchester Christmas Markets to the Dunham Massey lights, here are our top ten festive days out for 2025.
Mercury rising: sauna and ice baths in Manchester
Curious about contrast therapy? We've rounded-up the best sauna and ice baths in Manchester for wellness, recovery and social connection.
The best cocktail bars in Manchester
Here are 28 of our favourite places to go for beautifully-styled drinks - it's the ultimate guide to Manchester's best...
The best museums in Manchester
Want a shortlist of the city's best museums? Here's six immersive and eye-opening options, including the 2025 winner of 'Best...
Review: Marina Abramović’s Balkan Erotic Epic
A four-hour show that still feels too short. Sarah Tierney gets mesmerised by the performance art extravaganza showing at Aviva Studios
7 Manchester coworking spaces that will re-energise your workday
Deadline looming and focus gone? Check out our guide to the best Manchester coworking spaces for a productivity-boosting change of...
Christmas parties in Liverpool: 10 cool restaurants and bars
Looking for recommendations for Christmas parties in Liverpool? Here are 10 restaurants and bars that know how to impress during...
The best restaurants in Liverpool for afternoon tea
Sandwiches, sweet treats, scones and scouse - here's our guide to the best restaurants in Liverpool for afternoon tea.
20 fun things to do in Manchester
Just arrived in the city and wondering what to see and do? Check out our list of fun things to...
Next level horror: Halloween things to do near Manchester and Liverpool
Want to get scared witless this Halloween? Check out our list of the freakiest, spookiest and most disturbing scare attractions...
Roll with it: the best places for breakfast in Manchester
Here are 25+ of the best places for breakfast in Manchester, from NQ morning hangouts to legends of the suburbs.