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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 Cheesecake ice cream with malt crumb and macerated strawberries at Stow, 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: 1 July 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...

Updated: 25 June 2026
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 Kinder Reservoir with Kinder Scout in the distance.

Beautiful spots for walks near Manchester

Need to some space to breathe this weekend? Here's our favourite places for hikes, picnics and nature-bathing, all within easy reach of...

Updated: 10 June 2026
Guide A couple ice skating at Boxpark Liverpool.

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...

Updated: 26 November 2025
Guide The North Pole Playground's illuminated high slides

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.

Updated: 19 November 2025
Guide A man lying down in the sauna at FIX MCR.

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.

Published: 18 November, 2025
Guide A cocktail at Grand Pacific, one of the best cocktail bars in Manchester

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...

Updated: 10 November 2025
Guide Bolton Museum - one of our selections for best museums in Manchester. This picture shows a running shoe from the ‘Reebok and Walsh’ exhibition showing at Bolton Museum and Library in 2025.

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...

Published: 22 October, 2025
Article Marina Abramovic and Kath Fitzgibbon in Marina Abramovic's Balkan Erotic Epic. Photo by Marco Anelli-©-INSTAGRAM-@marco_anelli_studio.jpeg

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

Published: 15 October, 2025
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