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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 The cream interior of Fenix

Where to celebrate graduation in Manchester

Congratulations to the class of 2026. Celebrate your hard earned degree in style with a swanky meal. Here are our...

Updated: 17 June 2026
Guide A bowl of ramen with kinoko, edamame and gyoza at Ramenshop in Manchester.

The best restaurants in the Northern Quarter

From seafood to superfoods, brioche to bowls of ramen... here are the best restaurants that Manchester's Northern Quarter has to...

Updated: 26 February 2026
Guide Two girls in summer festival clothes at Creamfields.

Liverpool’s best music festivals for summer 2026

From lost weekends in the Cheshire countryside to urban beats in the Baltic Triangle, this city knows how to put...

Updated: 21 May 2026
Guide Streamers over the crowd at the Hacienda Classical concert at Castlefield Bowl.

Parklife to Psych Fest: The best Manchester music festivals for summer 2026

Take a look at Manchester's best music festivals for 2026. Get the lowdown, check the line-up and plan your summer.

Updated: 14 May 2026
Place The stage and crowd lit up at the Hacienda Classical concert at Castlefield Bowl.

Sounds of the City

Castlefield Festivals

Sounds of the City is a summer season of outdoor gigs by big name acts at Castlefield Bowl in Manchester.

Place Manchester Pride 2025

Manchester Village Pride

Gay Village Festivals

Manchester Village Pride was set up early in 2026 after Manchester Pride went into voluntary liquidation following the 2025 festival....

Place Buckle and Boots Festival - a country music festival in Manchester.

Buckle and Boots

Marple Festivals

This annual weekender on the edge of Stockport won the 'Best Festival' award from the British Country Music Association in...

Guide A rack of jackets arranged in rainbow colours at Marbu in Manchester.

The best vintage shops in Manchester

Slow fashion is growing fast - here's our guide to the best vintage shops in Manchester with options spanning the...

Updated: 18 June 2026
Guide Dexter beef bavette, black pepper and Delica pumpkin at Skof - which gained its first Michelin star in 2025.

2026’s Michelin star restaurants within 2 hours of Manchester

Check out our list of Michelin star restaurants within two hours' drive of Manchester.

Updated: 11 February 2026
Guide Go Mexican for Mother's Day at Madre Liverpool

The best restaurants for Mother’s Day in Liverpool

Make sure Mum knows how much you appreciate her. Book a 'Thanks, Mum' dinner at one of our top ten...

Updated: 4 March 2026
Guide Salmon tartare at Yuzu

The 10 best restaurants in Chinatown, Manchester

Wondering which are the best restaurants in Chinatown, Manchester? Here's our recommended spots for delicious dim sum, roast meats, noodles...

Updated: 6 February 2026
Guide Halloumi and quinoa topped with coriander in a bowl, served at Caravan in Manchester.

15 healthy places to eat in Manchester city centre

Looking for nutritious, wholesome scran that won't sabotage your healthy eating goals? Here's our recommendations for good-for-you food in Manchester...

Updated: 21 January 2026
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