New restaurants and bars on Confidential Guides

Alfredo’s Social is a buzzy bar and restaurant in the parade of independents on Little Underbank in Stockport town centre. It’s a charming location and Alfredo’s Social is the most charming of them all, housed in the historic Grade II listed Winter’s building.

Pattersons at Escape to Freight Island means only one thing – the Liverpool legend has finally made it to Manchester.

Skof is the first restaurant from chef Tom Barnes who, as head chef at Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume, helped it win its third Michelin star. 

Sora Manchester is a rooftop bar and restaurant serving up sushi, Pan Asian small plates and views across the city’s impressive Victorian neo-Gothic architecture.

There’s a bonhomie and a sense of welcome at Vetch, marking it out as a friendly neighbourhood restaurant and simultaneously one of the best fine dining establishments in Liverpool.

Voyagers in The Halyard Liverpool is in the league of hotel restaurants that become a destination in their own right. A sophisticated and well-travelled menu of small plates combined with inviting modern design make it a standout addition to the Ropewalks. Expect an individual take on cool, casual dining.

à bloc is a neighbourhood cafe near Stamford Park in Altrincham. It serves good coffee and brunch dishes but it’s the doughnuts that have mythical status here. Don’t leave without one.

It’s a transplant from that-there London but at least Boxpark Liverpool is full of local food names. This food hall meets events space is home to eight or so vendors including, at the time of writing, Rose Street Falafel (from the founders of Maray), Madre Burrito, Pukht and Yoki Social Table and Yumcha. There’s also Shake, Crazy Pedros, Simply Salt and Pepper and Stateside Grill. Choosing between them is not easy.  

Eagerly awaited fine-dining restaurant Maya opened with local chef Gabe Lea at the helm but by the end of 2024, he’d done a switcheroo with Sean Moffat over at Edinburgh Castle.

Medlock Canteen is an informal all-day place but despite its casual name, it’s a quality food spot. The menu is simple. Bistro classics aren’t faffed about with, they’re just done brilliantly. Jay Rayner is a big fan.

PUBLIC is from the team behind Evelyn’s and The Daisy so you can expect quality cocktails – and you’d be right to do so. There’s also a brief menu of umami-filled Asian and American street food that really hits the spot.

The Rat & Pigeon may be Manchester’s newest pub, but it’s an oldie too. The team behind the much-loved Crown and Kettle have taken over Mother Macs.