Alfresco
Wagamama St Peter’s Square
Manchester City CentreWagamama St Peter’s Square is one of Manchester’s go-to spots for a casual curry or lunchtime noodles. Right in the...
The Restaurant Bar & Grill Liverpool
Liverpool City CentreWith its six foot chandelier and gold leaf ceiling Restaurant Bar & Grill Liverpool is one of the city’s most...
The Art School Cellars
Georgian QuarterThe Art School Cellars is part of the renowned Art School restaurant but it is also an atmospheric destination in...
The Black Friar
Manchester City CentreThe Black Friar stood empty and unloved for almost 20 years before reopening in summer 2021 after a substantial renovation...
Pattersons
RopewalksFried chicken in a bar setting with a big emphasis on music, beer and cocktails - Liverpool independent Pattersons has...
Evuna Knutsford
KnutsfordEvuna Knutsford brings together playful Spanish tapas dishes and an excellent wine offering.
Seven Bro7hers Ancoats
AncoatsThis bar on Cutting Room Square from the Seven Bro7hers Brewery clan is perfectly placed to cater for the craft...
Residence Inn by Marriott Manchester Piccadilly
PiccadillyResidence Inn by Marriott Manchester Piccadilly is the chain’s first long-stay venture in the North of England. Situated less than...
Haunt
Manchester City CentreWhen Peter Street lost its Caffe Nero it gained Haunt, an independent coffee shop and wine bar. Stepping inside, you...
Namaste Nepal
West DidsburyNamaste Nepal on West Didsbury’s Burton Road is a relaxed Nepalese spot that is the definition of a much-loved neighbourhood...
Sefton Park
Sefton ParkSefton Park is larger than most parks, although it’s still not Liverpool’s biggest – that award goes to Croxteth Country...
BrewDog Doghouse Manchester Hotel
Manchester City CentreThe BrewDog Doghouse is brought to you by international beer makers, BrewDog. Claiming to be Manchester’s first carbon-negative “beer hotel”,...
Seven Bro7hers Middlewood Locks
Media CitySeven Bro7hers in Salford at the Middlewood Locks development is the ideal place for some al fresco eating and drinking...
Atlas Bar
Manchester City CentreAtlas Bar is known as one of the originals of Manchester’s modern cafe-bar scene. And for its extensive collection of...
Piccolino Bramhall
BramhallWith its large alfresco terrace with a fully retractable roof, Piccolino Bramhall is perfectly located in the heart of the...
Seven Bro7hers Media City
Media CityA stone's throw from their brewery and taproom, Salford alemeisters Seven Bro7hers have a beerhouse and kitchen with outside space...
Rigatoni’s Altrincham
AltrinchamRigatoni's is a bustling 25-seater Southern Italian pasta kitchen at the top of Shaws Road in Altrincham. Their rotating blackboard...
Pattersons at Escape to Freight Island
PiccadillyPattersons at Escape to Freight Island means only one thing - the Liverpool legend has finally made it to Manchester.
Piccolino Grande Wilmslow
WilmslowPiccolino Grande Wilmslow is an elegant and glamorous restaurant with an airy open-plan design, a Tuscan terrace and luxurious furnishings....
The Bells of Peover
KnutsfordThere's a story behind the American and British flags that fly over the entrance to The Bells of Peover, a...
Frederiks
Georgian QuarterOne of the buzziest spots in the Georgian Quarter, Frederiks models itself on the neighbourhood bars of Brooklyn. Think casual...
Bury Market
BuryEverything from fresh fruit and veg to wooden spoons, Bury Market has a dizzying range of stalls selling fresh produce,...
The Laureate Restaurant
ManchesterSo named because of Manchester University's 25 Nobel laureates, The Laureate Restaurant is a large and luxurious space located on one of...
Piccolino Caffe Grande Manchester
Manchester City CentreWith its terrace overlooking Albert Square and Manchester Town Hall, and a beautiful interior featuring a 40-seater private dining room,...
Piccolino Didsbury
DidsburyWith its large alfresco terrace, complete with a fully retractable roof, Piccolino Didsbury is perfectly located for an Aperol Spritz...
The Beeswing
Manchester City CentreThe Beeswing is named after a tartrate sheen which forms on the surface of port and some other wines that...
Brewdog DogHouse Bar & Rooftop
Manchester City CentreThere are two ways to eat at the Doghouse, at the ground floor BrewDog Bar or upstairs on the rooftop....
Waterfront Southport Hotel
SouthportWaterfront Southport Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel overlooking Marine Lake, the Ribble Estuary and the Irish Sea. Established in...
Motley
Manchester City CentreMotley is a bar and restaurant attached to Yotel on Deansgate. With its suntrap terrace, it’s definitely not just for...
Station South
LevenshulmeHoused in an old railway station building saved in 2018 and restored with Heritage Fund support, Station South is a...
Al Dente
Lark LaneAl Dente is a Mediterranean restaurant with an extensive, far-reaching menu that just about makes sense when you consider the...
Piccolino Liverpool
Cavern QuarterPiccolino Liverpool is located in a particularly grand building on Cook Street with a small but perfectly-formed terrace at the...
Minna
Lark LaneThis women-run family business is inspired by Molly's great nan Minna, who turned a plot of land behind her council...
Volta
DidsburyVolta is owned by Luke ‘Unabomber’ Cowdrey and Justin Crawford - the DJ-restauranteur duo behind Chorlton’s Electrik bar, the Electrik...
Wray
AmblesideWray is a great value day out near Ambleside. It’s a National Trust castle and parkland but entry is currently...
Mr Fitzpatrick’s
RawtenstallMr Fitzpatrick’s is a venerable institution: Britain’s last temperance bar. If that makes you think of puritanical Victorians, fear not....
The White Hart at Lydgate
LydgateThe White Hart at Lydgate is a rustic dining pub with an excellent reputation and wine list. Located 700 feet...
Piccolino Knutsford
KnutsfordPiccolino Knutsford fits in perfectly with the Italianate villas and chic shops of this quirky Cheshire town. Situated on the...
Bistrot Verite
SouthportBistrot Verite is a Brittany-influenced bistro with a penchant for fish. Brassy flavours meet seaside standards at this Gallic enclave...
Sam’s Chop House
Manchester City CentreThe acclaimed and atmospheric Sam's Chop House serves British classics from a kitchen where flavour is king. Part of the...
Alexandra Park
Moss SideAlexandra Park, or Alex Park as it’s known, was once rather shabby but has now been restored to something approaching...
Yard & Coop Manchester
Northern QuarterWe’d rather see a restaurant that does one thing well than one that does a wide variety of dishes to...
Six Trees Kitchen & Bar
StretfordPop in on your way back from the Trafford Centre – there's plenty to watch go by, and plenty of...
Eagle & Child
RamsbottomThe Eagle & Child is famous for offering excellent Sunday lunches and award-winning pub grub in the hills above Manchester.
The Inn at Whitewell
Forest of BowlandIt was the TV series The Trip starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon that made The Inn at Whitewell a...
The Cartford Inn
PrestonThis historic coaching house serves adventurous British pub food in poetic configurations. The cooking at The Cartford Inn is by...
The Samling
CumbriaThe Samling is a delightful lodge and fine-dining restaurant oozing exclusivity. A favourite of Hollywood celebs (like Tom Cruise), it’s...
Track Brewing Co
PiccadillyTrack Brewing Co may be a bit off the beaten track but it’s worth the trek for craft beer aficionados....
Pappa Pepinos
Liverpool City CentrePappa Pepinos is part of the Selina Hotel. It’s a casual place serving Italian plates both small and large, and...
The Dysart Arms
TarporleyThe Dysart Arms has roaring fires, antique prints, higgledy-piggledy bookshelves kind of look while being quite light and airy at...
Thomas Rigby’s
Cavern QuarterOf humble beginnings, Alderman Thomas Rigby came to Liverpool in 1830 – a wine and spirits dealer, he made quite...
El Gato Negro Manchester
Manchester City CentreEl Gato Negro is an upmarket Manc-Spanish fusion restaurant that really, really works. Originally from Yorkshire, chef Simon Shaw has...
Jackalope
SaleThe Jackalope may be a mythical beast but fortunately a top-notch brunch at Sale’s relaxed café bar is reassuringly real.
The Picturedrome
MacclesfieldThe Picturedrome is the Macclesfield spin-off of the popular food hall group behind Altrincham Market Hall, Market House Alty and...
Mary & Archie Chorlton
ChorltonMary & Archie Chorlton is a well-loved neighbourhood cafe bar, sourcing the best local ingredients for their famous 'all-day' brunch...
PINS Social Club
RopewalksAs the name suggests, PINS Social Club is more than just a bar – and it's more than just a...
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House
ArdwickVisitors to Elizabeth Gaskell’s House can explore the author’s home where she wrote most of her novels such as North...
Madre Liverpool
Albert DockThe world's greatest hand-held food is promised by Madre – tostadas, quesadillas and tacos tacos tacos. There's also all the...
The White Horse in Churton
ChurtonThought it's only been open a short while (since March 2023 to be exact), The White Horse in Churton is...
The Deansgate
Manchester City CentreThe Deansgate is a bit of a landmark pub in Manchester, having been in this spot for 200 years.
Born Up North
HeswallBorn Up North is known as bun. Makes sense. This Heswall eatery is a relaxed affair where it’s (almost) all...
Opera Grill
ChesterHoused in a Grade II Listed building with a neo-classical facade, Chester's Opera Grill is a grand, 400-seater restaurant from...
Flawd
AncoatsFlawd was the first permanent space for the team behind Higher Ground. Sat waterside at Islington Marina in New Islington,...
The Oast House
SpinningfieldsFrom the same stable as The Botanists around town, The Oast House boasts those "famous" Hanging Kebabs and, with its...
Levenshulme Bakery
LevenshulmeLevenshulme Bakery has been knocking up wallet-friendly and super fresh Turkish bread, kebabs and other light lunches for the local...
Trattoria 51 Liverpool
Business District (Liverpool)Offering good-value Italian classics, Trattoria 51 is an easy option if you want a family-friendly independent close to Liverpool ONE....
Climat
Manchester City CentreThe first thing you notice when you step into fine-dining restaurant Climat is the view. Situated on the roof of...
The Rope & Anchor
AltrinchamRescued from the rural pub doldrums a few years back, Dunham Massey's The Rope & Anchor, close to Bowdon, Hale...
Thoughtfully Cafe
RopewalksIndependent coffee shop Thoughtfully Cafe is just a few minutes walk from Liverpool ONE but it feels like a world...
PUBLIC
Northern QuarterPUBLIC is from the team behind Evelyn’s and The Daisy so you can expect quality cocktails - and you’d be...
The Firehouse
AncoatsFound in the former E & A Auto Services garage depot on Swan Street, Firehouse is the sister restaurant to...
Riva Blu Manchester | Corn Exchange
Manchester City CentreFrom the same team behind Piccolino, Riva Blu Manchester aims to bring a little bit of La Dolce Vita to...
Grandpa Greene’s Luxury Ice Cream
DigglePerched by the canal in the picturesque village of Diggle, near Oldham, Grandpa Greene's is best known for its award-winning...
Pray Tell
SalePray Tell is a neighbourhood bar in Stanley Square, Sale. It’s the sort of place that all towns and suburbs...
NoHo
Northern QuarterNoHo is far from the only NYC-inspired bar in the NQ, or even on Stevenson Square, but it was one...
Factory Coffee
SpinningfieldsWhile lockdown marked the end for some businesses, for others it was a chance to expand into surprising new territories....
Miss Dee’s Evoden Bar & Kitchen
ChorltonMiss Dee’s Evoden Bar & Kitchen is a relaxed Caribbean restaurant that offers excellent value considering its chi-chi Beech Road...
The Pack Horse
Greater ManchesterHumbly describing itself as a "community gastropub", The Pack Horse is raking in the glowing reviews, including by food critics...
The Old Fire Station
SalfordThe Old Fire Station is a café, bar, bakery and brewery tap with a real community feel. It’s a part...
Electrik
ChorltonElektrik is an award-winning independent bar with great coffee and a wide selection of beer, wine and cocktails. They offer...
Saison
DidsburySister of Chorlton favourite Dulcimer, Saison is a cosy bar offering a wide range of craft beer and spirits. They...
Honest Burgers Manchester
SpinningfieldsThe new wave of burgers came crashing over the food scene and then receded, leaving closures and acid reflux. So...
The Swettenham Arms
CongletonThe Swettenham Arms is in an idyllic location, right next to the Lovell Quinta Aboretum. The pub even has its...
Heaton Hops
Heaton MoorHeaton Hops is a bar and bottle shop in Heaton Moor. The fridges are packed with bottles and cans from...
14 Bar & Grill
BootleSometimes, the clue is in the name and in the case of 14 Bar & Grill, the number refers to...
OSMA
PrestwichOSMA is a contraction of Oslo and Manchester, the home cities of its two owners. However this portmanteau is even...
Kitten
CastlefieldHandcrafted sushi and charcoal grills are on the food menu in this sleek Deansgate Square set-up, complete with its own...
Gusto Italian Heswall
HeswallWith its sunspot terrace and twinkly olive grove interior, Gusto’s Heswall branch lives up to the chain’s reputation for making...
The One O’Clock Gun
Albert DockThe One O'Clock Gun is a New York-style pub on the waterfront at Albert Docks. The name refers to a...
Cibo Hale
HaleCibo takes a leaf out of San Carlo’s book with its version of upscale Italian dining. It may be out-of-town...
The Lime Tree Bollington
BollingtonThe Lime Tree Bollington is the sister restaurant of the acclaimed Lime Tree restaurant in Didsbury. It focuses on quality...
Buyers Club
Liverpool City CentreSquished on the cusp of the Knowledge Quarter and the Georgian Quarter and resident in the old Flying Picket since...
Salt House Tapas
RopewalksResiding on the corner of Hanover Street sits Salt House Tapas, a modern yet ambient take on the popular Spanish...
The River Restaurant
SalfordThe River Restaurant at The Lowry Hotel is Manchester's classic fine dining restaurant. Huge names that have run the kitchen...
Banyan | Corn Exchange
Manchester City CentreBanyan in Manchester’s Corn Exchange has something for everyone and one of the best outdoor drinking and dining spots in...
Riva Blu Liverpool
Cavern QuarterWith its large alfresco terrace, island bar, and handsome architecture, Riva Blu Liverpool has a chic, continental feel inside and...
à bloc
Altrinchamà bloc is a neighbourhood cafe near Stamford Park in Altrincham. It serves good coffee and brunch dishes but it’s...
El Gato Negro Liverpool
Liverpool City Centre'The black cat' is an upmarket tapas restaurant overlooking the Town Hall and iconic Nelson monument, with heated patio outside...
Etçi Mehmet
Manchester City CentreOpen since the end of 2018, Etçi Mehmet's carefully prepared, predominantly meat dishes are flame grilled or oven roasted for...
The Golden Pheasant Plumley
KnutsfordFull of character and history, The Golden Pheasant is a cosy village inn with real fires, dog-friendly sections inside, and...
San Carlo Fiorentina
Hale BarnsSan Carlo Fiorentina (what the Italians call Florence) specialises in the meat dishes of Tuscany, grilled over charcoal, particularly steak,...
Altrincham Market House Indoor Food Hall
Greater ManchesterSetting a precedent for the likes of Mackie Mayor and Stockport Produce Hall, many have hailed the revamping of the...
The Greyhound Ashley
AltrinchamThis cosy country-style pub with ample outside space to enjoy a sunny pint or two is part of the JW...
The Botanist Salford
Media CityPart of a UK-wide chain bringing the outdoors in with its signature English country garden style, The Botanist in Salford...
Kargo MKT
Salford QuaysKargo MKT is a huge food hall in Salford Quays where 20 different street food traders ply their trade. With...
The Lambing Shed Farm Shop and Kitchen
KnutsfordMoseley Hall Farm is home to 250 cattle, over 2,500 sheep, and in the barn once used for newborn lambs...
Mamasan Liverpool
Liverpool City CentreSouth Asian cookery is on the cards here, or "a vibrant culinary offering", if you prefer. Three floors are accessed...
Silk Rd Heswall
HeswallIf it's one of those days when you can't put your finger on what you fancy – Thai curry or...
20 Stories
SpinningfieldsManchester’s highest restaurant, bar and terrace 20 Stories was the opening of 2018 and still maintains its status as one...
Rain Bar
Manchester City CentreRain Bar is a pub from JW Lees in an old umbrella factory. It’s a beautiful building and looks even...
The Gallery Cafe
Manchester City CentreNot just somewhere to take the weight off after peering at all the Lowrys and Valettes, The Gallery Cafe at...
Double Zero
ChorltonAn authentic Neapolitan-style pizzeria, Double Zero in Chorlton has been lauded as one of the best in the UK.
Albert’s Didsbury
West DidsburyAlbert’s Didsbury always has a buzz about it. OK, so you won’t get the best food in the world but...
Bouchon
Liverpool City Centre"Bistro de luxe and bar" says the strapline of Bouchon, and the Parisian patio furniture and interiors resplendent in marble...
Flok
Northern QuarterIf it's a place in the sun you're after, look no further than the Northern Quarter's Flok, chilling out on...
The Lawn Club
SpinningfieldsThe Lawn Club is a summery Spinningfields paradise with lots of outdoor space and fantastic cocktails. It’s also a winter...
The Fishpool Inn
NorthwichThe Fishpool Inn is just on the edge of Delamere Forest. Walk up an appetite and then tuck in to...
Fumo
Oxford RoadWith its terrace overlooking Oxford Road and its much-photographed spiral staircase, Fumo is a favourite spot in Manchester for dinner...
Pot Kettle Black Barton Arcade
Manchester City CentrePot Kettle Black was born out of owners Mark Flanagan and Jon Wilkin's time spent travelling (and playing rugby) down...
Salvi’s | Corn Exchange
Manchester City CentreSalvi’s – or Salvi's Mozzarella Bar & Restaurant, to give it its full name – claims to be Manchester's first...
Burgerism at Escape to Freight Island
Manchester City CentreStarting life in a pick-up-only kitchen just off West Ashton St and Eccles New Road in Salford, Burgerism’s “lean, mean...
WowYauChow
AltrinchamWowYauChow is a 'British Chinese' from accountant turned restaurateur Henry Yau which has become a firm favourite in Alty. The...
Pippin’s Corner
Lark LanePippin’s Corner is a charming, family-friendly cafe-bistro that makes the most of its handsome corner spot on Lark Lane. Head...
The Alchemist Manchester Spinningfields
SpinningfieldsThe Alchemist in Spinningfields was the original of three Manchester venues and has a good-sized outdoor terrace and plenty of...
Delifonseca Dockside
BrunswickLiverpool's acclaimed deli and restaurant Delifonseca has a loyal following thanks to its irresistible victuals from the UK and beyond.
Oystercatcher
Chorlton“Doing lots of little things right” is a definition of perfection. And Oystercatcher - a simple seafood restaurant in Chorlton...
The Watering Can
AigburthAt the entrance to Greenbank Park, with its lake and leafy vistas, The Watering Can offers both inside and outside...
The Brotherhood of Pursuits and Pastimes
Manchester City CentreThe Brotherhood of Pursuits and Pastimes has a more grown-up look than most sports bars, all muted greens rather than...
Tast
Manchester City CentreCatalan restaurant Tast brings the fiercely independent spirit of north-eastern Spain to your table courtesy head chef Paco Pérez –...
Corner & Bloom
DidsburySunny spots with seats, scran and a bit of sauce are few and far between, but this popular independent family-run...
Gusto Italian Liverpool
Albert DockWith views of the water and a menu that should have something for pretty much everyone, Gusto Liverpool is a...
Neighbourhood Bistro and Bar
ChildwallTicking all the boxes for brekkie and brunch in South Liverpool is Neighbourhood Bistro and Bar on Woolton Road.
Mort Subite
Greater ManchesterGiven the much-publicised dangers of drinking too much booze, it takes a dark sense of humour to name your bar...
Barbakan Deli
ChorltonThe folks at Barbakan have been nose to the grindstone for over 50 years - they were here long before...
The Quarter
Georgian QuarterYou can't get much more picture perfect than the cobbledy Falkner Street in the cool boho Georgian Quarter and, with...
Assheton Arms
ClitheroeThe Assheton Arms is a classic country pub – perfect for a stop off after a walk in the Ribble...
The Pheasant Inn
TattenhallThe Pheasant Inn is a cut above when it comes to country pubs. Enjoy a drink in the sunshine looking...
Brickhouse Social
Oxford RoadBrickhouse Social is a casual place that’s all about pizza, beer and good times. Situated just off Oxford Road, in...
Crowded House
WhitefieldCrowded House in Bury town centre is for those occasions when you want NQ-style food and drinks but you can’t...
The Drop Bar Cafe
Chorlton"Authentic, original, unapologetic", that, according to its website, is the mission of The Drop Bar Cafe, a Caribbean set-up on...
HOME Restaurant
Manchester City CentreOne of Manchester’s flagship buildings, HOME is many things including cinema, theatre, art gallery and, of most interest to Confidential...
St Luke’s Bombed Out Church Garden Cafe & Bar
RopewalksEverybody knows the Bombed Out Church, but just in case: hit by an incendiary bomb during the Liverpool Blitz of...
Long Boi’s Bakehouse
LevenshulmeLocated on a back street in Levenshulme, this women-owned and women-run neighbourhood bakery is well worth sniffing out for sweet...
La Parrilla Lark Lane
Lark LaneLa Parrilla Lark Lane is the third opening for a local mini-chain that has had the honour of being voted...
Sheldrakes
HeswallSat on the banks of the River Dee in rustic Lower Heswall, Sheldrakes was a sailing club until the river...
Elif
Liverpool City CentreTurkish barbecue restaurant Elif is part of the ST Hospitality group, which also owns Bistro Franc on Hanover Street. And...
Cafe Cotton
AncoatsLocated in the modern extension of the lovingly restored Halle St Peters in the heart of Ancoats, this award-winning independent...
The Wharf
CastlefieldThe Wharf has one of the largest outdoor areas in Manchester and is it’s in Castlefield, the canalside views aren’t...
The Marble Arch
Manchester City CentreGeorge Orwell may have named his ideal (and imaginary) pub The Moon Under Water but Wetherspoons on Deansgate was not...
The Merchant
RopewalksThe Merchant is a lively hangout with great pizza. At the front, spilling onto the street, the outdoor tables under...
Sandinista
Manchester City CentreNamed after the rowdy 1980 album by The Clash, bar with food Sandinista is one part wild Latin spirit and...
Impossible
Manchester City CentreFirst and foremost a bar and nightclub, Impossible’s Instagram account is filled with a bevvy of posing beauties enjoying cocktails...
Ducie Street Warehouse
Northern QuarterDucie Street Warehouse is all sorts of things, but one of those things is a restaurant. It’s an all-day affair...
Another Hand
Manchester City CentreThere is quite some experience behind owners Julian Pizer and Max Yorke at Another Hand, including time spent at Cottonopolis,...
Trattoria 51 Southport
SouthportMuch like the seaside town itself, Trattoria 51 Southport looks its best when the sun is shining. The terrace at...
Siam Smiles
Manchester City CentreSiam Smiles is famous amongst foodies in the city. Once a tiny café squeezed in next to some supermarket shelves...
Big Hands
Oxford RoadThe original Manchester dive bar, Big Hands is a rock n roll institution and the site of many messy nights...
Ma Boyles
Business District (Liverpool)Ma Boyles, a self-described 'ale house and eatery', has been around in various guises since the mid 19th century. As...
Ad Hoc
Northern QuarterAd Hoc is a wine shop and bar that’s about as unpretentious as it gets but still knows its albariño...
Piccolino Hale
HaleThere’s no shortage of reliably good restaurants in the Hale-Altrincham-Bowden triangle, and Piccolino Hale is up there with the best...
Courts Club
St John'sWith basketball hire and live sports in the summer and ice skating in the winter, the only question we have...
The Old Stables
AllertonThe old stable block of the leafy Allerton Manor estate is now a family-friendly restaurant offering British classics, Sunday roasts...
Terrace NQ
Northern QuarterTerrace NQ has really grown into its name over the years. Instead of just one terrace up on the roof,...
Tampopo Manchester Albert Square
Manchester City CentreTampopo Albert Square is the original venue in this Manchester-born chain from restaurateur David Fox. It was here that they...
Hafla Hafla
Lark LanePop-up turned permanent Hafla Hafla brings Middle-Eastern inspired kebabs and small plates to the trendy bohemian drag of Lark Lane.
Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden
KeswickLingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden is a great place to stop for lunch if you’re in the Lake District. The...
The Molly House
Gay VillageWith its pretty Tiffany lights and Victoriana decor, The Molly House pub is one of The Gay Village's best-looking venues....
Dulcimer
Chorlton"Music is in our blood" proclaim the team behind Dulcimer, the long-standing Chorlton bar named after a funkily shaped hammer-struck...
Cuckoo
PrestwichLike the interloping bird that gives it its name, Cuckoo was an odd-one-out when it first opened in Prestwich back...
The Workshop
WaterlooThere's not a speck of sawdust or metal swarf in sight at The Workshop, where the blood, sweat and tears...
Parkers Arms
ClitheroeThe Parker's Arms is a homely pub, serving and baking extraordinary, modern European food.
The Brunch & Cocktail Club
RopewalksBrunch Club by name, brunch club by nature – and those in the know make sure they book a table;...
Dakota Grill Manchester
Northern QuarterDakota Grill Manchester is the work of former Malmaison owner, Ken McCollough and it is as dark-hued and handsome as...
Three Piggies Alehouse & Canteen
Mossley HillThe Three Piggies Alehouse & Canteen looks like a transplant from a Cornish surfer town with its flaking driftwood walls,...
Franco Manca King Street
Manchester City CentrePioneers of sourdough Neapolitan pizza and natural Italian wine purveyors, Franco Manca started out as a small concern in Brixton...
Reddish Vale Farm
ReddishIan Brown, take note. Reddish Vale Farm, on the Stockport side of Manchester, has everything you could want to keep...
Manchester Christmas Markets
Manchester City CentreYou don't have to walk far in Manchester city centre to find one of the many Christmas markets that pop-up...
Riva Blu Leeds
LeedsRiva Blu Leeds, an Italian restaurant on Park Row, used be part of the Gino d’ACampo chain before the north's...
The Font Chorlton
ChorltonWhile the city centre Font Bar is often typecast as 'that student place with the really cheap cocktails', The Font...
Oh Me Oh My
WaterfrontWhether you're treating a loved one to champagne afternoon tea, or you're looking for somewhere with great views to inspire...
San Carlo Alderley Edge
Alderley EdgeThe latest addition to the San Carlo family is the impressive £3 million Alderley Edge restaurant, boasting a sunlit dining...
Papillon
Georgian QuarterPapillon is a quaint-looking bistro-style restaurant, complete with baby pink paintwork and pinstripe canopy to match. In fact, it looks...
The Smithfield Social
Northern QuarterThe Smithfield Social fits in well to the Northern Quarter bar scene. It doesn’t offer anything radically different but what...
Via Manchester
Gay VillageFormerly Via Fossa, generally know as just ‘Via’, this is probably the most long-standing go-to bar on the main strip...
Bisous Bisous
ChorltonBisous Bisous is a renowned local but French patisserie and they have a café on Beech Road in Chorlton.
The Higher Buck
ClitheroeReliably good dinners are served at The Higher Buck, a pub meets gastro eatery where respected local chef Michael Heathcote’s...
Gusto Italian Cheadle Hulme
Cheadle HulmeGusto serves fresh Italian food in Cheadle Hulme and many other places. It’s part of a seemingly ever-expanding chain but...
The Waterside
EcclesThe Waterside restaurant moved to its current location in the beautiful village of Monton in 2007 and has become a...
Stray
Northern QuarterThis elegant, paired-back cocktail bar opened in the corner space of Mackie Mayor in November 2023, and fast became a...
Ramona
AncoatsPredominantly a pizzeria, Ramona incorporates a bakery, margarita bar, coffee counter, stage and Firehouse restaurant, and is found in the...
Bar San Juan
ChorltonBeech Road's Bar San Juan is almost always bursting at the seams with customers. This unassuming little tapas bar is...
The Mobberley Ice Cream Company
MobberleyThe Mobberley Ice Cream Company specialises in a back-to-basics approach using milk, cream and sugar. No powdered flavourings, no artificial...
Ginger & Pickles Tarporley
TarporleyGinger and Pickles has a slightly 1940s feel to it but there’s no rationing here; there are cakes in abundance....
Soho House Manchester
Manchester City CentreSoho House Manchester will be the only Soho House private member’s club in the North of England when it opens...
Piccadilly Gardens
PiccadillyPiccadilly Gardens are concrete rather than floral now but despite a slightly unsavoury reputation it still remains the gateway to...
Titanic Hotel Liverpool
VauxhallTitanic Hotel Liverpool is located on Stanley Dock in a former Victorian warehouse. It’s a massive building – titanic, you...
Rudy’s Pizza Chorlton
ChorltonRudy’s Pizza Chorlton is a relaxed outpost of the popular homegrown Manchester mini-chain of independent Napoli pizza masters.
The Ivy Manchester
SpinningfieldsThe Ivy Manchester is an exuberant over-the-top place that’s perfect for glamming up and going out. The décor is wild...
Fox & Barrel
TarporleyThe Fox & Barrel is a traditional Cheshire country pub with seasonal food, a good wine list and some very...
Blakemere Village
NorthwichBlakemere Village is the Cheshire one-stop for shopping, outdoor activities and family-friendly events.
Gino D’Acampo 360 Sky Bar & Terrace
Liverpool City CentreSituated on the 18th floor of INNSiDE by Meliá on Old Hall Street, Gino D'Acampo 360 Sky Bar and Sky...
Hope & Smoke
Mossley HillHope & Smoke, an independent ‘smokehouse, bar and grill’ on Allerton Road is a local go-to for barbecue food, burgers,...
Voodoo Ray’s | Escape to Freight Island
Manchester City CentreNYC-style pizza via LDN. Voodoo Ray’s at Escape to Freight Island is the first opening outside the capital for these...
The Monro
RopewalksThe Monro has had a full restoration as of Summer 2024 and is now back in all its new old-fashioned...
The Alchemist Salford
Media CityThe Alchemist at Salford Quays is the most recent of three Manchester venues and has an outdoor terrace overlooking the...
The Corn Exchange Manchester
Manchester City CentreThe historic Corn Exchange Manchester was built in 1837 and stands in what is known as the Medieval Quarter -...
The Gas Works Brewbar
Manchester City CentreThere’s no shortage of open kitchens on display in restaurants nowadays but few places can offer a working brewery as...
Dakota Grill Leeds
LeedsSmart, sophisticated and chic, with a private terrace for cocktails and alfresco brunch, being part of a fancy hotel mini-chain...
The Welsford Bistro
Georgian QuarterScoffing your brekkie in Britain's largest cathedral might leave you speechless, so it's just as well you don't have to...
Brewski
ChorltonThe clue is in the name – Brewski is as much about the beers as it is the food. It’s...
Libero
Greater ManchesterStarting life as a fun little pop-up, Libero is a football-themed craft ale bar which encourages its customers to don...
Silk Rd Liverpool
Albert DockIf it's one of those days when you can't put your finger on what you fancy – Thai curry or...
The Bistro at Blackburne House
Nestled in the basement of a beautiful Grade II-listed building in the Georgian Quarter, The Bistro at Blackburne House is...
Vietnamese Potbellied
ChorltonVietnamese Potbellied is from the same family that ran Pho Bowl - the dinky restaurant that used to inhabit this...
Lunyalita
Albert DockSmaller and more intimate than the Liverpool One Lunya, Lunyalita overlooks the Albert Dock and is set over two storeys...
Crafthouse
LeedsThe slick Crafthouse restaurant serves up seasonal British fare from a roof-top perch. It's a D&D group restaurant, and like...
La Casa
WiganA new addition to Astley’s dining options is classy Italian restaurant and bar La Casa.
Banyan Spinningfields
SpinningfieldsBanyan in Manchester’s Spinningfields is a sleek and chic take on all day drinking and dining. From bottomless brunches every...
Salvi’s Deansgate Square
CastlefieldBright and airy, with white and pale sage tiles, dusky pink and gold rose barstools and booths, and even a...
Cork of the North Sale
SaleCork of the North Sale smudges the line between wine merchant and wine bar even before you’ve had a glass....
Il Forno
RopewalksIl Forno’s name refers to their oven; a huge, fire-breathing head which swallows up pizza before cooking it to perfection and...
George’s Dining Room
WorsleyIt might have a contemporary feel and Modern British menu, but George's is steeped in history, housed in a traditional...
La Cantina
Heaton MoorStockport is not Salamanca but that doesn’t stop the wooden barrel tables outside La Cantina on Heaton Moor’s busy Shaw...
Dockleaf
Baltic TriangleDescribing itself as an urban local and claiming to have "the heart of a cocktail bar and the soul of...
The Mews
Manchester City CentreThe Mews is one of a clutch of new places to set up shop on Deansgate Mews, or ‘deli alley’...
Jardim
Altrincham"Flames and flora" are promised by South Manchester's South American-inspired grilled meat joint Jardim – Portuguese for "garden – and...
Albert’s Standish
StandishAlbert’s Standish is a reliable option. You won’t get the best food in the world but you’ll get a menu...
Playfoots
Eccles“Just rock up and have the time of your life,” says Playfoots over Instagram. The cafe-cum-bar in the small town...
Albert’s Worsley
WorsleyAlbert’s Worsley is a reliable option, especially if you’re trying to please a big group. Even if you don’t get...
Dimitri’s
Manchester City CentreDimitri’s has been serving up mezze for over 30 years now. It’s a stalwart of the city’s food and drink...
