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Date night

A cocktail at City Wine Bar in Liverpool

City Wine Bar & Kitchen

Business District (Liverpool) Restaurant

Get fresh, local and honest food at City Wine Bar and Kitchen in the grade II listed ‘City Buildings’ on...

Malmaison Liverpool

Princes Dock Hotel

Malmaison Liverpool is a dockside delight. This boutique hotel offers stunning views across the city, and cool, characterful rooms and...

Wagamama St Peter’s Square

Manchester City Centre Restaurant

Wagamama 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 Centre Restaurant - Global

With its six foot chandelier and gold leaf ceiling Restaurant Bar & Grill Liverpool is one of the city’s most...

Afternoon tea at The Art School Cellars in Liverpool is always a treat

The Art School Cellars

Georgian Quarter Bars

The Art School Cellars is part of the renowned Art School restaurant but it is also an atmospheric destination in...

A bedroom at Dakota Manchester, a hotel in the Northern Quarter, Manchester.

Dakota Manchester

Manchester City Centre Hotel

The Dakota Manchester describes itself as Manchester's best hotel. We're not getting into that debate but we will say it's...

The Art School

Georgian Quarter Restaurant - Modern British

Liverpool’s award-winning, fine-dining restaurant The Art School brings together inventive Modern British cooking and an impressive historic setting.

Zen Sushiya

Withington Restaurant - Japanese

Zen Sushiya is a delightful Japanese restaurant specialising in sushi. It’s a charming place, with helpful staff dressed in traditional...

Sicilian NQ

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Italian

Located in the Northern Quarter, this friendly neighbourhood bistro and bar is the place to avanti if it’s a taste of traditional...

The Black Friar

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Modern British

The Black Friar stood empty and unloved for almost 20 years before reopening in summer 2021 after a substantial renovation...

Church Street by Supercity Aparthotels

Manchester City Centre Hotel

In Manchester’s cool and vibrant Northern Quarter, it doesn’t get more central than Church Street by Supercity. These one and...

Cibus

Levenshulme Restaurant - Italian

Once a stall at Levy Market, then a pop-up pizzeria above Fred’s Ale House, Cibus took baby steps to get...

Hakkapo is a Japanese restaurant in Manchester's First Street district.

Hakkapo

Manchester City Centre Restaurant

Hakkapo is Manchester’s Izakaya - that is, a Japanese bar where people go to eat, drink and just generally hang...

Vetch

Georgian Quarter Restaurant - Global

There’s a bonhomie and a sense of welcome at Vetch, marking it out as a friendly neighbourhood restaurant and simultaneously...

Malmaison Deansgate Bar & Grill

Manchester City Centre Restaurant

Malmaison Deansgate Bar & Grill is a confident operation with prime grass-fed British beef and popular classics. The menu veers...

Wing’s

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Chinese

Lincoln Square’s traditional Cantonese restaurant Wing’s has been an institution in the city centre since 2004, when it first found fame...

The Alan Hotel

Manchester City Centre Hotel

The Alan is surely one of the most creative and design-led venues in Manchester city centre. A stylish six-storey hotel...

The Fisherman’s Table

Marple Restaurant - Modern British

When a fish restaurant has the local fishmonger behind it, you can bet that those scallops were sitting in their...

Exhibition

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Global

Exhibition is one of Manchester’s cluster of exciting multi-kitchen concepts (read: food halls) that just seem to be multiplying. In...

One of the holes at Golf Fang Liverpool, a crazy golf bar in the city centre.

Golf Fang Liverpool

Baltic Triangle Activities

Golf Fang Liverpool takes genteel notions of mini golf and smashes them with an 8-Iron. Crazy golf is definitely the...

Namaste Nepal

Didsbury Restaurant - Indian subcontinent

Namaste Nepal on West Didsbury’s Burton Road is a relaxed Nepalese spot that is the definition of a much-loved neighbourhood...

Cocktail served at Three Little Words in Manchester city centre.

Three Little Words

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Japanese

Three Little Words is housed under the arches at the lesser-visited end of Watson Street, near Beetham Tower. Inside you’ll...

The Vicarage, a hotel and restaurant in Cheshire

The Vicarage

Holmes Chapel Hotel

The Vicarage sits on the banks of the River Dane, in Cranage, a village on the edge of Holmes Chapel....

Beer pong at Pong & Puck

Pong & Puck | Great Northern

Manchester City Centre Activities

Get your game face on with an afternoon of pool, shuffleboard and table tennis at Pong & Puck in The...

Puri grazing platter at Indian Tiffin Room Liverpool

Indian Tiffin Room Liverpool

Ropewalks Restaurant - Indian subcontinent

Indian Tiffin Room, the successful North West independent, has brought its authentic street food flavours to Liverpool.

A selection of the small plates at Voyagers, one of Liverpool's most exciting new restaurants for 2024.

Voyagers

Ropewalks Restaurant - Global

Voyagers in The Halyard Liverpool is in the league of hotel restaurants that become a destination in their own right....

Tapas dishes at Evuna, a Spanish restaurant in Knutsford, Cheshire

Evuna Knutsford

Knutsford Restaurant

Evuna Knutsford brings together playful Spanish tapas dishes and an excellent wine offering.

Australasia

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Pan Asian

Cool Pacific Rim fusion fare for the fashion set. Australasia combines a sense of theatre with professionalism and culinary wizardry,...

Black pudding with marinated peppers at Erst, one of the best restaurants in Manchester

Erst

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - British

"Yet more small plates in Ancoats?" we hear you cry. Well yes, but trust us, Erst is worth your attention....

Henrock

Cumbria Restaurant - Modern British

Opened in 2019, Henrock is part of Simon Rogan’s family of fine dining restaurants - set within Linthwaite House Hotel...

One of the dishes served at Kambuja in Marple - one of the few Cambodian restaurants in the North.

Kambuja

Marple Restaurant - Cambodian

Many of us are familiar with the vibrant cuisines of Vietnam and Thailand but Cambodian, or Khmer, food is still...

Beef tataki at Sora Manchester, a rooftop bar and restaurant in Malmaison Deansgate

Sora Manchester

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Pan Asian

Sora Manchester is a rooftop bar and restaurant serving up sushi, Pan Asian small plates and views across the city’s...

A pasta dish at La Famiglia Bar and Restaurant in Liverpool.

La Famiglia Bar & Restaurant

Cavern Quarter Restaurant - Italian

The name says it all: La Famiglia Bar & Restaurant is a family-run outfit serving fresh, traditional Italian cuisine rethought,...

The Halyard at Ropewalks, a hotel in Liverpool

The Halyard

Ropewalks Hotel

The Halyard is a modern 133-room hotel in the buzzing, dynamic Ropewalks area of the city. Part of the Vignette...

Neon showtime sign at Hope Mill Theatre in Ancoats, Manchester

Hope Mill Theatre

Ancoats Theatres

Situated in an industrial estate on Pollard Street, Hope Mill Theatre has made a name for itself despite its back-street...

KAJI

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Japanese

The MUSU Collection is a group of innovative modern Japanese dining experiences, all under one roof. With three AA rosettes,...

A selection of dishes available at Piccolino Italian restaurant, Bramhall

Piccolino Bramhall

Bramhall Restaurant - Italian

With its large alfresco terrace with a fully retractable roof, Piccolino Bramhall is perfectly located in the heart of the...

Evuna

Evuna Manchester NQ

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Spanish

The second city centre Evuna, open since 2013, bagsies a corner spot in the Northern Quarter that provides the outward-facing...

Rigatoni’s Altrincham

Altrincham Restaurant - Italian

Rigatoni's is a bustling 25-seater Southern Italian pasta kitchen at the top of Shaws Road in Altrincham. Their rotating blackboard...

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Rogan & Co.

Cumbria Restaurant - Modern British

Situated in an atmospheric 14th-century building beside the pretty River Eea in Cartmel, Rogan & Co is the home of...

Halle St Peter's on Cutting Room Square - a rehearsal space and concert venue in Ancoats, Manchester

Hallé St Peter’s

Ancoats Music Venues

Hallé St Peter’s provides a rehearsal and recording space for Manchester’s renowned orchestra as well as being home to the...

Grand Pacific - one of the most romantic restaurants in Manchester for Valentine's Day.

Grand Pacific

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Pan Asian

Grand Pacific is the work of Living Ventures and it easily outshines its sibling venues in terms of pure glamour....

Piccolino Grande Wilmslow

Wilmslow Restaurant - Italian

Piccolino Grande Wilmslow is an elegant and glamorous restaurant with an airy open-plan design, a Tuscan terrace and luxurious furnishings....

Malmaison Liverpool Bar & Grill

Princes Dock Restaurant - American

Malmaison Liverpool Bar & Grill is much more than just another soulless hotel restaurant. With its dockside location and terrace,...

Evuna Manchester Deansgate

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Spanish

October 2003 saw the first of the four Evunas open, grabbing a prime position on Deansgate and a reputation for...

Cured mackerel in horseradish emulsion, from the tasting menu at Skof, one of the best restaurants in Manchester.

Skof

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Modern British

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

Twenty Twenty Two

Northern Quarter Bars

Twenty Twenty Two is a Northern Quarter hangout with a difference. It has the metro tiles, basement decor and late...

Sunset over Salford from a Manchester River Cruises tour

Manchester River Cruises

Salford Quays Activities

Want to fall in love with your city all over again? Take a boat tour from Manchester River Cruises, and...

Lady with orange pugil stick at Inflata Nation Manchester

Inflata Nation Manchester

Trafford Park Activities

This indoor inflatable playground is an excellent way to tire out hyperactive kids on a rainy day and for that...

A dish at EastZEast Manchester

EastZEast Manchester

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Indian subcontinent

Located on Blackfriars Street with views of the River Irwell, EastZEast is known for its authentic Punjabi dishes and glamorous,...

Piccolino Caffe Grande Manchester

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Italian

With its terrace overlooking Albert Square and Manchester Town Hall, and a beautiful interior featuring a 40-seater private dining room,...

Steak at Gaucho

Gaucho Manchester

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - South American

For many people, Argentinian restaurant Gaucho Manchester is the destination in the city for very good steak paired with very...

Inside the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester city centre

Royal Exchange Theatre

Manchester City Centre Theatres

Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre is an exciting clash of modernity and history and the same can be said of its...

Piccolino Didsbury

Didsbury Restaurant - Italian

With its large alfresco terrace, complete with a fully retractable roof, Piccolino Didsbury is perfectly located for an Aperol Spritz...

The Beeswing

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Mediterranean

The Beeswing is named after a tartrate sheen which forms on the surface of port and some other wines that...

Voco Manchester

Manchester City Centre Hotel

Voco Manchester originally opened as Hotel Brooklyn on Manchester’s Portland Street in 2020 as one of the world’s first fully...

Seasonal salmon dish at Cibo Wilmslow, a recommended restaurant in Cheshire

Cibo Wilmslow

Wilmslow Restaurant - Italian

Cibo Wilmslow is a stylish Italian restaurant where you can enjoy good food and a spot of people-watching. (Wilmslow is...

One of the spacious rooms at The Titanic Hotel in Liverpool.

Titanic Hotel Liverpool

Vauxhall Hotel

Titanic Hotel Liverpool is located on Stanley Dock in a former Victorian warehouse. It’s a massive building – titanic, you...

13The light and airy dining room at The Forest Side - a Michelin star restaurant in Grasmere, the Lake District

The Forest Side

Cumbria Restaurant - Modern British

Michelin-starred restaurant and hotel The Forest Side, owned by Lakes hotelier Andrew Wildsmith, is built on the foundations of the...

Cocktails served at San Carlo Fumo in Manchester city centre

Fumo

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Italian

With its terrace overlooking Oxford Road and its much-photographed spiral staircase, Fumo is a favourite spot in Manchester for dinner...

Meat of the highest standard on Hawksmoor Liverpool's breakfast

Hawksmoor Liverpool

Liverpool City Centre Restaurant - British

Hawksmoor Liverpool opened in the beautiful Grade II-listed India Buildings, to much excitement in late 2022.

Victor's restaurant, Hale

Victor’s

Hale Restaurant - Global

Victor's is an upscale neighbourhood restaurant. Of course it is, it’s in Hale. Locals call in for everything from brunch...

A bowl of pho topped with fresh herbs from Viet Shack Manchester Ancoats, a recommended Vietnamese restaurant

Viet Shack Manchester Ancoats

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Vietnamese

Nelson Lam and Leo Tran's Viet Shack empire started with a humble takeaway stall in the Arndale Market which quickly...

Maray Manchester

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Middle Eastern

Maray Manchester is the fourth of its kind, but the first to sprout outside of Liverpool. Inspired by Le Marais...

Pots made at Frankie's Paint-It Pottery

Frankie’s Paint-It Pottery

Mossley Hill Activities

Get stuck in with a pottery painting session at Frankie's Paint-It Pottery. Whether you're crazy about clay or it's your...

Dessert at Another Hand, one of Manchester's best restaurants.

Another Hand

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - British

There is quite some experience behind owners Julian Pizer and Max Yorke at Another Hand, including time spent at Cottonopolis,...

Tampopo Thai Restaurant Manchester Albert Square

Tampopo Manchester Albert Square

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Pan Asian

Tampopo Albert Square is the original venue in this Manchester-born chain from restaurateur David Fox. It was here that they...

Heft restaurant building

Heft

Cumbria Restaurant - British

Awarded with a Michelin star in 2023, Heft is the brainchild of chef, Kevin Tickle and his wife, Nicola.

One of the best restaurants in the North West, San Carlo Alderley Edge. Cheshire.

San Carlo Alderley Edge

Alderley Edge Restaurant - Italian

The latest addition to the San Carlo family is the impressive £3 million Alderley Edge restaurant, boasting a sunlit dining...

A cocktail at Manolo - one of Liverpool's coolest cocktail bars

Manolo

Ropewalks Bars

Inspired by flavours from the Carribbean, Manolo offers a variety of exceptional cocktails that stem from the region. The bar...

Side Street is a bar, restaurant and social space with mid-century cool

Side Street

Manchester City Centre Restaurant

Side Street is another one of those all-day creative spaces that segue (relatively) seamlessly between morning coffee and late-night events....

Gaming at leveltap Liverpool

leveltap

Ropewalks Activities

leveltap is one of the latest gaming bars to arrive at Liverpool's bustling Ropewalks. Immerse yourself in enthralling modern and...

Aubergine Ravioli at The Sparrows restaurant in Manchester

The Sparrows

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - European

The Sparrows serves up a variety of fresh, handmade continental pasta and Central and Eastern European dumplings in an unexpectedly...

Dance Dance Revolution at NQ64, Manchester

NQ64

Northern Quarter Activities

Return to your youth and relieve the stresses and strains of adult life by whacking baddies Double Dragon-style or jumping...

Country house hotel Holbeck Ghyll has stunning views over Windermere in the Lake District.

Holbeck Ghyll

Cumbria Restaurant - Modern British

Situated in the hills above Windermere, Holbeck Ghyll could easily claim a place in a list of the most romantic...

Mamasan Liverpool

Liverpool City Centre Restaurant - Pan Asian

South Asian cookery is on the cards here, or "a vibrant culinary offering", if you prefer. Three floors are accessed...

Christmas party at Whistle Punks Axe Throwing in Manchester

Whistle Punks

Manchester City Centre Activities

Hearing the thud of axes can be a little unnerving as you leave the cinema in the Great Northern –...

Pizza and chicken at roxy ballroom manchester deansgate

Roxy Ball Room Manchester Deansgate

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Bar

One of two Roxy Ball Room venues in Manchester, the Deansgate bar is an ideal "adult playground" perfect for parties....

The terrace at Piccolino Hale

Piccolino Hale

Hale Restaurant - Italian

There’s no shortage of reliably good restaurants in the Hale-Altrincham-Bowden triangle, and Piccolino Hale is up there with the best...

Point Blank Shooting Manchester

Point Blank Shooting Manchester

Manchester City Centre Activities

Point Blank Shooting is an interactive virtual shooting range designed to test yours and your teammates quick-draw skills.

7A dish from Hawksmoor, Manchester.

Hawksmoor

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - British

The first Hawksmoor steakhouse outside of London is a confident affair. Well sourced steak and attention to detail have created...

Rice with a range of chutneys at Tharavadu, the popular Indian restaurant in Leeds city centre.

Tharavadu

Leeds Restaurant - Indian subcontinent

Tharavadu, an unassuming Keralan restaurant, has charmed everyone from celebrities (Andrew Lincoln, Sanju Samson) to the inspectors of the Michelin,...

Fazenda Manchester

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - South American

Fazenda loosely translates from Portuguese into "big farm", but think more luxe surroundings than your average barn: dark corners and...

Ad Hoc is a wine bar and bottle shop in the Northern Quarter with a big outdoor terrace.

Ad Hoc

Northern Quarter Bottle Shop

Ad Hoc is a wine shop and bar that’s about as unpretentious as it gets but still knows its albariño...

Royal Institution Bar - one of the coolest cocktail bars in Liverpool

Royal Institution Bar

Ropewalks Bars

The Royal Institution Bar was created for 'those who enjoy the finer things in life' and serves up well thought-out...

A dish served with a glass of wine at Oystercatcher - a seafood restaurant in Chorlton, Manchester.

Oystercatcher

Chorlton Restaurant - European

“Doing lots of little things right” is a definition of perfection. And Oystercatcher - a simple seafood restaurant in Chorlton...

Fischers Baslow Hall, a Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms in a manor house in the Peak District

Fischers Baslow Hall

Derbyshire Restaurant - Modern British

Fischers Baslow Hall delivers fine Michelin-starred dining with local foraged aspects in homely, romantic surrounds. Using the fruits of the...

Queens

Liverpool City Centre Restaurant - Modern British

With simple, regularly changing menus to showcase the best seasonal ingredients available at market, you can expect carefully prepared plates...

Meal at Fenix, a restaurant in Manchester

Fenix Restaurant and Bar

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Mediterranean

Fenix is a simple, rustic Greek restaurant as re-imagined by World of Interiors. The palette of creams and neutral stones...

Non-alcoholic cocktails at sober bar, Hinterland, in Manchester's Northern Quarter

Hinterland

Northern Quarter Bars

Hinterland is a Northern Quarter speakeasy with a difference - the cocktails, wine and beer are all alcohol-free. This sober...

The team responsible for the street food magic served at Indian Tiffin Room Cheadle

Indian Tiffin Room Cheadle

Cheadle Restaurant - Indian subcontinent

Indian Tiffin Room Cheadle was one of the first local places to step away from the typical menu of the...

Yayoi Kusama who will be exhibiting at Manchester International Festival in 2023

Manchester International Festival

St John's Festivals

Manchester International Festival, or MIF, is the city’s biennial arts festival. It’s two weeks of the year where you’re never...

Cocktail at L'Aperitivo, a bar in Liverpool

L’Aperitivo

Ropewalks Bars

Modern-day Bold Street in Liverpool and Via Veneto in 1960s Rome could be an example of time-travelling city twinning.

The light and airy dining room at Alderley Edge Hotel with its centrepiece: an indoor tree

Alderley Edge Hotel

Alderley Edge Restaurant - Modern British

This new incarnation of the restaurant at the Alderley Edge Hotel delivers good Modern British food in a light, airy...

Canteena Bar & Grill

Sale Restaurant - Modern British

Based in the unit of Stanley Square that was once home to Sale Food Hall, Canteena Bar & Grill is...

One of the dishes served on the crowd-pleasing menu at Didsbury institution Folk Cafe Bar.

Folk Didsbury

Didsbury Restaurant - European

Folk is a bit of an institution in Didsbury, having been on the scene for over a decade now. On...

An example of the dishes on the menu at Six By Nico Restaurant Manchester

Six By Nico Manchester

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - European

The "six" of Six By Nico refers to the six-course tasting menu, which runs for stints of six weeks only...

One of the pizzas served on the terrace at Gusto Heswall, a recommended Italian restaurant.

Gusto Italian Heswall

Heswall Restaurant - Italian

With its sunspot terrace and twinkly olive grove interior, Gusto’s Heswall branch lives up to the chain’s reputation for making...

Fold in Marple Bridge

Fold Bistro & Bottle Shop

Marple Restaurant - Modern British

Fold Bistro and Bottle Shop is a new addition to the foodie scene in Marple Bridge, and has already gained...

Kitten

Castlefield Restaurant - Japanese

Handcrafted sushi and charcoal grills are on the food menu in this sleek Deansgate Square set-up, complete with its own...

The Refuge

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - European

Winning small plate fusion in an iconic and glamorous setting. Housed in Manchester's iconic The Refuge Assurance Company dating back...

Stow

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Modern British

Stow on Bridge Street specialises in live fire cooking, cocktails and wine. It feels like the sophisticated cousin of the...

Tampopo Thai Restaurant Trafford Centre Manchester

Tampopo Trafford Centre

Trafford Restaurant - Pan Asian

One of the better eating options in the sprawling domed food court hell that is The Orient is Tampopo Trafford...

Louis is a new Italian-American restaurant in Spinningfields

Louis

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - American

Louis is the next big thing from Adam and Drew Jones, the brothers behind Tattu and Fenix but it’s something...

2One of the stunning dishes served at Moor Hall, the restaurant with two Michelin stars in Aughton, Lancashire.

Moor Hall

Aughton Restaurant - Modern British

Mark Birchall, ex-head chef at L’Enclume, is chef-patron of Moor Hall, an outstanding, three Michelin star, five AA Rosette restaurant...

Wood & Company

Manchester City Centre Bars

With its disguised entrance and back street location, Wood & Co has the feel of a secret speakeasy only frequented...

Chaos Karts interior, an activity in Manchester

Chaos Karts

Manchester City Centre Activities

Chaos Karts puts you in the driving seat of an immersive augmented reality experience, bringing real-life karting and gaming together.

One of the fine-dining dishes served at James Martin in Manchester city centre.

James Martin

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - British

A fine-dining restaurant inside a casino with a celeb chef name above the door? Alarm bells. Yes, James Martin has...

Inside Hispi bistro in Didsbury - one of Confidential Guides' recommended Manchester restaurants.

Hispi

Didsbury Restaurant - European

Hispi is, quite simply, a great bistro. Fifth in a growing chain of restaurants conceived by Gary Usher, the concept...

A cocktail at Hummingbird - one of Liverpool's coolest cocktail bars

Hummingbird

Liverpool City Centre Bars

Art Deco-style cocktail bar Hummingbird is one of Liverpool's hippest spots for a chilled night out. 

A dish from the festive menu at Nord in Liverpool

Nord

Liverpool City Centre Restaurant - Modern British

Nord is a real asset to Liverpool’s dining scene. Housed in a bit of an unlovely 1960s office block –...

The Cube Live at Urban Playground Manchester

Urban Playground Manchester

Manchester City Centre Activities

Urban Playground Manchester is the place to go for an adrenaline-fuelled, ultra-competitive night out. Located in Manchester Arndale, it brings...

A table laden with dishes from Mughli - one of the first Indian restaurants in Manchester to embrace street food.

Mughli

Rusholme Restaurant - Indian subcontinent

Mughli is the contemporary, social media embracing, second generation Curry Mile restaurant that paved the way for the likes of...

The Whiskey Jar

Northern Quarter Bars

Surely one of Manchester's most inviting-looking bars, The Whiskey Jar gives you that warm, all-is-well feeling even before you've taken...

A colourful starter at Fell Bistro, one of Confidential Guides' top restaurants in Lancashire

Fell Bistro

Longridge Restaurant - Modern British

Fell Bistro is the gastronomic endeavour of not one, but two MasterChef: The Professionals finalists. It stands to reason that...

Cocktail served at Cuckoo, a bar in Prestwich, Manchester

Cuckoo

Prestwich Restaurant - Italian

Like the interloping bird that gives it its name, Cuckoo was an odd-one-out when it first opened in Prestwich back...

Fresh tomato and olives on a Neapolitan-style pizza at Tre Ciccio - an Italian restaurant in Altrincham

Tre Ciccio Altrincham

Altrincham Restaurant - Italian

Translating as ‘three chubby friends’ (a self-effacing reference to owner Francesco Scafuri and a pair of his portly pals from...

Cocktails at Berry and Rye in Liverpool

Berry and Rye

Chinatown (Liverpool) Restaurant

Follow the faint sound of live blues and jazz to find this ultra hip, hidden bar. With no sign and...

Roxy Ball Room Rainford Square

Cavern Quarter Restaurant - Global

Roxy Ball Room is the home of booze and ball games, but there are pizzas and other street food faves...

A dish served at Yu Copster Green - an acclaimed Chinese restaurant in the Ribble Valley

Yu Copster Green

Copster Green Restaurant - Chinese

Yu Copster Green (formerly known as Yu and You) is an established, upscale Chinese restaurant serving British favourites and house...

Bright yellow seating and red lamp shades inside La Bandera in Manchester city centre.

La Bandera

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Spanish

This upmarket Spanish restaurant, tucked away just off St Ann's Square, is the definition of a hidden gem.

L’Olivetto

Mossley Hill Restaurant - Italian

This independent family-run restaurant, owned by head chef Kevin De La Cruz and his wife Shoonagh, front of house, serves...

A table set for dinner at Instagrammer's paradise Tattu restaurant in Manchester, Spinningfields

Tattu Manchester

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Chinese

Located in the heart of the Spinningfields business district, Tattu Manchester is an Instagrammer’s dream. Think penumbral lighting, body art-inspired...

E-karting at Gravity MAX Liverpool

Gravity MAX Liverpool

Liverpool City Centre Activities

Home to two floors of immersive activities, Gravity MAX is Liverpool’s biggest multi-entertainment venue.

Lunch at 20 Stories, Manchester.

20 Stories

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - European

Manchester’s highest restaurant, bar and terrace 20 Stories was the opening of 2018 and still maintains its status as one...

The Pen Factory

Georgian Quarter Restaurant - European

The Pen Factory specialises in bistro food with a mix of main dishes and small plates for sharing. Everything is...

Sheldrakes

Heswall Restaurant - Mediterranean

Sat on the banks of the River Dee in rustic Lower Heswall, Sheldrakes was a sailing club until the river...

Electric Shuffle in Manchester city centre.

Electric Shuffle

Deansgate Activities

Electric Shuffle is a fresh take on shuffleboard. Usually associated with the pubbier end of the bar spectrum or the...

Cocktails at Red Light, Manchester

Red Light

Gay Village Bars

Tucked away on Little David Street, surrounded by the trendy setting of new city living neighbourhood KAMPUS, is Red Light;...

Cantaloupe is one of the most exciting new Manchester restaurants to open in 2024.

Cantaloupe

Stockport Town Centre Restaurant - European

Cantaloupe is a simple yet brilliant Modern European bistro. The food is unfussy but with a team who have worked...

Terrace at Upstairs at the Grill, a steak restaurant in Chester

Upstairs at the Grill

Chester Restaurant - American

Upstairs at the Grill is a class act. It brings together the polish of a swish Manhattan steakhouse with a...

Dining at Pendergast's Steakhouse, Warrington

Pendergast’s Steakhouse

Warrington Restaurant - British

Pendergast’s Steakhouse offers a less butch take on the traditional macho steakhouse. There are standout cuts of beef but you’ll...

Rudy’s Pizza Liverpool

Albert Dock Restaurant - Italian

Rudy's mission is simple: to put proper Neapolitan pizza on your plate. Following the traditions and artistry of pizza-making from...

Bistro Franc

Restaurant - French

The food at Bistro Franc takes its inspiration from the bistros of Paris, adds a dollop of Mediterranean flair and...

One of the dishes served at Hanover Street Social - a popular restaurant and bar in Liverpool city centre.

Hanover Street Social

Ropewalks Restaurant - Global

Hanover Street Social is a big, buzzy bistro and bar from Paddy Smith’s Red and Blue Group, which also runs Salt...

6Modern British fine dining at Adam Reid at The French, the restaurant in the Midland Hotel, Manchester

Adam Reid at The French

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Modern British

Culinary rock and roll from Simon Rogan's protege, Adam Reid, and head chef Blaise Murphy, formerly of Mana. Enjoy fine-dining...

Cucina di Vincenzo

Woolton Village Restaurant - Italian

Headed by Vincent, this award-winning restaurant is run by members of the same family – the Margiottas – originally from...

Inside Albert's Schloss, the Bavarian-inspired cook haus and bier palace in Manchester city centre.

Albert’s Schloss

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - European

Albert's Schloss is a Bavarian-inspired fun palace of extraordinary dimensions and clever design. Behind the glistening tiles of the former...

A Nigerian cooking class at Food Sorcery Deansgate Square

Food Sorcery Deansgate Square

Deansgate Activities

Food Sorcery Deansgate Square is an award-winning cookery school that runs classes on cuisines from all over the world, from...

A negroni and passion star martini at Cicchetti

Cicchetti

Deansgate Restaurant - Italian

As the first San Carlo Cicchetti, the Manchester restaurant had a lot to prove on opening in 2011. Over a...

Outside Holmes Mill in Clitheroe

Holmes Mill

Clitheroe Hotel

Located in the heart of Clitheroe, Holmes Mill is a bountiful food, drink and entertainment venue as well as a...

Cocktails at BoBo in Liverpool

BoBo

Liverpool City Centre Bars

Inspired by summer evenings in the Iberian Peninsula, BoBo brings Spanish and Portuguese drinking and dining culture to Liverpool's city...

a dish on the menu at Salt house liverpool tapas

Salt House Tapas

Ropewalks Restaurant - Spanish

Residing on the corner of Hanover Street sits Salt House Tapas, a modern yet ambient take on the popular Spanish...

Sushi from Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay, Manchester.

Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay

Manchester City Centre Restaurant

Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay is the first restaurant that the famed TV chef has decided to open in the...

One of the dishes served at Oxa, a modern British restaurant on the Wirral, Merseyside.

OXA

Oxton Restaurant - Modern British

Oxa is the casual sister restaurant to the ground-breaking Restaurant 8 in Liverpool but it is by no means the...

Restaurant Orme

Urmston Restaurant - Modern British

Restaurant Örme is a small fine-dining restaurant situated on an inconspicuous street in Urmston. But don't be fooled by its...

Window seating at Wolf At The Door - a bar serving taco and bao buns in Manchester's NQ

Wolf At The Door

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Global

The team behind Wolf At The Door know a thing or two about adaptation. They launched as a highly stylised...

Bruschetta at El Rincon de Rafa, a Spanish restaurant in Manchester

El Rincon de Rafa

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Spanish

This Manchester institution was a much-respected destination for Spanish food long before tapas became a common sight in the city...

Seasonal Italian food at La Locanda in the Ribble Valley

La Locanda

Clitheroe Restaurant - Italian

La Locanda in Gisburn just outside Clitheroe is a fantastic restaurant that transports you to Italy. The award-winning spot is...

Neapolitan-style wood fired pizza at Double Zero in Chorlton

Double Zero

Chorlton Restaurant - Italian

An authentic Neapolitan-style pizzeria, Double Zero in Chorlton has been lauded as one of the best in the UK.

Tast

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Spanish

Catalan restaurant Tast brings the fiercely independent spirit of north-eastern Spain to your table courtesy head chef Paco Pérez –...

Outside HOME in Manchester city centre

HOME

Manchester City Centre Arts Venues

With five cinemas, two theatres, a bookshop, and over 500 sqm of gallery space, HOME is one of Manchester’s biggest...

One of the sides at 10 Tib Lane, a well-regarded restaurant in Manchester city centre.

10 Tib Lane

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - French

10 Tib Lane was one of the brave new openings of summer 2021; a time when securing staff and supplies,...

Neapolitan-style pizzas being prepared at Rudy's Pizza in Ancoats, Manchester

Rudy’s Pizza Manchester Ancoats

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Italian

Listed amongst the world’s best pizzerias in international pizza guide, Where To Eat Pizza, Rudy’s Pizza has grown from a...

Kala Bistro Cod Loin

Kala Bistro

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Modern British

Kala describes itself as a humble bistro but humility is not usually a word associated with Gary Usher, the chef...

Castle Street Townhouse

Liverpool City Centre Restaurant - Modern British

There's dining all day every day at chic Castle Street Townhouse, with breakfast and bottomless brunch choices, lunchtime and evening...

Oysters from Climat, Manchester.

Climat

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Modern British

The first thing you notice when you step into fine-dining restaurant Climat is the view. Situated on the roof of...

Two bottles of red wine on display at Wine & Wallop, a wine bar in West Didsbury, Manchester

Wine & Wallop Didsbury

Didsbury Restaurant - European

Conveniently located opposite West Didsbury Metrolink station, Wine & Wallop Didsbury is a cosy retreat where you can sample an...

The Oracle

Ropewalks Bars

Even the entrance to The Oracle has an air of mystery: look for the anonymous grey door to the left...

The Ugly Duckling

Bowdon Restaurant - Modern British

When Nick Theaker took over The Stamford pub in Altrincham’s “posh bit”, Bowdon, he had a big job on his...

A dish served at Yuzu, a Confidential Guides' recommended Japanese restaurant in Manchester's China Town

Yuzu

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Japanese

Yuzu is a neighbourhood-style Japanese restaurant offering refreshingly uncomplicated dishes served in Zen-like surroundings. You won’t find a conveyor belt...

Dakota Grill Manchester Lamb Rump

Dakota Grill Manchester

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Modern British

Dakota Grill Manchester is the work of former Malmaison owner, Ken McCollough and it is as dark-hued and handsome as...

Cocktail served at the Jane Eyre in Manchester

The Jane Eyre

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - British

The Jane Eyre is a self-styled ‘neighbourhood bar’ offering seasonal food, classic cocktails and local beers. Presided over by Eyre siblings...

Bottomless brunch at Elnecot in Ancoats, Manchester.

Elnecot

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - European

Named after the first recorded name for Ancoats, Elnecot (meaning ‘lonely cottages’) takes its influence from historical cooking methods with...

Roast squash with labneh and zhoug at Evelyn's in the NQ

Evelyn’s

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Global

Evelyn’s is a very clever restaurant. It’s from the chaps behind Mughli so expect a quality operation although it is...

Bar at Gusto Manchester

Gusto Italian Manchester

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Italian

Gusto Italian Manchester may be the jewel in ever-expanding chain’s crown, even if the menu is the same everywhere from...

Blacklock Manchester

Deansgate Restaurant - British

Handsome subterranean restaurant Blacklock Manchester is the first northern opening from this London-based restaurant group. 

Axe throwing at Boom Battle Bar

Boom Battle Bar Liverpool

Liverpool City Centre Activities

Just a stone's throw away from Liverpool Lime Street station, Boom Battle Bar takes group gaming to the next level....

A table full of food at The Roebuck Inn, one of our recommended pubs in Cheshire.

The Roebuck Inn

Mobberley Restaurant - British

In a little hamlet of cottages just outside Knutsford you’ll find The Roebuck Inn, an 18th-century pub that looks like...

The exterior of the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool.

Everyman Theatre

Liverpool City Centre Theatres

The Everyman is an impressive modern theatre on Hope Street and a cornerstone of Liverpool's cultural scene.

Archie's Atomic is one of Confidential Guides recommended things to dear near the Trafford Centre

Archie’s Atomic

Trafford Park Activities

Archie’s Atomic is a neon pink roller rink from the local burger and shake supremos. With a giant glitterball and...

Enjoy an alfresco drink on Saison bar's pavement terrace on Burton Road in West Didsbury

Saison

Didsbury Restaurant - British

Sister of Chorlton favourite Dulcimer, Saison is a cosy bar offering a wide range of craft beer and spirits. They...

A plate of sashimi at Peter Street Kitchen - the Japanese and Mexican restaurant in the former Free Trade Hall in Manchester

Peter Street Kitchen

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Japanese

Specialising in two distinct, contemporary cuisines, Mexican and Japanese, Peter Street Kitchen's punchy small plates ooze luxury. There are several...

27El Gato Negro, the much-praised Spanish restaurant on King Street, Manchester

El Gato Negro Manchester

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Spanish

El Gato Negro is an upmarket Manc-Spanish fusion restaurant that really, really works. Originally from Yorkshire, chef Simon Shaw has...

Pasta dish from Ortica Plant Based Italian in Urmston, Greater Manchester

Ortica Italian Plant Based

Urmston Restaurant - Italian

Ortica brings the south of Italy to the south of Manchester, minus the meat and dairy. Their 100% vegan menu is...

Creatures Comedy Club in Manchester's Northern Quarter is open for laughs seven days a week

Creatures Comedy Club

Manchester City Centre Comedy Venues

Creatures Comedy Club is an independent venue in the Northern Quarter with acts on stage seven nights a week. It’s...

The unpretentious interior of Spire restaurant near Liverpool's Penny Lane.

Spire

Mossley Hill Restaurant - European

Spire, a grown-up bistro near Liverpool’s Penny Lane, is the brainchild of chef-patron and award-winning regional ‘Food Hero’ Matt Locke.

Ramen at House of Fu Manchester, a Japanese restaurant with karaoke booths on Portland Street.

House of Fu Manchester

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Japanese

Beloved Leeds ramen hotspot House of Fu opened on Portland Street in October 2023. This Japanese restaurant and bar is...

Blue velvet cocktail chairs in a bedroom at Lock and Key Hotel - Duke Street in Liverpool

Lock and Key Hotel – Duke Street

Ropewalks Hotel

Lock and Key Hotel - Duke Street has scooped up various awards and accolades since it opened in 2017 thanks...

9Pumpkin pie at Where The Light Gets In

Where the Light Gets In

Stockport Restaurant - Modern British

With no menu and esoteric wines, Where the Light Gets In doesn’t adhere to the typical fine-dining formula. But it’s...

Exterior of the restaurant Alfredo's Social with its famous clock

Alfredo’s Social

Stockport Town Centre Restaurant

Alfredo’s Social is a buzzy bar and restaurant in the parade of independents on Little Underbank in Stockport town centre....

Neighbourhood Bistro and Bar

Childwall Restaurant - Global

Ticking all the boxes for brekkie and brunch in South Liverpool is Neighbourhood Bistro and Bar on Woolton Road.

The bar at The Ivy Liverpool Brasserie

The Ivy Liverpool Brasserie

Cavern Quarter Restaurant - British

The Ivy is an exuberant over-the-top place that’s perfect for glamming up and going out. As such, it couldn’t have...

Outside dining at Porta Altrincham - a tapas restaurant recommended by Confidential Guides

Porta Altrincham

Altrincham Restaurant - European

Spanish small plates and a menu that really delivers. Porta Altrincham might be another tapas place - but this one...

Edinburgh Castle Manchester Table

Edinburgh Castle

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - British

The Edinburgh Castle is a fortification for fortifying yourself, full of hearty British fare. This defence against hunger has two...

A cocktail at Puffin Rooms - one of Liverpool's coolest cocktail bars.

Puffin Rooms

Liverpool City Centre Bars

Be transported back in time with a visit to Puffin Rooms; Liverpool's specialist whisky and cigar bar. With over 200 rare...

Cowshed

Ropewalks Restaurant - British

If you don't like being told what to do, then Cowshed is probably not for you. The self-described beefhouse (as...

The exterior of Macello Meat House in Childwall - a popular steak restaurant in Liverpool

Macello Meat House Childwall

Childwall Restaurant - Global

Macello Meat House Childwall is known for steaks served with a side order of celebrity spotting. It’s turned this suburban...

Riverside views at The Lowry Hotel

The Lowry Hotel

Salford Hotel

The Lowry Hotel is Manchester’s premier 5-star hotel. While technically in Salford, it is ideally located next to Spinningfields, Manchester’s...

Steak at San Carlo - one of the Hot 50 Restaurants in Manchester for March.

San Carlo Manchester

Deansgate Restaurant - Italian

San Carlo is Manchester's most famous and, some say, best Italian restaurant. Run by the Distefano family, it's said to...

Opera Grill

Chester Restaurant - Global

Housed in a Grade II Listed building with a neo-classical facade, Chester's Opera Grill is a grand, 400-seater restaurant from...

Seafood at Puccini, an Italian restaurant in Swinton, Salford

Puccini

Swinton Restaurant - Italian

Puccini has been serving up authentic Italian food to the people of Swinton since 1982, with signor Pucci at the...

The Perfect Match restaurant, Sale

The Perfect Match

Sale Restaurant - European

New opening The Perfect Match on the traffic-heavy A56 in Sale isn’t the easiest place to get to but it’s...

Masons

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Modern British

Nestled in the Grade II Listed former Freemasons Hall, Masons Restaurant and Bar serves retro fine-dining fare in princely surrounds.

HOME Restaurant

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Global

One of Manchester’s flagship buildings, HOME is many things including cinema, theatre, art gallery and, of most interest to Confidential...

Delifonseca Dockside has everything - a restaurant, deli, food hall and butcher.

Delifonseca Dockside

Brunswick Restaurant - European

Liverpool's acclaimed deli and restaurant Delifonseca has a loyal following thanks to its irresistible victuals from the UK and beyond.

Cheesecake with chocolate at Haute Dolci

Haute Dolci Trafford

Trafford Cafes

Chocoholics and those with a sweet tooth will feel right at home at Haute Dolci, a dessert cafe situated in...

The outside of The Jane Eyre Chorlton is full of character, making it the perfect neighbourhood bar and restaurant

The Jane Eyre Chorlton

Chorlton Restaurant - Modern British

The Jane Eyre Chorlton is a neighbourhood restaurant and cocktail bar on Beech Road, Chorlton’s most charming street. This offshoot...

Beef dish at Next Door, a restaurant in Frodsham

Next Door

Frodsham Restaurant - Modern British

Next Door is one of Cheshire’s most delightful restaurants. Housed in Frodsham’s timber-framed old butcher’s shop, it's full of charm...

Grilled prawns with chilli, lime & coconut sauce at The Burbs restaurant in Heaton Moor

The ‘Burbs

Heaton Moor Restaurant

The 'Burbs is exactly the sort of informal neighbourhood spot you want round the corner from your house.

One of the dishes served at Sticky Walnut in Hoole near Chester

Sticky Walnut

Chester Restaurant - European

Located in Hoole, just outside Chester, this contemporary bistro falls under the Elite Bistros empire of chef-turned-restaurateur, Gary Usher. Having...

Macello Meat House West Derby

West Derby Restaurant - Global

Macello Meat House West Derby opened between lockdowns in September 2020, following the success of the original Macello Meat House...

A craft stall at Manchester Christmas Markets

Manchester Christmas Markets

Manchester City Centre Markets

You don't have to walk far in Manchester city centre to find one of the many Christmas markets that pop-up...

Cocktails at GRUB in the Green Quarter, Manchester

GRUB

Green Quarter Restaurant

Housed in a disused building at The Red Bank Project, GRUB is two floors of street food, bars and event...

Cocktail at 81 Ltd, a bar in Liverpool

81 Ltd

Chinatown (Liverpool) Bars

Some bars claim to be secret speakeasies even when they've got a big sign outside advertising cocktails. Shhh... don't tell...

Source

Cumbria Restaurant - Global

Source (previously known as HRiSHi) is a Michelin Star restaurant located at The Gilpin Hotel near Windermere in the Lake...

A cocktail at Panoramic 34 in Liverpool city centre.

Panoramic 34

Business District (Liverpool) Restaurant - Modern British

Panoramic 34 was the UK's highest restaurant when it opened in 2008, and although others have since taken that title,...

Dear Sailor

Manchester City Centre Bars

Dear Sailor is a reclusive bar but once inside, it’s no shrinking violet. It’s the sort of place where you...

One of the mains served at Old Stamp House - the Michelin star restaurant in Ambleside, the Lake District.

Old Stamp House

Cumbria Restaurant - Modern British

Head to Ambleside's Old Stamp House for regional cooking in a heritage space by one of Cumbria's most promising chefs.

Pancake stack? Victors Alderely Edge is just one of the entries in our ten best brunch spots in Cheshire list.

Victors Alderley Edge

Alderley Edge Restaurant - Pan Asian

Victors Alderley Edge is a wisteria-clad restaurant that’s perfect for people-watching. It’s relaxed but in a very glamorous, high-end way...

16Wagyu with barbecued nettles at Mana restaurant in Manchester.

Mana

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Modern British

Michelin-starred restaurant Mana is the brainchild of chef patron Simon Martin who mastered his trade at the renowned Noma in...

Air hockey at ArCains Liverpool

ArCains

Baltic Triangle Activities

Part of the Cains Brewery Complex, ArCains is a gamers paradise. Whether it's date night, a stag or hen do,...

The ten pin bowling lanes with red and purple neon lighting at Roxy Ball Room Manchester Arndale

Roxy Ball Room Manchester Arndale

Manchester City Centre Activities

With its ten pin bowling, pool tables, beer pong, and shuffleboard, Roxy Ball Room Manchester Arndale will keep you entertained...

Ornella’s Kitchen

Denton Restaurant - Italian

Ornella's Kitchen is owned and operated by Ornella Cancila, who was born in Castel Di Tusa on Sicily's north coast...

Coconut, passion fruit & banana from Restaurant 8 in Liverpool

Restaurant 8

Cavern Quarter Restaurant - Modern British

Chef and co-owner Andrew Sheridan (who you might recognise from Great British Menu) has uprooted Restaurant 8 from Birmingham and...

The Inn at Whitewell

The Inn at Whitewell

Forest of Bowland Restaurant - British

It was the TV series The Trip starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon that made The Inn at Whitewell a...

Cocktail at Sexy Fish, a restaurant in Manchester

Sexy Fish

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Pan Asian

Sexy Fish is no mere minnow in the UK dining scene. It’s brought to you by Caprice Holdings, the group...

Dino Falls Adventure Golf is one of Confidential Guides' recommended things to do at the Trafford Centre

Dino Falls Adventure Golf

Trafford Park Activities

Dino Falls Adventure Golf is the only landmark kids care about in Manchester. You can’t miss the volcano and huge...

Derbyshire duck at The Merchant's Yard, a restaurant with rooms in Tideswell

The Merchant’s Yard

Tideswell Restaurant - British

The Merchant’s Yard is a restaurant with rooms in the picturesque Peak District village of Tideswell. It’s smart but unstuffy,...

El Gato Negro Liverpool

Liverpool City Centre Restaurant - Spanish

'The black cat' is an upmarket tapas restaurant overlooking the Town Hall and iconic Nelson monument, with heated patio outside...

Pappardelle al ragu’ bianco di agnello e crema ai funghi

Vero Moderno

Salford Restaurant - Italian

Another fab addition to the clutch of good, independent Italian restaurants in the city is Vero Moderno. Situated on the...

Cicchetti at Gino's Sky Bar in Liverpool

Gino D’Acampo 360 Sky Bar & Terrace

Liverpool City Centre Restaurant - Italian

Situated on the 18th floor of INNSiDE by Meliá on Old Hall Street, Gino D'Acampo 360 Sky Bar and Sky...

The Vines at Carden Park is a 3 AA Rosette restaurant

The Vines

Chester Restaurant - British

Nestled in the heart of Cheshire estate Carden Park, sits a triple AA rosette restaurant: The Vines. Elegantly laid out...

Nerf AX interior, a games venue at Trafford Palazzo

Nerf Action Xperience

Trafford Park Activities

If you love charging around waving a Nerf blaster with foam ammo popping all around you, then you’re going to...

Cocktail served at The Washhouse - a bar in Manchester city centre

The Washhouse

Manchester City Centre Bars

Tucked away on Shudehill is the blink-and-you'll-miss-it bar, The Washhouse. And, as it's name suggests, it's not what you'd typically...

20Eel as served at Jöro - the Nordic-inspired, acclaimed restaurant in Sheffield.

Jöro

South Yorkshire Restaurant - Scandi

Offering Nordic-inspired fine dining inside a shipping container, Jöro has secured accolades galore, including a clutch of AA Rosettes and...

One of the crazy golf courses at Junkyard Golf in Manchester

Junkyard Golf Manchester

Manchester City Centre Activities

Junkyard Golf is Manchester’s original crazy crazy golf. There are imitators and imposters but this was the city’s first day-glo,...

Beech Road's Bar San Juan is a Chorlton favourite for Spanish food and sangria

Bar San Juan

Chorlton Restaurant - Spanish

Beech Road's Bar San Juan is almost always bursting at the seams with customers. This unassuming little tapas bar is...

15The Parker's Arms is a homely pub serving superb modern European food in Newton-in-Bowland in Lancashire.

Parkers Arms

Clitheroe Restaurant - Modern British

The Parker's Arms is a homely pub, serving and baking extraordinary, modern European food.

Coffee at Burnt Milk Hotel, a natural wine bar and cafe in Liverpool.

Burnt Milk Hotel

Albert Dock Bars

Burnt Milk Hotel is the new face of wine drinking. Relaxed, unpretentious and with a great selection of natural wines...

The private dining room at The Blues Kitchen

The Blues Kitchen Manchester

Manchester City Centre Bars

The Blues Kitchen Manchester is the first opening outside the capital for Columbo Group, which also owns the Jazz Cafe...

Artwork at Zap Graffiti

Zap Graffiti

Ropewalks Activities

Zap Graffiti is one of Liverpool's most unique art venues, focused on showcasing graffiti designs and even giving you the...

A colourful small plate served at Volta in Didsbury: a Confidential Guides' recommended restaurant

Volta

Didsbury Restaurant - European

Volta is owned by Luke ‘Unabomber’ Cowdrey and Justin Crawford - the DJ-restauranteur duo behind Chorlton’s Electrik bar, the Electrik...

Dessert at Linden Stores, a modern British restaurant in Knutsford

Linden Stores

Knutsford Restaurant - Modern British

Linden Stores is a small plates restaurant in Knutsford. Dishes are seasonal and sustainable and sometimes even foraged. There’s a...

Cocktail from 97, Chorlton

97

Chorlton Bars

Situated at 97 Beech Road, the aptly named 97 opened in March 2023 to serve visually pleasing drinks to the...

Kids making pizza at Gusto

Gusto Italian Liverpool

Albert Dock Restaurant - Italian

With views of the water and a menu that should have something for pretty much everyone, Gusto Liverpool is a...

A cocktail and a bouquet of roses at Rosa, an Italian restaurant in Westhoughton, Bolton

Rosa

Bolton Restaurant - Italian

Cicchetti, bar, grill. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Rosa's food is inspired by Italy, and the menus are updated regularly to reflect...

Lane 7 Deansgate

Lane 7 Deansgate

Manchester City Centre Activities

With its glowing neon graffiti, low lighting, and hip hop soundtrack, Lane 7 in the Great Northern on Deansgate looks...

The exterior of Isca in Levenshulme, which specialises in natural wines and organic food

Isca

Levenshulme Restaurant - British

Isca is a natural wine bar and shop on an unassuming street in Levenshulme, brought to you by Caroline Dubois (sommelier...

L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Italian

Set in a Grade II-listed Charles Heathcote-designed Edwardian Baroque building, all that marble provides the perfect backdrop to a family-owned...

Manifest

Baltic Triangle Restaurant - Modern British

The manifesto at industrial-chic restaurant and "dine-at-wine-bar" Manifest is "seasonal plates and famous Liverpool hospitality", with the Modern British menus...

Asparagus as served at The Swine That Dines - an inventive restaurant in Leeds city centre

The Swine That Dines

Leeds Restaurant - Modern British

Adventurous cooking at one of Leeds' most respected restaurants. The Swine That Dines is driven by a passion for extremely...

Crowded House Bury

Crowded House

Whitefield Restaurant - Global

Crowded House in Bury town centre is for those occasions when you want NQ-style food and drinks but you can’t...

The River Restaurant

Salford Restaurant - Modern British

The River Restaurant at The Lowry Hotel is Manchester's classic fine dining restaurant. Huge names that have run the kitchen...

Exterior of Ex Directory, a bar in Liverpool

Ex Directory

Liverpool City Centre Bars

Defunct red phone boxes are always being re-purposed as mini libraries, homes for defibrillators, or, in this case, an entrance...

Piccolino Liverpool burrata salad

Piccolino Liverpool

Cavern Quarter Restaurant - Italian

Piccolino Liverpool is located in a particularly grand building on Cook Street with a small but perfectly-formed terrace at the...

Bundobust Manchester is best known for its vegetarian small plates and craft beers

Bundobust Leeds

Leeds Restaurant - Indian subcontinent

Bundobust Leeds is a veggie Bollywood blockbuster, best known for its small plates and beer.

19One of the dishes served at Wreckfish, a recommended restaurant in Liverpool city centre

Wreck Bistro

Ropewalks Restaurant - Modern British

Liverpool seems like an appropriate place for a restaurant funded by the people. Wreck Bistro was financed by 1,522 enthusiasts...

The Flat Iron steak; quality beef for a bargain price.

Flat Iron Manchester

Deansgate Restaurant

This is the first Manchester opening from the Flat Iron chain whose mission is to bring accessible steak to everyone,...

Lobster thermidor as served at La Popote restaurant in Marton near Macclesfield

La Popote

Congleton Restaurant - French

This small family-owned French bistro is tucked away in pretty Marton, near Macclesfield. Heavily influenced by classical French cooking, the...

One of the private dining rooms at The Ivy

The Ivy Manchester

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - British

The Ivy Manchester is an exuberant over-the-top place that’s perfect for glamming up and going out. The décor is wild...

Bartender at Little Hardware, a bar in Liverpool

Little Hardware

Ropewalks Bars

Little Hardware takes its name from the not-so-little Rapid Hardware store that used to take up a sizeable chunk of...

San Carlo Liverpool

Cavern Quarter Restaurant - Italian

Head to any of the ristorantes in the award-winning, family-run San Carlo Group and you know you’re in for exceptional...

The opulent and moody atmosphere of Maya in Manchester

Maya

Gay Village Restaurant - Modern British

Eagerly awaited fine-dining restaurant Maya opened with local chef Gabe Lea at the helm but by the end of 2024,...

Grand bar area at The Municipal Hotel - MGallery

The Municipal Hotel – MGallery

Liverpool City Centre Hotel

The Municipal Hotel – MGallery is one of Liverpool’s few 5* hotels and as such, it exudes luxury in every...

One of the elegant dishes served at Nova, a Modern British restaurant in Heswall, Wirral.

Nova

Heswall Restaurant - Modern British

Nova is a longstanding favourite for those looking for creative fine-dining on the Wirral. Ran by husband and wife team...

The Palm Court Bar at Seaforth, the restaurant in the Municipal Hotel Liverpool

Seaforth

Liverpool City Centre Restaurant - Modern British

The Seaforth restaurant sits in the grand central atrium of the Municipal Hotel on Dale Street. Once the headquarters for...

Piccolino Knutsford

Knutsford Restaurant - Italian

Piccolino Knutsford fits in perfectly with the Italianate villas and chic shops of this quirky Cheshire town. Situated on the...

One of the dishes served at Vice & Virtue: A Confidential Guides recommended restaurant in Leeds city centre

Vice & Virtue

Leeds Restaurant - Modern British

At Vice & Virtue, cocktails are a savvy delight, the tasting menus are a sprightly revelation - and it would...

A cocktail from speakeasy bar, Science & Industry, above Cane & Grain in the Northern Quarter, Manchester.

Science & Industry

Northern Quarter Bars

If antique glassware and taxidermy squirrels are your thing, this is your kind of drinking den. Hidden above New York-style...

Tapas at Lunya, a Catalan restaurant and deli in Liverpool.

Lunya

Liverpool City Centre Restaurant - Spanish

World-class Catalan deli and restaurant Lunya is a wonderful place to hang out, with tapas and full-bodied meals on offer....

A dish served at Campo Blanco, a tapas bar in Whitefield, Bury, Greater Manchester

Campo Blanco

Whitefield Restaurant - Spanish

Campo Blanco means "white field" in Spanish, so it comes as no surprise that this restaurant is the go-to place...

A dessert served at Riva restaurant and bar in Hale, Greater Manchester

Riva

Hale Restaurant - Modern British

Bringing new life to Hale village is relaxed restaurant and bar Riva, which cleverly scoops up trade from morning till...

Present Company

Liverpool City Centre Bars

Present Company is a cocktail bar and a pretty good one at that. Not only does it have the seal...

Cargo Seafood Restaurant

Princes Dock Restaurant - Modern British

With some great views overlooking the Mersey from its unrivalled waterfront location on Princes Parade, this is the place to...

Immersive Gamebox Manchester

Manchester City Centre Activities

Put down those phones, switch off your screens, and, er, stand in front of another one . . .  but...

Masood Boomgaard who is appearing at the Frog and Bucket comedy club in October 2023

Frog and Bucket

Northern Quarter Comedy Venues

The Frog and Bucket is one of Manchester's longest running comedy clubs and one of the first venues to open...

Gusto Cheadle Hulme Pizza

Gusto Italian Cheadle Hulme

Cheadle Hulme Restaurant - Italian

Gusto serves fresh Italian food in Cheadle Hulme and many other places. It’s part of a seemingly ever-expanding chain but...

Porta Didsbury has just opened on Lapwing Lane

Porta Didsbury

Didsbury Restaurant - Spanish

Porta Didsbury is the fourth instalment in Ben and Joe Wright’s North West micro-empire of tapas bars. The new restaurant...

Golf clubs at On The Green

On The Green

Liverpool City Centre Activities

Located in the heart of Liverpool City Centre, On The Green is a laid-back virtual golfing experience accommodating both those...

Man gaming at Point Blank Shooting

Point Blank Shooting Liverpool

Cavern Quarter Activities

Point Blank Shooting is a virtual shooting range and bar. Designed to see if you're a sharpshooter, the many levels...

Mattar Paneer, House Black Daal and Jackfruit Biryani at Dishoom

Dishoom

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Indian subcontinent

Dishoom is a legend in its own lunchtime and that’s exactly how it likes things. It’s not enough to serve...

The Allotment Vegan Eatery

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Vegan

The seeds of Matthew Nutter's fine dining adventure were sown when he set out to "make veg taste better than...

A dish from Six by Nico Deansgate, a fine-dining restaurant in Manchester.

Six by Nico Deansgate

Deansgate Restaurant - Global

Six by Nico Deansgate is the second Manchester opening for the hit fine-dining concept from Scottish-Italian chef and owner Nico...

Chez Mal Restaurant Manchester Afternoon Tea

Chez Mal Brasserie

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - European

Chez Mal Brasserie Manchester sells exactly the sort of European classics you might expect from a well-thought of boutique hotel...

A pizza served at La Casa, an Italian restaurant and bar in Astley, Greater Manchester

La Casa

Wigan Restaurant - Italian

A new addition to Astley’s dining options is classy Italian restaurant and bar La Casa.

Asha's Indian Restaurant, Manchester

Asha’s

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Indian subcontinent

Modern Indian restaurants come with their own USPs such as street food, home cooking and regionally-specific cuisine. Asha’s, near the...

17Inside Skosh restaurant in York which serves adventurous world-fusion food with spectacular results.

Skosh

North Yorkshire Restaurant - European

Going by name and appearances, you’d be forgiven for mistaking Skosh for a Scandi furniture shop: tables the colour of...

italian restaurants manchester - don marco

Don Marco

Castlefield Restaurant - Italian

"A little Italian gem in the heart of Manchester", Don Marco says it "recreates the atmosphere of neighbourhood brasseries found...

The charcuterie boards at The Mews - a cocktail and wine bar just off Deansgate in Manchester city centre.

The Mews

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Bar

The Mews is one of a clutch of new places to set up shop on Deansgate Mews, or ‘deli alley’...

slyce uppermill

Slyce

Oldham Restaurant - American

Like its sister restaurant Muse next door, Slyce brings a taste of the city to the bucolic surroundings of Uppermill. 

One of the seafood dishes served at Justino's - a family-run Italian restaurant and bar in Aigburth, Liverpool.

Justino’s

Aigburth Restaurant - Italian

Taking the corner spot once occupied by Et Alia is Justino’s - a family-run Italian restaurant and bar headed up...

Inside Crafthouse, the roof-top restaurant from D&D group in Leeds

Crafthouse

Leeds Restaurant - Modern British

The slick Crafthouse restaurant serves up seasonal British fare from a roof-top perch. It's a D&D group restaurant, and like...

Dimitri's Manchester Tapas

Dimitri’s

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Mediterranean

Dimitri’s has been serving up mezze for over 30 years now. It’s a stalwart of the city’s food and drink...

Blackhouse Grill On The Square

Leeds Restaurant - Global

Carnivores, assemble. If you like a dinner you can really get your teeth into, then you could do worse than...

Three dishes served at The Kitchen, a restaurant and bar in West Houghton, Bolton

The Kitchen

Bolton Restaurant - Mediterranean

A family-run restaurant specialising in Greek street food, The Kitchen is a Westhaughton favourite thanks to the enthusiasm of the...

Ropes & Twines

Ropewalks Restaurant - Global

With a nod to its Ropewalks neighbourhood, Ropes & Twines is a speciality coffee shop, wine bar and even art...

No 4 Dine and Wine Manchester

No4 Dine & Wine

Didsbury Restaurant - British

No4 Dine & Wine is a place apart. It is in Manchester but somehow not in Manchester. It is in...

22The gardens and outdoor dining area at Arras restaurant in York.

Arras

North Yorkshire Restaurant - Modern British

Husband and wife team, Adam and Lovaine Humphrey have moved their modern British (ish) restaurant Arras from Sydney, Australia to...

Ham sandwich, chips and soup as served at The Clarence - a Confidential Guides recommended pub in Bury

The Clarence

Bury Restaurant - British

The décor doesn’t stray far from the original in The Clarence - a large, comfortable pub dating back to 1905....

Kassap Meat House

Ropewalks Restaurant - Mediterranean

Kassap Meat House by name, Kassap Meat House by nature, and meat is most certainly on the menu here, with...

Aburi served at Sushi Bar HanaMatsuri, a Confidential Guides recommended Japanese restaurant in Meanwood, Leeds

Sushi Bar HanaMatsuri

Leeds Restaurant - Japanese

Sushi Bar HanaMatsuri is a small Japanese restaurant serving authentic sushi, bento and other Japanese delicacies, to create a fine-dining...

The Rivals, Manchester City Centre

The Rivals Bar & Restaurant

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Modern British

When The Rivals opened in 2017, it was the first time in a long time that The Royal Exchange Theatre...

A table laden with dishes at Holdi Woolton - an award-winning Indian restaurant in Merseyside.

Holdi Woolton

Woolton Village Restaurant - Indian subcontinent

Adding to the growing list of options for quality dining in the epicurean village of Woolton is award-bagging small local...

La Cantina Tapas Dishes Stockport Heaton Moor

La Cantina

Heaton Moor Restaurant - Spanish

Stockport is not Salamanca but that doesn’t stop the wooden barrel tables outside La Cantina on Heaton Moor’s busy Shaw...

Main Course at The Fat Loaf

The Fat Loaf

Ashton upon Mersey Restaurant - Modern British

The Fat Loaf is the sort of neighbourhood restaurant every neighbourhood needs. It’s unpretentious and friendly with cooking that you...

One of the fire pit tables on the terrace at Il Forno - an Italian restaurant and bar in Liverpool.

Il Forno

Ropewalks Restaurant - Italian

Il Forno’s name refers to their oven; a huge, fire-breathing head which swallows up pizza before cooking it to perfection and...

A cranachan dessert served at Proost restaurant in Urmston, Greater Manchester

Proost

Urmston Restaurant - European

Husband and wife team John and Carolyn Phillips held occasional supper clubs and appeared on Channel Four’s Too Many Chefs...

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