Early evening

Rain Bar

Manchester City Centre Bars

Rain Bar is a pub from JW Lees in an old umbrella factory. It’s a beautiful building and looks even...

Malmaison Manchester Piccadilly

Manchester City Centre Hotel

Malmaison Manchester Piccadilly is an impressive boutique hotel in the perfect spot. It’s just minutes from Manchester Piccadilly train station,...

Lock 84

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Modern British

Lock 84 is the all-day restaurant and bar inside four-star hotel The Reach, which opened on Ducie Street in summer...

On the Hush

Manchester City Centre Cafes

On the Hush is a popular Northern Quarter cafe bar, winning awards for its bottomless brunch. Loyal customers and visitors...

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...

Haunt

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - European

When Peter Street lost its Caffe Nero it gained Haunt, an independent coffee shop and wine bar. Stepping inside, you...

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...

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.

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...

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...

Pattersons

Ropewalks Restaurant - American

Fried chicken in a bar setting with a big emphasis on music, beer and cocktails - Liverpool independent Pattersons has...

Pattersons at Escape to Freight Island

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - American

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

Seven Bro7hers Ancoats

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - American

This bar on Cutting Room Square from the Seven Bro7hers Brewery clan is perfectly placed to cater for the craft...

Freight Island

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Global

Food hall meets music festival is how we’d describe Freight Island to anyone confused about what they’ll find at this...

Spice Thai

Ropewalks Restaurant - Thai

The cosy Spice Thai restaurant is hidden away just above a motel bar near Hanover Street, with an interior intended...

Frederiks

Georgian Quarter Restaurant - American

One of the buzziest spots in the Georgian Quarter, Frederiks models itself on the neighbourhood bars of Brooklyn. Think casual...

The Laureate Restaurant

Manchester Restaurant - Global

So named because of Manchester University's 25 Nobel laureates, The Laureate Restaurant is a large and luxurious space located on one of...

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...

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,...

Beeswing

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Mediterranean

Beeswing is a casual wine bar with a menu designed to complement the curated drinks list. Wines are carefully chosen...

Gustum

Mossley Hill Restaurant - Mediterranean

Back before American barbecue joints became all the rage over here, your best bet for charcoal-seared meat on a stick...

NYL Restaurant and Bar

Cavern Quarter Restaurant - American

Much of the appeal of NYL Restaurant and Bar is admittedly the setting. You'll find it in the Aloft hotel...

Trattoria 51 Liverpool

Business District (Liverpool) Restaurant - Italian

Offering good-value Italian classics, Trattoria 51 is an easy option if you want a family-friendly independent close to Liverpool ONE....

Breakout Liverpool

Cavern Quarter Activities

Work as part of a team with friends, family or work colleagues and try to escape the room you've been...

The Green Man

Lark Lane Bars

The Green Man pub opened on Lark Lane in December 2022, just in time for Christmas (and the World Cup)....

53two

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Bar

With a gentle gradient throughout and a lowered bar, 53two is one of Manchester's most inclusive and accessible venues. Half...

Holbeck Ghyll

Windermere Restaurant - Modern British

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

La Parrilla Lark Lane

Lark Lane Restaurant - Mexican

La Parrilla Lark Lane is the third opening for a local mini-chain that has had the honour of being voted...

Three Piggies Alehouse & Canteen

Mossley Hill Restaurant - Global

The Three Piggies Alehouse & Canteen looks like a transplant from a Cornish surfer town with its flaking driftwood walls,...

OWS Lake Burwain

Foulridge Swimming

OWS Burwain Lake offers wild swimming with the edges removed. You still get the stunning scenery and bracing cold water...

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...

Society

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Global

Located in between St Peter’s Square and The Bridgewater Hall, Society brings new life to the quiet yet elegant stretch...

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 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...

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...

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...

The Tavern Co

Mossley Hill Restaurant - American

A stalwart of Smithdown Road, The Tavern Co is a casual dining place with a reputation for student and family-friendly...

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...

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...

Othello’s

Gateacre Restaurant - Mediterranean

Othello’s Greek Restaurant is a local favourite thanks to its reliable Mediterranean food and quick-smart, smiley service. 

Etsu

Liverpool City Centre Restaurant - Japanese

When David Abe's friend flew in from Tokyo and suggested they eat out, he was astonished to hear there was...

Ezra & Gil Hilton Street

Northern Quarter Cafes

If you want to experience Northern Quarter cafe culture in its purest form, head to Ezra & Gil Hilton Street,...

Trof

Manchester City Centre Bars

Longstanding Thomas Street bar Trof has got ‘top Manchester night out’ written all over its labyrinthine three storeys. But it's...

Mumbai to London Cafe

Droylsden Restaurant - Indian subcontinent

Mumbai to London Cafe doesn’t look like much from the outside (or the inside) but don’t let that fool you;...

Nell’s Kampus

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - American

This Brooklyn-style pizza joint was born out of a love of using the best ingredients with care and attention. Nell's...

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...

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...

Groobarb’s Wild Farm & Field Kitchen

Knutsford Restaurant - Modern British

Groobarbs Wild Farm & Field Kitchen comes from the brains behind Groobox; a Cheshire-based fruit and veg delivery box service....

ARMR Store

Oxford Road Restaurant - Caribbean

The much loved Caribbean cafe ARMR Store has relocated from Ardwick to take over the bar and kitchen at Contact...

Kickair

Green Quarter Activities

Kickair, an “indoor freestyle park” behind Victoria Station, is the kind of place that fills kids (and big kids) with...

Electrik

Chorlton Restaurant - Italian

Elektrik is an award-winning independent bar with great coffee and a wide selection of beer, wine and cocktails. They offer...

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...

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...

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...

The Lowry

Media City Theatres

Flagship arts venue The Lowry was at the heart of 1990s' plans to breathe new life back into Salford Quays....

Pier Eight Restaurant

Media City Restaurant - Modern British

With its watery views and sharp decor, Pier Eight – the restaurant and bar at The Lowry performing and visual...

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...

Breakout Manchester High Street

Manchester City Centre Activities

Breakout Manchester is a live escape room centre on High Street in Manchester. You are locked in a room with...

Sandinista

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - South American

Named after the rowdy 1980 album by The Clash, bar with food Sandinista is one part wild Latin spirit and...

Tokyo Noodle Bar

Chinatown (Liverpool) Restaurant - Pan Asian

Famed for its massive portions and diminutive prices, Tokyo Noodle Bar would be a hidden gem if it wasn’t already...

Pippin’s Corner

Lark Lane Restaurant - European

Pippin’s Corner is a charming, family-friendly cafe-bistro that makes the most of its handsome corner spot on Lark Lane. Head...

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...

Tampopo | Corn Exchange

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Pan Asian

The second of their city centre venues, Tampopo Manchester Corn Exchange has the same wok-fresh East Asian menu as its...

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...

Mersey Ferries

Waterfront Tours

Have you even been to Liverpool if you haven’t crossed the Mersey on a ferry? Mersey Ferries not only cross...

One Percent Forest

Woolton Village Restaurant - Coffee

Sandwiched between an estate agent and a solicitor’s office, cafe-bar One Percent Forest could easily go unnoticed, were it not...

Free State Kitchen

Georgian Quarter

While some venues are happy to describe a frost-ravaged yucca and a scattering of paving stone weeds as a ‘beer...

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...

Bird At Birtle

Heywood Restaurant - British

The big, first-floor window at the rear of Andrew Nutter's Bird At Birtle frames the moors – and this gastropub...

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;...

Bottega

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Italian

With its floor-to-ceiling views over Exchange Square and chic Selfridges setting, Bottega is  a stylish spot for cocktails, lunch or...

Gorilla

Greater Manchester Bars

Gorilla is tucked under a railway arch, it has a slightly industrial vibe but it’s comfortable for all that. The...

Bundobust Brewery

Greater Manchester Restaurant - Indian subcontinent

A real Northern success story, the second location for Bundobust in Manchester and the fourth in the family of northern-based...

Trattoria 51 Southport

Southport Restaurant - Italian

Much like the seaside town itself, Trattoria 51 Southport looks its best when the sun is shining. The terrace at...

Instituto Cervantes

Deansgate Activities

The Instituto Cervantes is a wonderful place to learn Spanish with enthusiastic native speakers and excellent teaching. Even the building...

Pacifica Cantonese

Eccles Restaurant - Chinese

Pacifica Cantonese in Eccles is an old-school Chinese restaurant with lurid neon signage. It’s not trying to be slavishly authentic...

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 Carlton Club

Whalley Range Pubs

The Carlton Club is Whalley Range. We’ve listed it as a pub, but it’s so much more than that. Originally...

San Carlo Fiorentina

Hale Restaurant - Italian

San Carlo Fiorentina (what the Italians call Florence) specialises in the meat dishes of Tuscany, grilled over charcoal, particularly steak,...

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,...

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...

Shogun Ramen and Bar

Chorlton Restaurant - Japanese

Shogun Ramen and Bar in Chorlton says it does Manchester’s cheapest ramen (from £7.99 a bowl) and we’ve no evidence...

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...

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...

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...

Yard & Coop Manchester

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - American

We’d rather see a restaurant that does one thing well than one that does a wide variety of dishes to...

Delhi House Cafe | Corn Exchange

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Indian subcontinent

This slick 2020 addition to the Corn Exchange is determined to do something different to other contemporary Indian restaurants. And...

Chit ‘N’ Chaat

Rusholme Restaurant - Indian subcontinent

Chit 'N' Chaat is one of Rusholme's best-loved restaurants for Indian Street food and entrees. This small-yet-cosy eatery is the...

Cicchetti

Deansgate Restaurant - Italian

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

Werneth Low Country Park

Hyde Countryside

Werneth Low Country Park is known for its stunning views across Tameside and Manchester. On a clear day you can...

The Rose & Crown Knutsford

Knutsford Restaurant - British

There's no shortage of ye olde pubs in Knutsford. The thatched roofed White Bear is the most ancient with a...

Renae

Northern Quarter Bars

Already buzzing Renae is the latest addition to Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter. Centred around a genuine love for...

Big Hands

Oxford Road Bars

The original Manchester dive bar, Big Hands is a rock n roll institution and the site of many messy nights...

Alliance Française de Manchester

Deansgate Activities

The Alliance Française de Manchester is the place to return to your schooldays minus the Tricolore textbooks and fixation on...

Ma Boyles

Business District (Liverpool) Restaurant - Global

Ma Boyles, a self-described 'ale house and eatery', has been around in various guises since the mid 19th century. As...

Sheldrakes

Heswall Restaurant - Mediterranean

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

La Parrilla Waterloo

Waterloo Restaurant - Mexican

The original venue from this Liverpudlian mini-chain, La Parrilla Waterloo Road surprised us all when it opened on South Road...

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...

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...

Owens Restaurant & Bar

Ramsbottom Restaurant - British

Owens Restaurant & Bar is a popular place in Ramsbottom, just opposite the train station and handy for a family...

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...

Wingstop

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - American

Wingstop started life as a small chicken wing restaurant in Garland, Texas before spreading its wings across North America and...

The Banyan Tree

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Global

Situated on the Castlefield-Hulme border, The Banyan Tree is a neighbourhood eatery that’s much appreciated by the people living in...

Slyce

Oldham Restaurant - American

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

Bombay Blussi

Restaurant - Indian subcontinent

Fine Indian dining is what's promised at glitzy Bombay Blussi – all white booths and banquettes with twinkly lights –...

La Parrilla Bold Street

Ropewalks Restaurant - Mexican

With its mariachi bands, sombreros, and cantina-style atmosphere La Parrilla Bold Street is Mexico-by-numbers - but done with such cheerful...

Cooper Hall

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Bar

Cooper Hall is a European-style beer hall below Sevendale House in the Northern Quarter. The offering is simple: tank beer...

Croma Chorlton

Greater Manchester Restaurant - Italian

Croma is a Chorlton institution. It’s not a hipster pizza joint but it is solid, dependable and popular for a...

Croma Prestwich

Prestwich Restaurant - Italian

As Manchester’s own, independent (and we would say, superior) version of Pizza Express, Croma was always going to feature strongly...

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’...

The Easy Fish Co. Heaton Moor

Heaton Moor Restaurant - Modern British

A quality fish restaurant this far inland has always been a difficult ask but The Easy Fish Co. Heaton Moor...

5 Fifty Bistro

Aigburth Restaurant - European

Formerly known as Paul’s Place, 5 Fifty Bistro is a small, independent restaurant on Aigburth Road. It’s run by the...

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...

Borrello

Sale Restaurant - Italian

Borrello is a slightly old-school Italian restaurant in Sale. You won’t unearth obscure regional delicacies or discover new ingredients but...

Comptoir Libanais

Manchester City Centre Restaurant - Middle Eastern

Comptoir Libanais serves up the bold flavours of Lebanon, its fresh and healthy plates providing much to tempt those following...

El Nido

Woolton Village Restaurant - Spanish

The contemporary tapas at El Nido is a little different and influenced by the traditional dishes served in the Basque...

Fosters Fish & Chips Alderley Edge

Alderley Edge Restaurant - British

Fosters Fish & Chips is an award-winning chippy in Alderley Edge that also has a branch in Bramhall. Expect cod...

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...

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...