Escape to Freight Island
Manchester City CentreFood hall meets music festival is how we’d describe Escape to Freight Island to anyone confused about what they’ll find...
Another Hand
Manchester City CentreFrom the team that brought you 3 Hands Deli, Another Hand opened in February 2022 in the unit just next...
On the Hush
Northern QuarterThe Northern Quarter has never been short of Instagrammable spots with its litany of graffitied walls and shop fronts but...
Bundobust Brewery
Greater ManchesterA real Northern success story, the second location for Bundobust in Manchester and the fourth in the family of northern-based...
Delhi House Cafe | Corn Exchange
Manchester City CentreThis slick 2020 addition to the Corn Exchange is determined to do something different to other contemporary Indian restaurants. And...
Seven Bro7hers Ancoats
AncoatsThis bar on Cutting Room Square from the Seven Bro7hers Brewery clan is perfectly placed to cater for the craft...
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...
Tampopo | Corn Exchange
Manchester City CentreThe second of their city centre venues, Tampopo Manchester Corn Exchange has the same wok-fresh East Asian menu as its...
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...
San Carlo Cicchetti
Manchester City CentreAs the first San Carlo Cicchetti, the Manchester restaurant had a lot to prove on opening in 2010. Over a...
Lucky Foot | Escape to Freight Island
Manchester City Centre“Free range birds, first class serves” goes the strapline of this too-cool-for-school chicken shop dreamt up by three mates who...
The Lowry
Salford QuaysFlagship arts venue The Lowry was at the heart of 1990s' plans to breathe new life back into Salford Quays....
Aunty Ji’s
LevenshulmeAunty Ji’s is fast becoming one of Levenshulme’s favourite cafes thanks to its friendly, all-comers vibe and a menu that...
Kickair
Green QuarterKickair, an “indoor freestyle park” behind Victoria Station, is the kind of place that fills kids (and big kids) with...
The Chippy on Burton Road
DidsburyThe Chippy on Burton Road might be the classiest fish and chip shop in Greater Manchester. Alongside their sustainably sourced...
Bistrot Pierre
AltrinchamBistrot Pierre is one of the better mid-range chain restaurants. It’s good to support the indies but Bistrot Pierre has...
Pattersons
MerseysideFried chicken in a bar setting with a big emphasis on music, beer and cocktails - Liverpool independent Pattersons has...
HOME
Manchester City CentreWith five cinemas, two theatres, a bookshop, and over 500 sqm of gallery space, HOME is one of Manchester’s biggest...
Albert’s Schloss
Manchester City CentreAlbert's Schloss is a Bavarian-inspired fun palace of extraordinary dimensions and clever design. Behind the glistening tiles of the former...
Luisa’s
RadcliffeRun by brother and sister team Dom and Stef, Luisa’s pizzeria in Radcliffe Market is named after their Nana Luisa,...
Crowded House
WhitefieldCrowded House in Bury town centre is for those occasions when you want NQ-style food and drinks but you can’t...
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...
Trof
Northern QuarterTrof was the OG Mission Mars bar in Manchester and it’s still got ‘top Manchester night out’ written all over...
Frederiks
MerseysideOne of the buzziest spots in the Georgian Quarter, Frederiks models itself on the neighbourhood bars of Brooklyn. Think casual...
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...
Wood
Manchester City CentreThe eponymous restaurant of Simon Wood, MasterChef winner and local lad from Oldham, is an accomplished affair. Food is cooked...
Pier Eight Restaurant
Media CityWith its watery views and sharp decor, Pier Eight – the restaurant and bar at The Lowry performing and visual...
Society
Manchester City CentreLocated in between St Peter’s Square and The Bridgewater Hall, Society brings new life to the quiet yet elegant stretch...
Tampopo Trafford Centre
StretfordOne of the better eating options in the sprawling domed food court hell that is The Orient is Tampopo Trafford...
Sandinista
Manchester City CentreNamed after the rowdy 1980 album by The Clash, bar with food Sandinista is one part wild Latin spirit and...
The Beeswing
Manchester City CentreThe Beeswing is named after a tartrate sheen which forms on the surface of port and some other wines that...
Maray Manchester
Manchester City CentreMaray Manchester is the fourth of its kind, but the first to sprout outside of Liverpool. Inspired by Le Marais...
Breakout Manchester High Street
Manchester City CentreBreakout Manchester is a live escape room centre on High Street in Manchester. You are locked in a room with...
The Ugly Duckling
BowdonWhen Nick Theaker took over The Stamford pub in Altrincham’s “posh bit”, Bowdon, he had a big job on his...
NYL Restaurant and Bar
MerseysideMuch of the appeal of NYL Restaurant and Bar is admittedly the setting. You'll find it in the Aloft hotel...
Jimmy’s Liverpool (kitchen closed)
MerseysideThis glam rock and roll boozer on Bold Street is a bar, music venue, and upstairs, a restaurant. And while...
Yuet Ben Liverpool
MerseysideTranslating as "welcome honoured guest", the Yuet Ben is the oldest Chinese restaurant in Liverpool, setting up shop in 1968...
One Percent Forest
MerseysideSandwiched between an estate agent and a solicitor’s office, cafe-bar One Percent Forest could easily go unnoticed, were it not...
La Parrilla Lark Lane
MerseysideLa Parrilla Lark Lane is the third opening for a local mini-chain that has had the honour of being voted...
Othello’s
MerseysideOthello’s Greek Restaurant is a local favourite thanks to its reliable Mediterranean food and quick-smart, smiley service.
Electrik
ChorltonElektrik is an award-winning independent bar with great coffee and a wide selection of beer, wine and cocktails. They offer...
The Kitchen
BoltonA family-run restaurant specialising in Greek street food, The Kitchen is a Westhaughton favourite thanks to the enthusiasm of the...
Ezra & Gil Hilton Street
Northern QuarterIf you want to experience Northern Quarter cafe culture in its purest form, head to Ezra & Gil Hilton Street,...
Holbeck Ghyll
CumbriaSituated in the hills above Windermere, Holbeck Ghyll could easily claim a place in a list of the most romantic...
Etsu
MerseysideWhen David Abe's friend flew in from Tokyo and suggested they eat out, he was astonished to hear there was...
Papillon
MerseysideWith its striped pink awning and corner spot on Hope Street, Papillon is one of the prettiest eating places in...
Three Piggies Alehouse & Canteen
MerseysideThe Three Piggies Alehouse & Canteen looks like a transplant from a Cornish surfer town with its flaking driftwood walls,...
Trattoria 51 Southport
MerseysideMuch like the seaside town itself, Trattoria 51 Southport looks its best when the sun is shining. The terrace at...
Bombay Blussi
Fine Indian dining is what's promised at glitzy Bombay Blussi – all white booths and banquettes with twinkly lights –...
Croma Didsbury
DidsburyThe newest addition to the Croma family, the Didsbury restaurant has all the features that make its south Manchester sister...
Gusto Liverpool
MerseysideWith views of the water and a menu that should have something for pretty much everyone, Gusto Liverpool is a...
The Tavern Co
MerseysideA stalwart of Smithdown Road, The Tavern Co is a casual dining place with a reputation for student and family-friendly...
Wingstop
Manchester City CentreWingstop started life as a small chicken wing restaurant in Garland, Texas before spreading its wings across North America and...
Turncoat Bar
MerseysideTurncoat Bar is a spacious, subterranean hideaway beneath Royal Albert Dock specialising in gin, craft beer and wood-fired pizza.
Mumbai to London Cafe
TamesideMumbai to London Cafe doesn’t look like much from the outside (or the inside) but don’t let that fool you;...
The Ink in the Well
MerseysideYou can't miss the bright blue facade of The Ink in the Well on the iconic Lark Lane. This 2021...
The Banyan Tree
Manchester City CentreSituated on the Castlefield-Hulme border, The Banyan Tree is a neighbourhood eatery that’s much appreciated by the people living in...
Slyce
OldhamLike its sister restaurant Muse next door, Slyce brings a taste of the city to the bucolic surroundings of Uppermill.
The Font Manchester
Manchester City CentreBest known for the creativity and double-take cheapness of its cocktails, The Font Manchester is perhaps the closest you’ll get...
Gorilla
Greater ManchesterGorilla is tucked under a railway arch, it has a slightly industrial vibe but it’s comfortable for all that. The...
Chapati Cafe
ChorltonChapati Cafe is a gem in the tradition of the good-old 'rice and three' that every true Mancunian holds dear.
Cuckoo
PrestwichLike the interloping bird that gives it its name, Cuckoo was an odd-one-out when it first opened in Prestwich back...
The Font Chorlton
ChorltonWhile the city centre Font Bar is often typecast as 'that student place with the really cheap cocktails', The Font...
Ma Boyles
MerseysideMa Boyles, a self-described 'ale house and eatery', has been around in various guises since the mid 19th century. As...
La Parrilla Bold Street
MerseysideWith its mariachi bands, sombreros, and cantina-style atmosphere La Parrilla Bold Street is Mexico-by-numbers - but done with such cheerful...
Neighbourhood Bistro and Bar
MerseysideTicking all the boxes for brekkie and brunch in South Liverpool is Neighbourhood Bistro and Bar on Woolton Road.
5 Fifty Bistro
MerseysideFormerly known as Paul’s Place, 5 Fifty Bistro is a small, independent restaurant on Aigburth Road. It’s run by the...
Croma Chorlton
Greater ManchesterCroma is a Chorlton institution. It’s not a hipster pizza joint but it is solid, dependable and popular for a...
Salt House Tapas
MerseysideResiding on the corner of Hanover Street sits Salt House Tapas, a modern yet ambient take on the popular Spanish...
Pacifica Cantonese
EcclesPacifica Cantonese in Eccles is an old-school Chinese restaurant with lurid neon signage. It’s not trying to be slavishly authentic...
Trattoria 51 Liverpool
MerseysideOffering good-value Italian classics, Trattoria 51 is an easy option if you want a family-friendly independent close to Liverpool ONE....
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...
The Mews
Manchester City CentreThe Mews is one of a clutch of new places to set up shop on Deansgate Mews, or ‘deli alley’...
Pippin’s Corner
MerseysidePippin’s Corner is a charming, family-friendly cafe-bistro that makes the most of its handsome corner spot on Lark Lane. Head...
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...
The Easy Fish Co. Heaton Moor
Heaton MoorA quality fish restaurant this far inland has always been a difficult ask but The Easy Fish Co. Heaton Moor...
Owens Restaurant & Bar
RamsbottomOwens Restaurant & Bar is a popular place in Ramsbottom, just opposite the train station and handy for a family...
53two
Manchester City CentreWith a gentle gradient throughout and a lowered bar, 53two is one of Manchester's most inclusive and accessible venues. Half...
Tokyo Noodle Bar
MerseysideFamed for its massive portions and diminutive prices, Tokyo Noodle Bar would be a hidden gem if it wasn’t already...
Justino’s
MerseysideTaking the corner spot once occupied by Et Alia is Justino’s - a family-run Italian restaurant and bar headed up...
Mustard & Co
MerseysideCrosby’s Mustard & Co is a neighbourhood bistro which succeeds in being both a heartwarming huddle of community - and...
Gustum
MerseysideBack before American barbecue joints became all the rage over here, your best bet for charcoal-seared meat on a stick...
Kimji Korean Restaurant
RamsbottomHusband and wife team Sam and Mandy Chen opened the first Kimji Korean Restaurant in Preston in 2018 to a...
Canto
AncoatsCanto is a Modern Portuguese restaurant from Simon Shaw, the creative director behind the consistently brilliant El Gato Negro on...
Fosters Fish & Chips Alderley Edge
CheshireFosters Fish & Chips is an award-winning chippy in Alderley Edge that also has a branch in Bramhall. Expect cod...
Croma Prestwich
PrestwichAs Manchester’s own, independent (and we would say, superior) version of Pizza Express, Croma was always going to feature strongly...
Sheldrakes
MerseysideSat on the banks of the River Dee in rustic Lower Heswall, Sheldrakes was a sailing club until the river...
Our Neighbourhood Bar
DidsburyOur NeighBourhood Bar in Didsbury is perfectly placed for forays in to Manchester’s most popular suburb right next to the...
Bird At Birtle
BirtleThe big, first-floor window at the rear of Andrew Nutter's Bird At Birtle frames the moors – and this gastropub,...
Comptoir Libanais
SpinningfieldsComptoir Libanais serves up the bold flavours of Lebanon, its fresh and healthy plates providing much to tempt those following...
63 Degrees
Northern QuarterRan by husband and wife team Eric and Florence Moreau, 63 Degrees is a classic chef-proprieteur French restaurant with roots...
Cooper Hall
Northern QuarterCooper Hall is a European-style beer hall below Sevendale House in the Northern Quarter. The offering is simple: tank beer...
Nell’s New York Pizza & Bar
Manchester City CentreThis Brooklyn-style pizza joint was born out of a love of using the best ingredients with care and attention. Nell's...
Borrello
SaleBorrello is a slightly old-school Italian restaurant in Sale. You won’t unearth obscure regional delicacies or discover new ingredients but...
Pasta 51 Express
MerseysideIt’s takeaway pasta but it’s unrecognisable from the refrigerated joyless stuff you get on a supermarket meal deal. Pasta Express...
Hanover Street Social
MerseysideHanover Street Social is a big, buzzy bistro and bar from Paddy Smith’s Red and Blue Group, which also runs Salt...
Cargo Seafood Restaurant
MerseysideWith some great views overlooking the Mersey from its unrivalled waterfront location on Princes Parade, this is the place to...
El Rincon de Rafa
Manchester City CentreThis Manchester institution was a much-respected destination for Spanish food long before tapas became a common sight in the city...
La Parrilla Waterloo
MerseysideThe original venue from this Liverpudlian mini-chain, La Parrilla Waterloo Road surprised us all when it opened on South Road...
Haunt
Manchester City CentreWhen Peter Street lost its Caffe Nero it gained Haunt, an independent coffee shop and wine bar. Stepping inside, you...
Bar San Juan
ChorltonBeech Road's Bar San Juan is almost always bursting at the seams with customers. This unassuming little tapas bar is...
Motley
Manchester City CentreLocated on the ground floor of YOTEL on Manchester’s bustling Deansgate, Motley’s antipodean-style menu ticks all the modern boxes with...
El Nido
MerseysideThe contemporary tapas at El Nido is a little different and influenced by the traditional dishes served in the Basque...
The Rivals Bar & Restaurant
Manchester City CentreWhen The Rivals opened in 2017, it was the first time in a long time that The Royal Exchange Theatre...
