Healthy
Wagamama St Peter’s Square
Manchester City CentreWagamama St Peter’s Square is one of Manchester’s go-to spots for a casual curry or lunchtime noodles. Right in the...
On the Hush
Northern QuarterOn the Hush is a popular Northern Quarter cafe bar, winning awards for its bottomless brunch. Loyal customers and visitors...
Le Viet Social
Baltic TriangleLe Viet Social is an independent Vietnamese restaurant serving up dishes that stay true to its roots. Think vibrant street...
Brysk
DeansgateBrysk is a new, family-run wellness studio off St Ann’s Square that offers high-tech recovery treatments in a calm and...
Leo and Roobs
BlackfriarsNamed after the owner’s kids, Leo and Roobs is a neighbourhood cafe from the folks behind The Black Friar. It’s...
Vesuvio
WorsleyOwned and managed by Giuseppe Lombardo from Naples, Vesuvio brings the flavours, techniques and passion of Southern Italian cooking to...
Bruncho
DeansgateBruncho is a relaxed brunch spot on Deansgate focusing on Turkish specialities. The food is healthy and satisfying with a...
Kambuja
MarpleMany of us are familiar with the vibrant cuisines of Vietnam and Thailand but Cambodian, or Khmer, food is still...
Zen Sushiya
WithingtonZen Sushiya is a delightful Japanese restaurant specialising in sushi. It’s a charming place, with helpful staff dressed in traditional...
Inflata Nation Manchester
Trafford ParkThis indoor inflatable playground is an excellent way to tire out hyperactive kids on a rainy day and for that...
Viet Shack Manchester Ancoats
AncoatsNelson Lam and Leo Tran's Viet Shack empire started with a humble takeaway stall in the Arndale Market which quickly...
Defne Turkish BBQ Restaurant
ChildwallUsing the freshest veg and juiciest meats and fish, plenty of aromatic herbs and regional spices, the food of Turkey...
Pho Cue
Chinatown (Manchester)"The food speaks for itself," says Cue Tran, owner of the Pho Cue Vietnamese kitchen, whose aim is to take...
Indian Tiffin Room Cheadle
CheadleIndian Tiffin Room Cheadle was one of the first local places to step away from the typical menu of the...
Swim Liverpool
Princes DockSwim Liverpool at Princes Dock is the Liverpudlian base of We Swim Run, the team behind various races, courses and...
Sapporo Teppanyaki Liverpool
Chinatown (Liverpool)A unique dining experience is promised at the Liverpool branch of Sapporo Teppanyaki, primarily a noodle and sushi bar, but...
Carden Park
ChesterCarden Park is one of the North West’s ultimate spa destinations. This place has won award after award, and deservedly...
New Wave Ramen
Manchester City CentreAfter building a name and fanbase for itself in Mackie Mayor, New Wave Ramen have now got their own standalone...
ELEV8 Performance Gym
WaterfrontJust down the road from the Titanic Hotel and the Tobacco Warehouse, you’ll find ELEV8 Performance Gym. Established in 2023,...
Another Place, The Lake
UllswaterAnother Place, The Lake is a Lake District spa hotel that makes full use of its picture-perfect location on the...
Comptoir Libanais
SpinningfieldsComptoir Libanais serves up the bold flavours of Lebanon, its fresh and healthy plates providing much to tempt those following...
All The Shapes
PrestwichAll The Shapes has that relaxed café-bar, all-day-eatery thing nailed. It’s the sort of place where you feel equally comfortable...
Acai and The Tribe
DeansgateHead to Deansgate Mews (the upper-level pedestrianised bit in between Great Northern Warehouse and Deansgate) to find health-food wonder Acai...
The Green
BollingtonThe Green is a cute and cosy little cafe in Bollington. This may be Cheshire not Scandinavia, but it exudes...
Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa
CheshireWith its Roman-style bath, outdoor hydro pools, and gorgeous countryside views, Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa is high on our...
Prashad
BradfordPrashad is a Gordon Ramsay-rated thrill for anyone craving Gujarati vegetarian food. Since starring on Ramsay's Best Restaurant show, the...
Etherow Country Park
RomileyIf you want a woodland walk complete with den-making, wildlife, picnic spots, and beautiful views, Etherow Country Park on the...
Yara Cheadle
CheadleLebanese and Syrian restaurant Yara is not alone with its Cheadle outpost – equally popular branches can be sniffed out...
Snake Woodlands
Peak DistrictNot far after the road descends from the summit of the Snake Pass (the road between Glossop and Sheffield), you'll...
Souvla Hardman Street
Liverpool City CentreFormerly known as Grilla, Souvla fast became a hit when it opened back in 2015, thanks to its cool Scandinavian...
Teppanyaki Chinatown
Chinatown (Manchester)One of the longest-standing Japanese restaurants in Manchester, if not the North West, is Teppanyaki Chinatown. It’s been here since...
Skate Manchester
Manchester City CentreSkate Manchester in Cathedral Gardens will have you skating around its twinkly ice rink like you're the main character on...
Viet Guy Northenden
NorthendenFans of Vietnamese food are advised to travel to Northenden to check out local favourite Viet Guy. This family-run independent...
Federal Manchester NQ
Northern QuarterKeeping the Northern Quarter fed and watered since 2014, the first Federal is a daytime destination a stone's throw from...
Yum Cha Manchester
Gay Village"Dim sum, roast meats and big plates" promises purpose-built Kampus gaff Yum Cha's bespoke Insta-friendly neon sign – but there...
Graystone
SalfordGraystone is Salford’s action-packed home of high-adrenaline sports. Skateboarding is the big deal here. Practise on all sorts of drops,...
Bundobust Leeds
LeedsBundobust Leeds is a veggie Bollywood blockbuster, best known for its small plates and beer.
Zip World Manchester
PrestwichIf you're looking for a fun way to get outside and get active, try Zip World Manchester at Heaton Park....
Bundobust Manchester
Manchester City CentreBundobust is a huge beer hall serving craft ales in the heart of Manchester's Piccadilly Gardens. It also happened to...
Zumuku Sushi Bolton
BoltonWe heart sushi and mini-chain Zumuku Sushi serves up our favourite finger food with authentic flavours and flourishes, and even...
Play Factore
Trafford ParkPlay Factore is like a super-sized version of the traditional indoor play centre. It’s enormous; crawling through tunnels, clambering through...
Sale Harriers
SaleSale Harriers is one of Greater Manchester's biggest and oldest athletics clubs. It has been running, quite literally, for over...
Liverpool Watersports Centre
WaterfrontNothing shakes up the senses quite like a winter dip in the docks. Head to Mariners Wharf for all-year-round aquatic...
Worsley Woods
WorsleyYou can spend a pleasant few hours wandering through Worsley Woods, a 30-hectare woodland with well-marked trails, ponds, a children's...
Peaberry Coffee House & Kitchen
Albert DockDescribing itself as a "coffee house and kitchen", independent family-run business Peabody's does a bit of everything: breakfast, brunch and...
Caravan Manchester
St John'sCaravan Manchester is a 2024 opening from a small London chain started by three New Zealanders who settled in the...
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...
Othello’s
GateacreOthello’s Greek Restaurant is a local favourite thanks to its reliable Mediterranean food and quick-smart, smiley service.
National Cycling Centre
BeswickThe National Cycling Centre is the home of bike brilliance with elite competitors zooming round the velodrome. It was the...
Juniper Hale
HaleJuniper Hale is known for its excellent coffee which you can also buy online to enjoy at home. If you’re...
Shogun Ramen and Bar
ChorltonShogun Ramen and Bar in Chorlton serves great value ramen. But we’ve not listed it in our guide just because...
The Snow Centre
Trafford ParkWith 180m of downhill skiing and snowboarding, The Snow Centre is the UK’s longest indoor real snow slope. And though you...
Seoul Kimchi
Manchester City CentreThis well-regarded cafe and takeaway started life as a shop specialising in Korean ingredients, before owner/chef Byunghee Kwon added tables...
Oystercatcher
Chorlton'Doing lots of little things right' is a definition of perfection. And Oystercatcher - a simple seafood restaurant in Chorlton...
Coombes Edge and Cown Edge
Peak DistrictSitting back-to-back on the boundary of the Peak District National Park, Coombes Edge and Cown Edge provide stunning views of...
Tatton Park
KnutsfordTatton Park is a historic estate on the edge of Knutsford, home to an opulent neo-classical mansion, landscaped gardens, woodland,...
The Green Lab
Northern QuarterFounded in May 2019 by Manchester sisters Nikita and Kanika, The Green Lab is described as a health and well-being...
Warton Crag
CarnforthFor expansive views of Morecambe Bay and up-close sightings of wildflowers and rare butterflies, head to Warton Crag Nature Reserve,...
Rococo Coffee House
Cavern QuarterRococo is an independent coffee house slap bang in the centre of town, occupying two upstairs floors of a historic...
Wagamama Trafford Centre
Trafford ParkWagamama Trafford Centre is justly popular for its Japanese staples. In fact, Wagamama is popular all over the UK. Almost...
Alderford Lake
WhitchurchAlderford Lake is the perfect day out all year round. It’s an idyllic location but you won’t be able to...
Katsouris
Manchester City CentreKatsouris is an institution, having sat in its imposing Gothic-style building on the corner of Deansgate and John Dalton Street...
Darbar
ManchesterFrom pomegranate and pistachio to saffron and barberries, the authentic flavours of Persian cuisine are promised at this family-run restaurant,...
Ezra and Gil Liverpool
Business District (Liverpool)Ezra and Gil Liverpool is the third opening from this popular coffee and brunch spot. What makes this location stand...
Zena Restaurant
DidsburyIf you fancy a taste of one of the oldest and healthiest cuisines in the world, head to the family-owned...
Cowshed
RopewalksIf you don't like being told what to do, then Cowshed is probably not for you. The self-described beefhouse (as...
Pomegranate
Liverpool City CentreHeading into Pomegranate, an independent cafe on Old Hall Street, you’re met with bright neon signs, leafy wallpaper and reams...
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...
Kickair
Green QuarterKickair, an “indoor freestyle park” behind Victoria Station, is the kind of place that fills kids (and big kids) with...
We Invented The Weekend
Media CityWe Invented the Weekend festival is a massive, free, two-day celebration of all the cool stuff people do in their...
Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa
KeswickLodore Falls Hotel & Spa is in one of the most idyllic locations in the whole of the Lake District....
Pho Liverpool
RopewalksThere are many arguments you could make against Pho Liverpool. It’s a chain restaurant on a street known for its...
Shepley’s Cafe
GlossopAll eyes turn to the Shepley’s Facebook page when Easter approaches, as its small legion of fans eagerly awaits the...
Chorlton Runners
ChorltonLooking like a swarm of bees in their black and gold running vests, the Chorlton Runners are always well-represented in...
Al Dente
Lark LaneAl Dente is a Mediterranean restaurant with an extensive, far-reaching menu that just about makes sense when you consider the...
Zumuku Sushi Worsley
WorsleyWe heart sushi and Manchester-born mini-chain Zumuku Sushi serves up our favourite finger food with authentic flavours and flourishes, and...
DryWave
Manchester City CentreThis registered charity works on a number of projects related to sober and drug-free living, including the massive DryWave sober...
Planet Ice
AltrinchamYou may know this venue best as Altrincham Ice Dome but it’s now run by Planet Ice and offers relaxed...
Nantwich Brine Pool
NantwichNantwich Brine Pool is the ideal summer cool-down option if you want a cheap dip but aren’t up for wild...
Ezra and Gil Peter Street
Manchester City CentreThe opening of Ezra & Gil Peter Street in 2021 was greeted with glee by brunch and coffee hunters this...
Mayfield Park
PiccadillyIt’s no secret that Manchester city centre is short on decent parks. The opening of Mayfield Park in September 2022 goes...
Hyde Leisure Pool
HydeIf you're looking for a pool with a waterslide in Manchester, you've got two options: Grand Central in Stockport and...
The Farm Club
PickmereThe Farm Club started life as a triathlon training centre before it expanded into offering a wider wellness experience. Situated...
OWS Lake Burwain
FoulridgeOWS Burwain Lake offers wild swimming with the edges removed. You still get the stunning scenery and bracing cold water...
FIX MCR
Northern QuarterLocated in the NQ, FIX MCR is a sauna and ice bath club with a seven-day schedule of guided and...
Evelyn’s
Northern QuarterEvelyn’s is a very clever restaurant. It’s from the chaps behind Mughli so expect a quality operation although it is...
Annyeong
Manchester City CentreYou know Annyeong is a proper Korean restaurant because the menu is full of dishes you’ve never heard of and...
Viet Shack Manchester Arndale
Manchester City CentreThere’s almost always a small crowd gathered around Viet Shack’s counter in the Arndale Food Market. Their menu of flavour-packed,...
Chatsworth
BaslowThe classic vista of the grand 17th century house overlooking the River Derwent is the most famous image of Chatsworth,...
Bold Street Coffee Manchester
Manchester City CentreOpen in Liverpool since 2010, Bold Street Coffee is something of an institution over there and the place to go...
The Counter House
AncoatsGut-cleansing spirulina juices, turmeric scented Buddha bowls and raw vegan cookies, The Counter House menu reads like a dream list...
Istanbul BBQ & Bistro Allerton
AllertonFollowing in the footsteps of the Woolton Village branch of Istanbul, the restaurant on the vibrant Allerton Road has 70...
FWD Manchester
Manchester City CentreWant to give Wim Hof style cold water immersion a try but without leaving Manchester city centre? Head to the...
Pokusevski’s
Heaton MoorPokusevski’s has it all. Literally. From the Victorian stained glass windows, the art deco lamps and the Moroccan knick-knacks to...
Sushi Bar HanaMatsuri
LeedsSushi Bar HanaMatsuri is a small Japanese restaurant serving authentic sushi, bento and other Japanese delicacies, to create a fine-dining...
Tiger Rock Smithdown Road
Mossley HillWith "south east Asian hawker food" the tagline for Tiger Rock, you can expect cheap and cheerful small plates covering...
TribeGaia Conscious Events
Manchester City Centre
Ezra & Gil Hilton Street
Northern QuarterIf you want to experience Northern Quarter cafe culture in its purest form, head to Ezra & Gil Hilton Street,...
Harbour Health and Fitness Club
Princes DockThe Harbour Health and Fitness Club is part of the Crowne Plaza Liverpool hotel but you don't have to be...
Bamford Edge
BamfordHead to Bamford Edge for awe-inspiring views of the Dark Peak. This vantage point looks out over the Hope Valley...
Federal Manchester Deansgate
SpinningfieldsAfter keeping the Northern Quarter fed and watered since 2014, Federal claimed another foothole, this time on Deansgate. Dishing up...
Rosa’s Thai Cafe Manchester
SpinningfieldsStarting out in a no-frills East End caff already called Rosa’s, Khao Kho-born Saiphin dished up authentic Thai flavours with...
KBK
AncoatsKBK takes clean eating to the next level with quality ingredients and food that is anything but bland. It means...
Bold Street Coffee
RopewalksOpen since 2010, BSC is something of an institution and the place to go if you're in need of caffeine...
My Thai Manchester John Dalton Street
Manchester City CentreThe clue's in the name and My Thai serves up dishes inspired by the street food markets of Bangkok –...
Crew42
Princes DockThis gym on an industrial estate near Princes Dock doesn’t look like much from the outside but there’s a lot...
The Lab Liverpool
Business District (Liverpool)If the thought of queuing for equipment on busy gym floor puts you off getting fit, a smaller, bespoke gym...
Treehouse Café
BroughtonSalford independent the Treehouse Cafe is the sort of picture-perfect coffee house you frequently see on Instagram but rarely stumble...
Blanchflower
Altrincham'Create, don't curate' is Blanchflower's motto and to that end, much of their produce is made in-house.
Wild Shore Delamere
DelamereIf you've never known the joy of flying over a lake on a rope swing and daring yourself to let...
Try Thai
Chinatown (Manchester)Up some steps and through a doorway flanked by two statuettes making the wai, and you're welcomed into Try Thai,...
Pho | Corn Exchange
Manchester City CentreAs you might expect from the name, Vietnam's national dish pho (pronounced “fuh") is at the heart of the menu...
Blakemere Village
NorthwichBlakemere Village is the Cheshire one-stop for shopping, outdoor activities and family-friendly events.
Federal Circle Square
Oxford RoadFederal Cafe Bar in Circle Square on Oxford Road, Manchester is a must-visit for brunch lovers. With a focus on...
Tiger Rock North John Street
Cavern QuarterWith "south east Asian hawker food" the tagline for Tiger Rock, you can expect cheap and cheerful small plates covering...
Tokyo Noodle Bar
Chinatown (Liverpool)Famed for its massive portions and diminutive prices, Tokyo Noodle Bar would be a hidden gem if it wasn’t already...
Neighbourhood Bistro and Bar
ChildwallTicking all the boxes for brekkie and brunch in South Liverpool is Neighbourhood Bistro and Bar on Woolton Road.
Bondi Bowls
Gay VillageIf you're at Piccadilly Station wondering where you can get something nutritious and fresh to take on your train journey,...
Barbakan Deli
ChorltonBarbakan is an institution. It has been selling Polish and European breads and other baked goods for over 50 years...
Zumuku Sushi Didsbury
DidsburyWe heart sushi and mini-chain Zumuku Sushi serves up our favourite finger food with authentic flavours and flourishes, and even...
Manchester Academy of Gymnastics
SalfordManchester Academy of Gymnastics offers gymnastics to adults and children, boxing for anyone over ten, and parkour.
ManCoCo
Manchester City CentreManCoCo sits in the railway arches on Hewitt Street between HOME Arts Centre and the Castlefield Gallery. It's not the...
The Pelican Centre
TyldesleyWhen Wigan Council announced it could no longer fund the leisure centre and pool in Tyldesley, local people took matters...
Piqniq
DidsburyPiqniq is bound to be bread and shoulders ahead of other sandwich purveyors - it’s the newest venture from La...
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...
Juniper Bramhall
BramhallJuniper Bramhall has a well-deserved reputation for excellent coffee: a blend of sweet Brazilian arabicas, soft and fruity Latin American...
University of Liverpool Sports and Fitness Centre
Liverpool City CentreOne of the good things about living in a university city is the sports facilities that go hand-in-hand with a...
Hibiki
Liverpool City CentreHibiki's website encourages you to "feed your soul" and "celebrate your senses" and, if it's authentic Japanese cuisine specialising in...
Shoryu Ramen
Manchester City CentreShoryu Ramen is the first branch of the mini London chain to leave the capital. It’s located in Piccadilly Gardens...
Cotton Neptune Mill
PiccadillyAdd this to your list of places to meet near Piccadilly Station – then make sure you've got Google Maps...
Yuzu
Chinatown (Manchester)Yuzu is a neighbourhood-style Japanese restaurant offering refreshingly uncomplicated dishes served in Zen-like surroundings. You won’t find a conveyor belt...
JD Gyms Liverpool City Centre
Business District (Liverpool)The Dale Street JD Gym, or JD Gyms Liverpool City Centre as it's officially called, is a hit with younger...
HOP Vietnamese Trafford Centre
Trafford ParkHOP Vietnamese Trafford Centre is part of a small chain of quick, cheap South East Asian restaurants where fast food...
Sushi Haus
MarpleSushi Haus along busy Stockport Road in Marple is a small and cosy restaurant that specialises in sushi and sashimi...
Salford Lads Club
SalfordBoxing has been taught at Salford Lads Club since it opened back in 1903. The founders, the Groves brothers, wanted...
Manahatta Manchester
Manchester City CentreManahatta is a New York-inspired cocktail bar on Deansgate. It’s well known for its party atmosphere, great drinks and bottomless...
Paws Yoga
CastlefieldTwo things that are guaranteed to release endorphins: puppies and yoga. Paws Yoga combines the two, and was the first...
Nordie Bar
LevenshulmeNordie Bar is a dog-friendly neighbourhood bar with a focus on coffee, craft beer and cocktails.
Banh Mi Co Ba
Oxford RoadBanh Mi Co Ba looks unassuming on the outside and, to be honest, even more unassuming on the inside. But...
Tampopo Trafford Centre
TraffordOne of the better eating options in the sprawling domed food court hell that is The Orient is Tampopo Trafford...
Groobarb’s Wild Farm & Field Kitchen
KnutsfordGroobarbs Wild Farm & Field Kitchen comes from the brains behind Groobox; a Cheshire-based fruit and veg delivery box service....
Yum Cha
Lark Lane'Dim sum, roast meats and big plates' promises both Yum Cha's website and the restaurant awning but there are small...
Castlefield Viaduct
CastlefieldCastlefield Viaduct is the National Trust’s newest opening in the region - and it's a bit of a departure from...
Lily’s Indian Vegetarian Cuisine
Ashton-under-LyneLily's Indian Vegetarian Cuisine is an unassuming restaurant in Ashton-under-Lyne that happens to serve some of the best South Indian...
Souvla Allerton Road
Mossley HillFormerly known as Grilla, Souvla is known for its cool Scandinavian interior and menu of rustic, hearty, continent-spanning food.
Federation Gym
Northern QuarterIf bodybuilding, powerlifting or Olympic weightlifting are your thing, there’s a new gym in the Northern Quarter that you’ll want...
Kontrast
Cheetham HillHidden underneath the railway arches between Red Bank and Dantzic Street, Kontrast sauna and ice bath cafe isn't in the...
Manchester Aquatics Centre
Oxford RoadManchester Aquatics Centre is open once again, following an 18-month closure for an extensive refurbishment and upgrade. The new centre...
Anatolian Grill
PrestwichThis modern Turkish restaurant and wine bar promises "a rich tapestry of tastes", and the selection of hot and cold...
Jarern Street Food
BoltonJarern is a Thai word meaning prosper or grow, and this tiny place has one huge menu. The home of...
Ca Phe Viet
AncoatsServing up Vietnamese coffee in the traditional and modern way, freshly filled banh mi baguettes plus bowls of aromatic and hearty...
My Thai Manchester Northern Quarter
Northern QuarterThe clue's in the name and My Thai serves up dishes inspired by the street food markets of Bangkok –...
The Bistro at Blackburne House
Nestled in the basement of a beautiful Grade II-listed building in the Georgian Quarter, The Bistro at Blackburne House is...
The Kitchen
BoltonA family-run restaurant specialising in Greek street food, The Kitchen is a Westhaughton favourite thanks to the enthusiasm of the...
Blue Sakura
LeedsResplendent in the sakura cherry blossoms of its name (albeit faux flora), Blue Sakura brings "Asian-inspired magic" to Leeds via...
Anar Turkish BBQ Restaurant
The clue is in the name, really, and Anar draws on the vast repertoire of the Mediterranean-meets-Middle Eastern cuisine of...