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
Manchester City CentreOn the Hush is a popular Northern Quarter cafe bar, winning awards for its bottomless brunch. Loyal customers and visitors...
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...
Brysk
DeansgateBrysk is a new, family-run wellness studio off St Ann’s Square that offers high-tech recovery treatments in a calm and...
Le Viet Social
Baltic TriangleLe Viet Social is an independent Vietnamese restaurant serving up dishes that stay true to its roots. Think vibrant street...
Vesuvio
WorsleyOwned and managed by Giuseppe Lombardo from Naples, Vesuvio brings the flavours, techniques and passion of Southern Italian cooking to...
Zen Sushiya
WithingtonZen Sushiya is a delightful Japanese restaurant specialising in sushi. It’s a charming place, with helpful staff dressed in traditional...
Kambuja
MarpleMany of us are familiar with the vibrant cuisines of Vietnam and Thailand but Cambodian, or Khmer, food is still...
Bruncho
DeansgateBruncho is a relaxed brunch spot on Deansgate focusing on Turkish specialities. The food is healthy and satisfying with a...
Inflata Nation Manchester
Trafford ParkThis indoor inflatable playground is an excellent way to tire out hyperactive kids on a rainy day and for that...
Yum Cha Manchester
Manchester City Centre"Dim sum, roast meats and big plates" promises purpose-built Kampus gaff Yum Cha's bespoke Insta-friendly neon sign – but there...
Sale Harriers
SaleSale Harriers is one of Greater Manchester's biggest and oldest athletics clubs. It has been running, quite literally, for over...
Sushi Haus
MarpleSushi Haus along busy Stockport Road in Marple is a small and cosy restaurant that specialises in sushi and sashimi...
Juniper Bramhall
BramhallJuniper Bramhall has a well-deserved reputation for excellent coffee: a blend of sweet Brazilian arabicas, soft and fruity Latin American...
Barbakan Deli
ChorltonBarbakan is an institution. It has been selling Polish and European breads and other baked goods for over 50 years...
The Farm Club
PickmereThe Farm Club started life as a triathlon training centre before it expanded into offering a wider wellness experience. Situated...
Wild Shore Delamere
DelamereIf you've never known the joy of flying over a lake on a rope swing and daring yourself to let...
Salford Lads Club
SalfordBoxing has been taught at Salford Lads Club since it opened back in 1903. The founders, the Groves brothers, wanted...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
ELEV8 Performance Gym
WaterfrontJust down the road from the Titanic Hotel and the Tobacco Warehouse, you’ll find ELEV8 Performance Gym. Established in 2023,...
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...
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...
FWD Manchester
Manchester City CentreWant to give Wim Hof style cold water immersion a try but without leaving Manchester city centre? Head to the...
Wagamama Trafford Centre
Trafford ParkWagamama Trafford Centre is justly popular for its Japanese staples. In fact, Wagamama is popular all over the UK. Almost...
OWS Lake Burwain
FoulridgeOWS Burwain Lake offers wild swimming with the edges removed. You still get the stunning scenery and bracing cold water...
The Counter House
AncoatsGut-cleansing spirulina juices, turmeric scented Buddha bowls and raw vegan cookies, The Counter House menu reads like a dream list...
Prashad
BradfordPrashad is a Gordon Ramsay-rated thrill for anyone craving Gujarati vegetarian food. Since starring on Ramsay's Best Restaurant show, the...
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 –...
Treehouse Café
BroughtonSalford independent the Treehouse Cafe is the sort of picture-perfect coffee house you frequently see on Instagram but rarely stumble...
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...
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...
Indian Tiffin Room Cheadle
CheadleIndian Tiffin Room Cheadle was one of the first local places to step away from the typical menu of the...
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...
Comptoir Libanais
Manchester City CentreComptoir Libanais serves up the bold flavours of Lebanon, its fresh and healthy plates providing much to tempt those following...
Bondi Bowls
Gay VillageIf you're at Piccadilly Station wondering where you can get something nutritious and fresh to take on your train journey,...
Oystercatcher
Chorlton'Doing lots of little things right' is a definition of perfection. And Oystercatcher - a simple seafood restaurant in Chorlton...
Tampopo Trafford Centre
TraffordOne of the better eating options in the sprawling domed food court hell that is The Orient is Tampopo Trafford...
Federal Circle Square
Manchester City CentreFederal Cafe Bar in Circle Square on Oxford Road, Manchester is a must-visit for brunch lovers. With a focus on...
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...
Carden Park
ChesterCarden Park is one of the North West’s ultimate spa destinations. This place has won award after award, and deservedly...
Piqniq
DidsburyPiqniq is bound to be bread and shoulders ahead of other sandwich purveyors - it’s the newest venture from La...
KBK
Manchester City CentreKBK takes clean eating to the next level with quality ingredients and food that is anything but bland. It means...
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...
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...
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...
Blakemere Village
NorthwichBlakemere Village is the Cheshire one-stop for shopping, outdoor activities and family-friendly events.
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...
Othello’s
GateacreOthello’s Greek Restaurant is a local favourite thanks to its reliable Mediterranean food and quick-smart, smiley service.
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...
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...
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...
Federal Manchester NQ
Manchester City CentreKeeping the Northern Quarter fed and watered since 2014, the first Federal is a daytime destination a stone's throw from...
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...
Defne Turkish BBQ Restaurant
ChildwallUsing the freshest veg and juiciest meats and fish, plenty of aromatic herbs and regional spices, the food of Turkey...
Blanchflower
Altrincham'Create, don't curate' is Blanchflower's motto and to that end, much of their produce is made in-house.
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...
Castlefield Viaduct
Manchester City CentreCastlefield Viaduct is the National Trust’s newest opening in the region - and it's a bit of a departure from...
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...
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...
Zumuku Sushi Bolton
BoltonWe heart sushi and mini-chain Zumuku Sushi serves up our favourite finger food with authentic flavours and flourishes, and even...
Chatsworth
BaslowThe classic vista of the grand 17th century house overlooking the River Derwent is the most famous image of Chatsworth,...
Chorlton Runners
ChorltonLooking like a swarm of bees in their black and gold running vests, the Chorlton Runners are always well-represented 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...
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...
Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa
KeswickLodore Falls Hotel & Spa is in one of the most idyllic locations in the whole of the Lake District....
TribeGaia Conscious Events
Manchester City Centre
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...
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...
Zip World Manchester
PrestwichIf you're looking for a fun way to get outside and get active, try Zip World Manchester at Heaton Park....
The Green
BollingtonThe Green is a cute and cosy little cafe in Bollington. This may be Cheshire not Scandinavia, but it exudes...
ManCoCo
Manchester City CentreManCoCo sits in the railway arches on Hewitt Street between HOME Arts Centre and the Castlefield Gallery. It's not the...
Pho Cue
Manchester City Centre"The food speaks for itself," says Cue Tran, owner of the Pho Cue Vietnamese kitchen, whose aim is to take...
Snake Woodlands
Peak DistrictNot far after the road descends from the summit of the Snake Pass (the road between Glossop and Sheffield), you'll...
Sushi Bar HanaMatsuri
LeedsSushi Bar HanaMatsuri is a small Japanese restaurant serving authentic sushi, bento and other Japanese delicacies, to create a fine-dining...
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...
Graystone
SalfordGraystone is Salford’s action-packed home of high-adrenaline sports. Skateboarding is the big deal here. Practise on all sorts of drops,...
Al Dente
Lark LaneAl Dente is a Mediterranean restaurant with an extensive, far-reaching menu that just about makes sense when you consider the...
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...
Pomegranate
Liverpool City CentreHeading into Pomegranate, an independent cafe on Old Hall Street, you’re met with bright neon signs, leafy wallpaper and reams...
Yuzu
Manchester City CentreYuzu is a neighbourhood-style Japanese restaurant offering refreshingly uncomplicated dishes served in Zen-like surroundings. You won’t find a conveyor belt...
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...
Etherow Country Park
RomileyIf you want a woodland walk complete with den-making, wildlife, picnic spots, and beautiful views, Etherow Country Park on the...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Viet Guy Northenden
NorthendenFans of Vietnamese food are advised to travel to Northenden to check out local favourite Viet Guy. This family-run independent...
Caravan Manchester
Manchester City CentreCaravan Manchester is a 2024 opening from a small London chain started by three New Zealanders who settled in the...
Kontrast
Green QuarterHidden underneath the railway arches between Red Bank and Dantzic Street, Kontrast sauna and ice bath cafe isn't in the...
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...
Souvla Allerton Road
Mossley HillFormerly known as Grilla, Souvla is known for its cool Scandinavian interior and menu of rustic, hearty, continent-spanning food.
Darbar
ManchesterFrom pomegranate and pistachio to saffron and barberries, the authentic flavours of Persian cuisine are promised at this family-run restaurant,...
Annyeong
Manchester City CentreYou know Annyeong is a proper Korean restaurant because the menu is full of dishes you’ve never heard of and...
The Pelican Centre
TyldesleyWhen Wigan Council announced it could no longer fund the leisure centre and pool in Tyldesley, local people took matters...
National Cycling Centre
BeswickThe National Cycling Centre is the home of bike brilliance with elite competitors zooming round the velodrome. It was the...
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...
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...
Zena Restaurant
DidsburyIf you fancy a taste of one of the oldest and healthiest cuisines in the world, head to the family-owned...
DryWave
Manchester City CentreThis registered charity works on a number of projects related to sober and drug-free living, including the massive DryWave sober...
Nordie Bar
LevenshulmeNordie Bar is a dog-friendly neighbourhood bar with a focus on coffee, craft beer and cocktails.
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,...
Ezra & Gil Hilton Street
Northern QuarterIf you want to experience Northern Quarter cafe culture in its purest form, head to Ezra & Gil Hilton Street,...
Juniper Hale
HaleJuniper Hale is known for its excellent coffee which you can also buy online to enjoy at home. If you’re...
Katsouris
Manchester City CentreKatsouris is an institution, having sat in its imposing Gothic-style building on the corner of Deansgate and John Dalton Street...
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...
Warton Crag
CarnforthFor expansive views of Morecambe Bay and up-close sightings of wildflowers and rare butterflies, head to Warton Crag Nature Reserve,...
Manchester Academy of Gymnastics
SalfordManchester Academy of Gymnastics offers gymnastics to adults and children, boxing for anyone over ten, and parkour.
Kickair
Green QuarterKickair, an “indoor freestyle park” behind Victoria Station, is the kind of place that fills kids (and big kids) with...
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...
Teppanyaki Chinatown
Manchester City CentreOne of the longest-standing Japanese restaurants in Manchester, if not the North West, is Teppanyaki Chinatown. It’s been here since...
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...
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...
Cowshed
RopewalksIf you don't like being told what to do, then Cowshed is probably not for you. The self-described beefhouse (as...
Federal Manchester Deansgate
Manchester City CentreAfter keeping the Northern Quarter fed and watered since 2014, Federal claimed another foothole, this time on Deansgate. Dishing up...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Planet Ice
AltrinchamYou may know this venue best as Altrincham Ice Dome but it’s now run by Planet Ice and offers relaxed...
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...
Pho Liverpool
RopewalksThere are many arguments you could make against Pho Liverpool. It’s a chain restaurant on a street known for its...
Rococo Coffee House
Cavern QuarterRococo is an independent coffee house slap bang in the centre of town, occupying two upstairs floors of a historic...
Alderford Lake
WhitchurchAlderford Lake is the perfect day out all year round. It’s an idyllic location but you won’t be able to...
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...
Istanbul BBQ & Bistro Allerton
AllertonFollowing in the footsteps of the Woolton Village branch of Istanbul, the restaurant on the vibrant Allerton Road has 70...
Crew42
Princes DockThis gym on an industrial estate near Princes Dock doesn’t look like much from the outside but there’s a lot...
Bold Street Coffee
RopewalksOpen since 2010, BSC is something of an institution and the place to go if you're in need of caffeine...
Zumuku Sushi Didsbury
DidsburyWe heart sushi and mini-chain Zumuku Sushi serves up our favourite finger food with authentic flavours and flourishes, and even...
Neighbourhood Bistro and Bar
ChildwallTicking all the boxes for brekkie and brunch in South Liverpool is Neighbourhood Bistro and Bar on Woolton Road.
Bundobust Leeds
LeedsBundobust Leeds is a veggie Bollywood blockbuster, best known for its small plates and beer.
Swim Liverpool
Princes DockSwim Liverpool at Princes Dock is the Liverpudlian base of We Swim Run, the team behind various races, courses and...
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...
Yara Cheadle
CheadleLebanese and Syrian restaurant Yara is not alone with its Cheadle outpost – equally popular branches can be sniffed out...
Mayfield Park
PiccadillyIt’s no secret that Manchester city centre is short on decent parks. The opening of Mayfield Park in September 2022 goes...
FIX MCR
Northern QuarterLocated in the NQ, FIX MCR is a sauna and ice bath club with a seven-day schedule of guided and...
Tatton Park
KnutsfordTatton Park is a historic estate on the edge of Knutsford, home to an opulent neo-classical mansion, landscaped gardens, woodland,...
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....
Paws Yoga
CastlefieldTwo things that are guaranteed to release endorphins: puppies and yoga. Paws Yoga combines the two, and was the first...
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...
The Kitchen
BoltonA family-run restaurant specialising in Greek street food, The Kitchen is a Westhaughton favourite thanks to the enthusiasm of the...
Ca Phe Viet
AncoatsServing up Vietnamese coffee in the traditional and modern way, freshly filled banh mi baguettes plus bowls of aromatic and hearty...
Anatolian Grill
PrestwichThis modern Turkish restaurant and wine bar promises "a rich tapestry of tastes", and the selection of hot and cold...
Blue Sakura
LeedsResplendent in the sakura cherry blossoms of its name (albeit faux flora), Blue Sakura brings "Asian-inspired magic" to Leeds via...
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 –...
Jarern Street Food
BoltonJarern is a Thai word meaning prosper or grow, and this tiny place has one huge menu. The home of...
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...
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...