Susie Stubbs

Kro Bar, Manchester is an independent pub and music venue housed (somewhat ironically) in the former Temperance Society building.

This wood-panelled former science library – part of a cluster of neo-Gothic buildings designed for the University of Manchester by Alfred Waterhouse (he of Manchester Town Hall and London’s Natural History Museum fame) – has a wonderfully bookish interior that turns lunch into something of an event.

This 18-acre park opposite the Manchester Royal Infirmary provides a welcome patch of green in an otherwise densely populated and heavily used part of the city.

Buffeted by fried chicken outlets, legendary musical instrument emporium Johnny Roadhouse has been serving the local music community for over 50 years.

The Booths branch at Media City, Salford Quays is much appreciated by TV, radio and media executives who work in the area.

The Lowry Outlet Mall in The Quays district of Manchester sits opposite both The Lowry and MediaCityUK, Europe’s largest media hub and the home of BBC North.

This cultural hub, just off Chapel Street in Salford, offers great real ale and cheap, hearty pub food

Was once pub dining at its very best. Modern British, locally inspired and sourced by acclaimed chef Robert Owen Brown.

Corridor Bar in Manchester is a not-so-secret drinking den that has some serious mixology going on behind its unmarked door

A Salford stalwart, this pub’s architecture and long-serving listing in the Camra Good Beer Guide meaning it’s much more than simply a student dive

A small but historically important church that was apparently the first church in Salford

One of Salford’s finest churches and also, unusually, a live music venue