Tom Barnes, the Roux Scholar and acclaimed chef from Barrow-in-Furness, is preparing to open his first solo venture, Skof, in the NOMA district of Manchester city centre. The 36-cover eatery, located within the historic Hanover building, will showcase Barnes’ vision to create an ‘unpretentious yet ambitious’ dining experience in the North of England.
Barnes, who has spent the last 12 years honing his craft alongside renowned chef Simon Rogan at UMBEL Restaurants, including as head chef at Michelin-starred Rogan & Co and executive chef at L’Enclume, is excited to bring his culinary expertise to Skof.
The restaurant’s menu will feature seasonal and local ingredients, with Barnes continuing to work closely with the team of growers at Our Farm, Simon Rogan’s regenerative farm in the Cartmel Valley, as well as Cinderwood Market Garden in Nantwich and Lake District Farmers.
Alongside his restaurant manager Sean Oakford and assistant restaurant manager Max Lawrence, both ex-L’Enclume, Tom has created a range of drink options to accompany the menu, including alcohol-free or mixed-alcohol pairings, or matching wines spotlighting small-scale producers.
The interiors of Skof, designed by London-based studio Blacksheep, will reference both Tom’s upbringing in the Lakes versus his new home in Manchester whilst also reflecting the building’s character versus the city’s industrial history. The restaurant will be bathed in natural light, which combines carefully restored original features with a refined, modern edge.
Reservations for Skof are now open up to September 14th and are expected to go fast.
