Acclaimed Manchester restaurant awarded Michelin Star within first year of opening

Manchester’s long wait for its second Michelin Star is finally over, with Skof earning the prestigious accolade at tonight’s ceremony in Glasgow.

The restaurant, which is the first solo project from acclaimed chef Tom Barnes, opened its doors in the historic Hanover building, a former drapery warehouse built by the Co-operative Wholesale Society in 1904, just last spring.

Prior to Skof’s opening, Barnes had spent two decades working at some of the world’s best restaurants and most renowned chefs.

Explaining the inspiration for Skof, the restaurant’s website says it ‘prioritises quality over seriousness, enjoyment over fanciness,’ and that there are no dress codes as it seeks to create a more casual environment.

How much does a meal at Skof cost?

Skof’s prices range from £50pp for a four-course lunch menu, through to £120pp and £165pp for 12-course and 15-course menus.

Last month, Skof was also named Newcomer of the Year at the 2025 Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards. Now, it has followed in the footsteps of Mana, which had been Manchester’s only Michelin-starred restaurant after gaining its star back in 2019.

Speaking about the win, Barnes said: “The idea of building something that people love and that celebrates this industry was the fire inside that pushed me to try again when something didn’t work or to tweak a dish to see if an even better version could be achieved.

“This determination of mine wouldn’t have got me very far if it wasn’t shared by my team. Words will not be enough to show my thanks for their ambition, hard work and above all, skill. Every single one of them is vital to the success of Skof and every accomplishment is theirs to claim.

“The encouragement from our guests and supporters has given us hope to keep going through a very long build and has made us smile countless times. You’ve brought so much joy into our restaurant and without you it wouldn’t be the same.”

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