Manchester wins second Michelin Star in historic night

Skof has been awarded the city’s latest Michelin star at tonight’s prestigious ceremony in Glasgow.

Despite opening less than a year ago, the restaurant has already made an indelible mark, earning widespread acclaim for its bold yet refined approach to fine dining.

Housed in the historic Hanover building in NOMA—a former drapery warehouse dating back to 1904—Skof blends heritage with innovation. Since its debut last spring, the restaurant has quickly become one of the most talked-about dining destinations in the city.

At the helm is Tom Barnes, a rising star in British gastronomy. A former protégé of Simon Rogan and ex-head chef of the three-Michelin-starred L’Enclume, Barnes has crafted a menu that celebrates precision, creativity, and exceptional ingredients. His vision has propelled Skof to elite status, with critics and diners alike praising its artistry.

With this accolade, Skof becomes only the second Manchester restaurant to hold a Michelin star, joining Mana in Ancoats. Its success marks an exciting new chapter for the city’s ever-evolving culinary landscape.

Michelin starred Skof

Yet, in less than a year, it has managed to become a huge hitter on Manchester’s culinary map, cementing Barnes’ reputation as one of the country’s most exciting chefs.

It was almost instantly added to the prestigious Michelin Guide last summer.

Here’s what judges had to say about it:  “Located in an old textile warehouse, this restaurant from former L’Enclume Executive Chef Tom Barnes gives a nod to Manchester’s industrial heritage with its exposed brickwork and girders.

How do you win a Michelin Star?

Winning a Michelin star is no easy feat. The coveted award is reserved for restaurants that demonstrate exceptional cooking, high-quality ingredients, and a unique culinary identity.

Michelin inspectors look for consistency, technical mastery, creativity, and an experience that sets a restaurant apart. Skof’s success comes as no surprise, given Barnes’ extensive experience working at some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants over the past two decades.

Speaking about the philosophy behind Skof, the restaurant’s website states that it ‘prioritises quality over seriousness, enjoyment over fanciness,’ and embraces a more relaxed, welcoming atmosphere—doing away with formal dress codes and traditional fine-dining stiffness.

How much does a meal at Skof cost?

Diners at Skof can choose from a range of tasting menus, with prices starting at £50 per person for a four-course lunch. The restaurant’s more extensive tasting experiences include a 12-course menu for £120 per person and a 15-course menu priced at £165 per person.

Skof’s approach to fine dining blends precision and innovation while ensuring that food remains approachable and, above all, enjoyable.

Last month, the restaurant was also named Newcomer of the Year at the 2025 Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards, proving that its impact on the city’s dining scene has been both immediate and significant.

Manchester’s Michelin stars

Until now, Manchester’s only Michelin-starred restaurant was Mana, which received its star in 2019. Skof’s achievement signals a growing recognition of the city’s culinary excellence, marking an exciting chapter for local food lovers and industry professionals alike.

Before opening Skof, Barnes expressed his desire to create a restaurant that delivers an incredible experience built around high-quality ingredients and, most importantly, puts a smile on people’s faces. With a Michelin star now under his belt, it’s clear that he has more than achieved that goal.

For those eager to experience Skof’s award-winning dishes, reservations can be made by clicking here