What’s the vibe?
Skof opened in May 2024 by chef Tom Barnes (of L’Enclume in Cumbria, Geranium in Copenhagen, and of BBC Two’s Great British Menu), promising ambitious but unpretentious dining in Manchester. Imagine a Cumbrian Michelin star restaurant, but swap whitewashed cottage chic for big city swagger: exposed brick, parquet flooring and super comfy leather seating. The tunes are good too.
The snacks alone have already had every food critic within a 200-mile radius getting all Wordsworth on our asses and to disagree would be childishly contrarian. From the unflappable, genuinely friendly staff to the impeccably sourced produce the whole experience is next level. Barnes has never worked anywhere without a Michelin star before, so let’s not tempt fate, but..
What are the prices like?
Dinner tasting menus are priced at £120 and £165 but there’s also a zippy four-course lunch deal at £50. A wine flight will set you back at least £80 and the botanical-driven non-alcoholic pairing is £40.
What should I order?
As is de rigueur with tasting menus, your choice is limited to just two options, so come with an open mind and an open wallet (or better yet, wait till your birthday). Funds allowing, we’d always advocate going for the whole shebang, especially since in this case, the longer, pricier menu currently features an unmissable lobster-based snack.
If, on the other hand, the ole cozzie livs is decimating your eating-out budget, there’s always the edited highlights of the four-course lunch. Either way, you’ll be chowing down on things like Sladesdown duck with wholemeal bread sauce while getting at least your five a day via produce from Rogan’s organic Our Farm – and that’s just in the cocktails.
What’s worth visiting nearby?
Pre-drinks in Cloudwater Brewery’s Sadler’s Cat directly opposite are a must for craft beer lovers. There’s also the stylish, spacious New Century around the corner if you want something a bit more glam but with a rich cultural history (Jimi Hendrix once played there, don’t you know?).
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