Skof a restaurant by Tom Barnes

We celebrated my birthday with a lunch at Skof in Manchester, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel so welcome — they were warm, friendly, and incredibly attentive throughout our visit. One thing we especially appreciated was how kindly they accommodated our 9-year-old son, allowing him to join us for the meal. He was treated with the same care and respect as every adult guest, which truly made the day feel even more special. The food was exceptional, with every dish beautifully presented and full of amazing flavours. The whole experience felt thoughtful, relaxed, and celebratory — exactly what we hoped for on such an important occasion. Skof made my birthday one to remember, and we can’t wait to return. Highly recommended!

Absolutely incredible food! We got the 4 course lunch for £55, which is unbelievable value for money considering the quality of the food and the fact that it's a Michelin Starred restaurant. Everything was perfect, and they were able to cater for a guest with lactose intolerance. Reservations need to be made quite far in advance though.

The best food experience of 2025 or any year really, and means even more that it’s in Manchester. Astonishing evening on NYE: Service to food to tiny details, I won’t give too many spoilers away about those details, but it’s pure perfection and in parts had me genuinely stunned by the levels they go to. Had to be rolled home we were so full, both stomachs and hearts. Unbelievable.

Amazing. Incredible selection of textures, temperatures and tastes. The 16 course that we went for is a real journey. Staff were fantastic, as you would expect from Michelin star fine dining. My wife has particular tastes which Skof were happy to work around in the menu. These were not allergies, just indulgences but were accommodated without fuss. Table bill for two x 16 course menu, 2 x no alcohol drinks flight, 2 x glass of wine was £500. Loved every minute of the 3.5 hours we were there.

Visited here for lunch on Saturday for my partner's birthday. I'd tried to get a reservation in June and there was no availability, I opted to go on the waiting list. Forgot all about it and then two days before got a call that there was availability I was delighted. We opted for the first tasting menu which was £120pp. Usually on a tasting menu there's the odd thing that isn't for me but this whole menu was incredible it was hard to choose a favourite. The miso custard was so unique and packed full of flavour, genuinely one of the best things we have tasted. The brioche loaf that came with the broth was also amazing. But again no favourite it was all so so good. All of the staff where so attentive and it was a lovely touch being able to sit at the pass to have the scallop course and chat to Tom. Thank you for the lovely personal touch too with the birthday card for my partner. We will definetly be back for the full tasting menu if we are lucky enough to get another reservation.

A Serious New Contender in Northern Fine Dining. Tucked away amongst some of Manchester’s coolest architecture—very Tribeca, New York—Skof is just a stone’s throw from Victoria Station, making it super accessible (especially handy if you’re planning to indulge in their excellent drinks offering, which we highly recommend). At the helm is Tom Barnes, and from the moment we sat down, it was clear he’s created something special. We opted for the full 16-course tasting menu, and it was a masterclass in precision, creativity, and balance. One particularly memorable moment was being invited to the kitchen pass mid-meal to be served by Tom himself—a brilliant touch that brought a personal connection. Our table tried both the mixed and soft drinks pairings, and both were exceptional in their own right. The mixed pairing cleverly balanced wine, beer, and juices, while the soft pairing—crafted entirely by the front-of-house team in a bit of friendly rivalry with the chefs—was equally thoughtful and well-matched. It’s this kind of playful, collaborative spirit that sets Skof apart. As for the food, the quality was consistently high. While a few courses didn’t quite reach the heights of others, the desserts were surprisingly the strongest section of the meal, and the snacks at the beginning were true standouts—so good, in fact, that we found ourselves wishing some were full-size dishes. If we had one small piece of feedback, it would be to serve the sauce for the duck separately next time, to preserve the crispiness of the skin. Service was next-level—easily in the 2- to 3-Michelin star realm. The staff were attentive, kind, and perceptive. I wasn’t feeling 100% on the day and they quietly clocked it, even bringing me a pot of green tea (gratis), which helped me rally. My mum is deaf in her left ear, and the team made a point to always approach and speak to her from the right-hand side—a thoughtful and hugely appreciated detail. The restaurant itself is stunning—spacious, beautifully designed, and cleverly laid out so service flows naturally without feeling crowded or rushed. There’s a clear sense of ease and confidence throughout the whole experience. All in all, Skof is a serious contender for one of the best fine dining restaurants in Manchester—if not the North of England. Tom Barnes proves he’s more than ready to lead with his own voice, and you can’t help but feel that Simon Rogan would be proud.

AMAZING! Wow- what a meal we had at Skof. Every dish- perfection. The staff were amazing, the place itself is stunning and the wine was gorgeous. Really hard to pick a favourite from so many dishes but the lobster roll, miso custard and the Manchester honey dishes were all at the top! Perfect wedding anniversary treat and one of the greatest culinary experiences of my life. 10/10- thank you team Skof

Skof does not need my review. What a phenomenal dining experience. The dishes were superb from a supremely talented chef. The waiting staff were all friendly and knowledgeable without exception. The atmosphere is open and relaxed, yet intimate and private. I wish this was the kind of place I could afford to eat at regularly. Well worth the scramble for a table, you will not be disappointed. Thank you to the team for making it an amazing night.