Chef, Roux Scholar and Simon Rogan alumnus Tom Barnes has confirmed he will open his first restaurant in Manchester in spring 2024.
Skof will open as a 36-cover restaurant in the NOMA neighbourhood based in Manchester city centre, aiming to create an unpretentious but ambitious dining experience. Tom, recognised as one of the most talented young chefs in the country, is known for developing simple menus defined by flavour and skilful techniques with a particular focus on local ingredients.
The acclaimed chef spent 12 years with Simon Rogan at UMBEL Restaurants as head chef at Rogan & Co. when it received a Michelin star before working as the executive chef at L’Enclume when it was awarded a coveted third star. Skof will form part of UMBEL Restaurants, where Tom and the team will support other chefs to establish their own restaurants and businesses.
He said: “I am so excited to be opening my first restaurant in Manchester. It feels like the right place for me. The food scene is changing so frequently, and everyone I’ve met has been incredibly welcoming. Growing up in Barrow-in-Furness, I knew I wouldn’t want to be too far from my childhood home and my family, so it’s the perfect place.
I am so grateful for Simon’s support, and I plan on utilising all the skills that he has taught me over the many years that we have worked together. I’m so happy with what we have achieved and look forward to this new chapter.”
Tom will work closely with the team at Our Farm, Simon’s regenerative farm in the Cartmel Valley, and receive deliveries from The Lakes, utilising fresh local ingredients and reducing environmental impact.
Simon Rogan said: “It’s moments like these that make me so happy, and it’s so special to be able to help a chef who has worked with me for so long go on to realise his dreams. I’m so proud of Tom and everything he has accomplished. We’ve been working towards this moment for a while now, and I can’t wait for him to be able to show the world what he can do. He is a seriously talented chef, so I know Skof is going to be amazing!”
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