Skof, Manchester

Fileturn was commissioned to create Skof - Tom Barnes’s first restaurant in Manchester’s NOMA district.

Skof is as down-to-earth as its chef. The building is a former drapery warehouse that wears its Edwardian industrial heritage with pride. Blacksheep’s design revels in the simplicity of bare brick, terracotta tiles, and natural light.

Works began with an empty unit where the original brickwork was on show so it was cleaned and sealed. Another original feature was the glazed wall tiles which were left untouched.

New floor finishes were installed, including tiles, oak flooring and resin in the kitchen. Then full M&E, new WCs, new kitchen and decorations throughout.

The paired-back look is both soft and hard-edged, a blend of urban and natural. In this easy going space, it’s all about the ambition of the food and the skills on display in the centrepiece kitchen.

Skof is warm and welcoming – a showcase for big flavours and unpretentious dining.