Sector: Leisure
Featured product: Bembridge Narrow Herringbone
Skof, located within Manchester’s historic Hanover Building in the NOMA estate, is a refined restaurant concept led by chef Tom Barnes and designed by London-based studio Blacksheep. Set within an Edwardian Baroque structure, the project centres on creating a warm, understated dining environment that respects the building’s architectural heritage while introducing a contemporary, design-led interior.
The brief focused on transforming an industrial shell into a space defined by simplicity, atmosphere, and material integrity. Blacksheep translated this vision into a 250-square-metre open-plan restaurant that balances exposed structural elements, such as steel beams and brickwork, with softer interventions including warm-toned banquettes and a restrained colour palette. The result is an interior that feels both grounded and elevated, supporting a dining experience built on precision and craft.
Flooring plays a central role in anchoring the scheme. Ted Todd’s Bembridge Narrow Herringbone was specified and installed in a block basket weave configuration, introducing subtle pattern and movement across the surface. This approach enhances the spatial rhythm without overwhelming the wider design, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on controlled material expression.
Functionally, the material selection responds to the demands of a high-performance hospitality environment. The engineered wood construction provides durability and longevity under sustained footfall, while contributing warmth, acoustic balance, and a sense of cohesion across the open-plan layout.
Since opening in June 2024, Skof has quickly established itself within Manchester’s culinary scene, earning a Michelin star and achieving sustained demand. The project demonstrates how carefully considered material specification, combined with a disciplined design narrative, can shape both the atmosphere and success of a hospitality space.
To read the full case study, click here.
Architect/designer: Blacksheep
Image credit: Blacksheep
