News
Skof scoops Michelin Star in stunning victory for Manchester
SO DESERVED.
Skof has taken home a Michelin Star less than a year after opening in a landmark moment for Manchester.
The restaurant, which only opened in May last year, has been awarded its first Michelin Star tonight in a glittering ceremony hosted in Glasgow.
It’s a huge triumph for Manchester, which only had one Michelin Star before tonight, held by Mana in Ancoats.
Prior to Mana, the city had famously not had a star for more than 40 years.
The prestigious award for Skof has been presented to chef Tom Barnes, former L’Enclume executive chef.
Skof lies under Simon Rogan’s UMBEL restaurant group umbrella, and opened last year in an old textile warehouse just a short stroll from Manchester Victoria.
Skof was added to the Michelin Guide last August, where judges wrote: “Located in an old textile warehouse, this restaurant from former L’Enclume Executive Chef Tom Barnes gives a nod to Manchester’s industrial heritage with its exposed brickwork and girders.
“The cooking skilfully blends measured international flavours with those from the restaurant’s doorstep; for dessert, you’re just as likely to get amakase sorbet as you are Manchester honey ice cream.
“The meal ends with a scoop of “Barney’s Tiramisu”, touchingly inspired by Tom’s late father.
“A relaxed atmosphere is encouraged, with the chef’s hand-picked playlist and the chattering diners combining for a brilliant buzz.”
This is a breaking news story – more to follow.
Read more: All the Greater Manchester restaurants included in the Michelin Guide
Featured image: Cristian Barnett
News
Murder investigation launched after 84-year-old man is found dead in his Prestwich home
Emily Sergeant
A murder investigation has been launched after an 84-year-old man was found dead in Prestwich.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that detectives from its Major Incident Team sadly discovered the elderly man at his home address in the Bury town of Prestwich last Thursday (13 March 2025).
After initial enquiries and a post-mortem following the death, police the injuries he sustained were deemed to be ‘suspicious’.
With investigations ongoing at pace, earlier this week (Tuesday 18 March 2025) at around 7pm, a 70-year-old woman, who was said to be known to the victim, was arrested on suspicion of murder at Butterstile Lane in Prestwich.
The woman is currently in police custody.
“We understand the concern this news will raise within Bury that we have launched a murder investigation,” commented Detective Inspector Alex Wilkinson, from GMP’s Major Incident Team.
“But I would like to reassure the local community our initial enquiries suggest it is a contained incident with no wider threat to the public.
“As part of our investigation, we must follow strict procedure and ensure we obtain as much evidence as possible to understand more what happened, which has sadly led to an elderly man losing their life.”
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In the meantime, while investigations progress, anyone with any information is asked to call 101 direct, quoting incident 1771 of 13/03/2025.
Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Tribute paid to husband and wife whose car plunged into Greater Manchester reservoir
Daisy Jackson
The couple who died after their car plunged into a reservoir in Greater Manchester have been named, as their family pays tribute.
John and Marilyn Saxon, both 78, were pulled from the water at Crook Gate Reservoir in Saddleworth last weekend.
Emergency services had been called to reports of a collision on Huddersfield Road, with one vehicle entering the reservoir.
The collision occurred shortly after 10am on Saturday 15 March.
Tragically, both John and Marilyn died in the incident.
Their family said: “The family of John and Marilyn want to pay tribute to a kind, caring and generous husband and wife who sadly passed away following an incident at the reservoir on Saturday.
“The family ask for privacy during this difficult time.”
Greater Manchester Police are investigating the incident and into how the vehicle entered the water.
A statement released last weekend said: “At around 10.10am Saturday 15 March 2025, we were called to reports of a road traffic collision at Crook Gate Reservoir on Huddersfield Road in Denshaw.
“Officers attended the scene and following investigations, it is believed that a vehicle has entered the Reservoir.
“Sadly, the bodies of a man and a woman in their 70s were recovered. Their next of kin have been contacted and are being supported by specialist officers.
“A scene remains in place and an investigation is continuing in relation to how the vehicle ended up in the body of water. The family ask for privacy at this time.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to contact police via 101 or gmp.police.uk, quoting log 851 of 15/03/25.
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Featured image: Google Maps
