Since opening in May 2024, Skof — the debut restaurant from acclaimed chef Tom Barnes — has quickly become one of the UK’s most celebrated dining destinations. Located in Manchester, Skof earned a Michelin star within nine months, alongside multiple national awards. Behind the scenes, Rational’s iVario and iCombi Pro cooking systems have played a vital role in supporting the restaurant’s success.

“I first used iVario at L’Enclume. It was just so handy for us and what we do in the kitchen — it makes our life so much easier,” says Barnes. “So when we opened Skof, that was one of the top things on my list that I really wanted to bring into the kitchen.”

The iVario is used daily for stocks, sauces, and sautéing, with its pressure cooking capabilities significantly improving yield and efficiency. “When we cook a stock in the iVario, it only takes two hours under pressure. Before, we had to cook stocks in pans every night. Now we can make one batch for the week,” he explains. “It has been an absolute game changer for us — the consistency we get, the yield we get, and it’s just a far better product.”

Alongside the iVario, Skof’s kitchen runs two iCombi Pro ovens, which are in constant use from morning prep to evening service. “The iCombi’s are in use all day — roasting bones, vegetables, steaming, drying, proving bread. It’s amazing for the bread as well,” says Barnes.

Ease of use and reliability are key benefits. “If for whatever reason I wasn’t here, the standard would be exactly the same. The team know what they’ve got to do. And having the iCombi really helps with that.”

Both systems also support hygiene and sustainability goals. “We put them on clean every night. The next day we come in and they look brand new — beautiful, shiny inside,” he adds.

With Skof fully booked months in advance, Barnes credits Rational as a trusted partner in delivering excellence. “I wouldn’t think twice about putting Rational into the kitchen.”

We understand the importance of making informed decisions, especially when it comes to investing in innovative kitchen equipment. That’s why we’re thrilled to offer you the opportunity to trial the iVario, the game changer, for FREE for a full 6-week period prior to purchasing. www.rational-online.com/en_gb/lp/ivario-interest-ad/