I love nothing more than gathering together a big group of friends and heading to The Almanack in Leicester’s Highcross. My ultimate modern gastro pub, the whole feel of the place is very stylish and cool, but without the attitude that it usually associated with such places. It is somewhere you just instantly feel at home.

The bar area is full of amazing vintage 60s and 70s furniture that you can lounge around on and enjoy a drink, and the equally impressively furnish dining area is full of vintage tables and chairs and overlooks the open kitchen, so you can see the chefs at work preparing your amazing food.

The food itself is consistently excellent. The menu changes regularly to incorporate seasonal produce, and the food is all freshly cooked for you. The deli boards are great to share as a starter, and the Roast of the Day is always really tasty – no matter what day of the week.

The Almanack prides itself on the service, and that really shows. I have a thing about good customer service which is probably why I love the place so much – I am always made to feel really special when I visit. They are always more than happy to let you breathe after the meal and order more coffee and drinks.

They also put on some great events and offers, such as the monthly jazz and pudding clubs, and if you pop in for your morning coffee on the way to work, you get free toast with it!

Photo courtesy of The Almanack