Almanac

Almanac opened in summer 2025 and has early signs of building the same enviable reputation as chef-owner Luke Payne’s nearby success story, The Packhorse. But while the Packhorse is a country pub complete with roaring fires and Sunday roasts, Almanac is a sleek restaurant which takes its style inspiration from classic New York meets New Orleans brasseries, and its culinary notes from historical British food writers Mrs Beeton and Elizabeth David. The two influences give it a post-war, 1950s feel – in the decor, drinks and menus.

When I spoke to Luke, he described Almanac as a celebration of British heritage food and named small plates such as mince on dripping toast, and ‘orbs of joy’ (small sweet onions cooked low and slow in a rich chicken stock) as unofficial signature dishes. He wants the menu to be flexible so that it’s accessible to everyone who wanders in; you can spend £100 or £15 and still leave satisfied.

Accolades received so far include a rave review in the Sunday Times, a ‘Very Good’ rating in the Good Food Guide, and inclusion in the Michelin Guide.

Drinks at Almanac

The cocktail list is where the US influences come out. There’s an absinthe fountain on the bar, a brown butter old fashioned on the menu, and some beautiful glassware ready to be filled with small batch spirits. The wine list is notable and has an extensive ‘by the glass’ selection perfect for those who want to explore the collection.

If you’re not ready to start on the hard stuff, you can also stop by for coffee from local blenders Peak Bean. And if you get tempted by a slice of Almanac’s daily-baked custard tart, it wouldn’t be such a disaster, would it?