Best Local Restaurant

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Almanac

Derbyshire, Glossop - Modern British - Restaurant - £££

Model of a neighbourhood restaurant

Overall Rating: Very Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Very Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Very Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Very Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Very Good

Having made his name cooking at the Pack Horse pub in Hayfield, Luke Payne branched out with the launch of this new venture five miles down the road in Glossop – with help from an enthusiastic team who are ‘masters of creativity and hospitality’. Above a cosy bar, behind café curtains, a simple dining room serves umami-rich British dishes laced with thoughtfulness and great technique. Roscoff onions braised in velvety chicken broth until they are slippery and tender are colourfully described as ‘orbs of joy’. Another small(ish) plate of mutton merguez with pease pudding and chermoula is balanced as well as toweringly meaty, rich and spicy. Skate forestière, one of several generous main courses, is lifted by a touch of dashi in a herb-flecked mushroom sauce of compelling, spoonable richness. Seasonal colours and flavours also define desserts such as Eton mess or custard tart with rhubarb compôte. Wines align happily with the appeal of th...

Having made his name cooking at the Pack Horse pub in Hayfield, Luke Payne branched out with the launch of this new venture five miles down the road in Glossop – with help from an enthusiastic team who are ‘masters of creativity and hospitality’. Above a cosy bar, behind café curtains, a simple dining room serves umami-rich British dishes laced with thoughtfulness and great technique. Roscoff onions braised in velvety chicken broth until they are slippery and tender are colourfully described as ‘orbs of joy’. Another small(ish) plate of mutton merguez with pease pudding and chermoula is balanced as well as toweringly meaty, rich and spicy. Skate forestière, one of several generous main courses, is lifted by a touch of dashi in a herb-flecked mushroom sauce of compelling, spoonable richness. Seasonal colours and flavours also define desserts such as Eton mess or custard tart with rhubarb compôte. Wines align happily with the appeal of the food, making Almanac quite the package – at any price. ‘A hidden gem at the gateway to the Peak District.’

 

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P Sargeant

10 April 2026

A hidden gem on the gateway to the peak district. It's not just Luke Payne who has made this such a success of a restaurant, Gabs and the rest of the crew (front of house) and kitchen are masters of creativity and hospit...
A hidden gem on the gateway to the peak district. It's not just Luke Payne who has made this such a success of a restaurant, Gabs and the rest of the crew (front of house) and kitchen are masters of creativity and hospitality. The vibes here are extraordinary, the drinks perfectly crafted and the dishes just exquisite. Nobody does British mezze like Almanac and those in Glossop and the surrounding areas thank their lucky stars every day that we have such a diamond in our vicinity to enjoy. Long ...
A hidden gem on the gateway to the peak district. It's not just Luke Payne who has made this such a success of a restaurant, Gabs and the rest of the crew (front of house) and kitchen are masters of creativity and hospitality. The vibes here are extraordinary, the drinks perfectly crafted and the dishes just exquisite. Nobody does British mezze like Almanac and those in Glossop and the surrounding areas thank their lucky stars every day that we have such a diamond in our vicinity to enjoy. Long may Almanac prosper.
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H Tarling

18 March 2026

Almanac is a gem of a restaurant and is very much at the heart of the Glossop community. It partners with Metricks butchers a few doors down and is all about local, sustainable food that gives a fresh twist on some old pre-war classics. There is always a friendly welcome, and the staff can’t do enough to make you feel at home and give you a memorable experience, whether you’re drinking, dining, or both!

C Keem

16 March 2026

I love the relaxed calm feel of the whole restaurant, and the bar downstairs. It just feels 'right' being there, an indescribable feeling of being at home. The cocktails are great, the wine list is exceptional for a restaurant of its size and the ever changing menu is a fantastic showcase of British (and sometimes a little bit further away) food. There is serious value to be found here, which is rare in a place with such exceptional food and service. (also, the custard tart full stop).

B Fortune

15 March 2026

It is a quietly outstanding little gem. Each plate is obviously carefully considered but presented without fuss. The changing menu honours the seasons and local produce as well as regular offerings - mince of dripping to...
It is a quietly outstanding little gem. Each plate is obviously carefully considered but presented without fuss. The changing menu honours the seasons and local produce as well as regular offerings - mince of dripping toast as a perfect example - that sound simple but are anything but in flavour. The service is impeccable, matching the mood of the tables and pre-empting guests needs. And they served the best Manhattan I've ever had. I think about dishes I've had from Almanac a lot, and friends a...
It is a quietly outstanding little gem. Each plate is obviously carefully considered but presented without fuss. The changing menu honours the seasons and local produce as well as regular offerings - mince of dripping toast as a perfect example - that sound simple but are anything but in flavour. The service is impeccable, matching the mood of the tables and pre-empting guests needs. And they served the best Manhattan I've ever had. I think about dishes I've had from Almanac a lot, and friends and family that I've taken to the restaurant are always very impressed. I'm so lucky to have such a special little place in my local town. Thanks Almanac!
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S Simm

15 March 2026

Superb food, tasty small sharing plates. It’s such a great experience receiving each plate to the table and then savouring every mouthful. The menu is small but perfectly balanced and changes slightly through the seasons. Service is excellent with great attention to detail. Almanac is a marvellous gem in the lovely Peak District town of Glossop where there are lots of other good eating places to choose from, but nothing like this.

J Simm

15 March 2026

Glossop is a lovely town with lots of places to eat. However, there’s nowhere like Almanac. It’s wonderful to have food of this quality with such great flavour right in the heart of our town. We’re lucky to have it and it’s helping us to explore and eat great food we wouldn’t otherwise try.

P Bailey

14 March 2026

It secretly transports you to somewhere so special and calm and homely yet with a hint of sophistication but combined with the most amazing flavours from the menu to drinks also, in my mind whilst eating and drinking I went to the coast and then to sat in the sunshine as the flavours were something else even down to the homemade lime cordial, atmosphere and service, food and drinks were just a true exceptional experience.

K Beasley

14 March 2026

This independent restaurant is fast becoming the pride of Glossop. Already receiving accolades from the Sunday Times and Michelin. Hasn’t been open long yet it’s atmosphere and brilliant dishes are incredible. Luke Payne is a master chef, self taught and he has created a restaurant that is so different. The bar is well stocked for walk in drinks and cocktails. The menu is full of delights, the mince on toast and caramel tart, just to name two. Such inventiveness deserves praise.

J Blakeley

14 March 2026

Almanac has brought a breath of fresh air to Glossop dining. Its menu of small plates offers dishes not available elsewhere using local, seasonal ingredients. They do themed evenings and also make the best Dirty Martini!

P Worthington

14 March 2026

Fabulous seasonal food, but what really made it for me was the excellent wines available by the glass, and the fact that the server was clearly sufficiently familiar with all the dishes and wines to recommend the perfect pairings.

E Rogers

14 March 2026

Super cosy and welcoming vibe. Excellent quality local produce that changes with the seasons. Happy to create bespoke menu for dietary requirements. Friendly staff. All round a lovely restaurant with food you wouldn’t normally expect to have, cooked to perfection. Amazing unique restaurant.

VENUE DETAILS

54 High Street West
Glossop
Derbyshire
SK13 8BHGB

01457 371374

Make a reservation

OTHER INFORMATION

Separate bar, Counter seating, Credit card required

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