One of the hallmarks of quiet and unostentatious excellence when it comes to pubs, inns or eating houses, whichever fills your sails, is a kindly word or two from that widely travelled independent arbiter of good taste, Alastair Sawday. On the subject of The Almanack and its siblings he observed, 'the most innovative small pub group in the land'.

In a city not entirely reeling from the burden of visible history Almanack has made a wise choice, overlooking a sunny new public square and The Old Grammar School, yet only a two minute walk from John Lewis and the Showcase cinema, ensuring that good retail opportunities and decent entertainment are within easy reach.

With close connections to the people behind The Rose and Crown in Warwick, and a sister pub in Kenilworth, there is an encouraging background of goodwill, great food and friendly relaxed service.

Likeable Senior Head Chef Corin Earland joined Almanack from The Fishes near Oxford which, under his inspiration was named as Al Fresco Dining Pub of the Year, whilst winning for himself a prestigious Acorn Award, given to rising stars in the world of catering.

Ingredients are of the highest quality available and organic and free range products feature widely in the dishes. Deli boards range over five main headings, cheese, cold cuts, veggie, fish and favourites, making good snack or starter dishes. Amongst other starters or light mains expect to find herb pancakes, summer vegetables and ricotta stuffing with/without salmon, and the free-range duck with coconut, honey glazed cashews, coriander and spring onion salad.

Main courses explore traditional and much loved dishes with pan-fried Welsh sea bass, free range sausages, pan fried Cornish gurnard fillets and splendid Casterbridge rump steaks never far away. A roast of the day ensures that regulars can throw their own almanacks away - if it's Friday, for instance, look forward to free-range gammon - all served with hot vegetables.

In summer months expect to find some good spine-sticking desserts such as iced lemon meringue parfait or dark chocolate mousse with orange tuile.

For those in need at an early hour, breakfast is served from 8am-noon, either at the pub or carry-out. Nothing too elaborate but well up to the task of getting the show back on the road.

Children are of course welcome and have their own menu with Almanack taking a view that they are equally welcome to use the other menus, perhaps with smaller portions, in the interests of introducing children to more adventurous good eating.

A wine list of sensible proportions gives ample choice without causing the bafflement that often ensues when a more elaborate list is on the cards. There's plenty of room for private parties, and the menu changes in natural rhythm with the seasons.

Their Website will tell you more and keep you up to date with events at this splendid place dedicated to good eating in the heart of Leicester.