TAKE A FEW paces out of John Lewis in Highcross shopping centre in Leicester and you will come to The Almanack, a great place to get a drink and something to eat. At first glance it looks like a restaurant, but look again and you’ll see it’s actually a warm and welcoming pub with a bar, comfy seats, and occasional live music.

We visited for a family meal and really enjoyed our selection. We started off with crudités (the healthy bit) and cheese fondue and followed it with main courses of steak and chips, rack of lamb and chickpeas and a child’s portion of gammon and chips. All were good sized portions, perfectly cooked and nicely presented. We especially liked the children’s food. As well as the special menu, you can choose a smaller portion of anything off the main menu – a welcome change from all the eating houses whose kid’s menus tend to be only junk food.

The Almanack is very family friendly, with plenty of games and activities to borrow to keep little ones occupied. It’s also pleasant to pop into for lunch, a coffee (served with free toast in the morning) or a s maller snack.