Chef Luke Payne celebrates Almanac's accolades 

Self-taught chef Luke Payne is continuing to establish the High Peak as one of the most exciting dining destinations, after his Glossop restaurant, Almanac, was awarded a prestigious Bib Gourmand in the MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2026. 

The latest accolade follows another major industry recognition. On Monday 13th July, Almanac was named one of the Good Food Guide's 100 Best Local Restaurants in 2026, securing an impressive ninth-place ranking. 

The achievement is particularly impressive given that Almanac only opened its doors in July 2025, making its rapid rise to national recognition all the more remarkable. 

The restaurant has also received a rave review in The Sunday Times, where it was featured among the publication's best meals of 2025. It was also named Glossop and High Peak Restaurant of the Year, adding to its growing list of accolades. 

The latest recognition comes after Luke's first venue, The Pack Horse in Hayfield, was named No. 10 in the inaugural 100 Best Pubs in Britain list, published by the Good Food Guide. 

The Bib Gourmand distinction is awarded by Michelin to restaurants offering "good food at a great price", recognising exceptional cooking and value. Almanac joins an elite group of establishments across the UK and Ireland to receive the accolade in the 2026 guide, adding to a growing list of achievements for Luke. His award-winning village pub, The Pack Horse Hayfield, is also featured in the MICHELIN Guide and was ranked 19th in the Top 50 Gastropubs Awards 2024. 

Luke's journey into hospitality has been unconventional. Originally a drama student at university, he did not follow a traditional culinary path. Instead, he developed his skills through determination, curiosity and a passion for food, teaching himself to cook while working his way up from a kitchen porter role within a chain pub group. 

In 2016, he took over The Pack Horse in the Peak District village of Hayfield, transforming the historic pub into one of the region's most respected dining destinations. 

Under his ownership, the venue has earned national acclaim while remaining firmly rooted in its local community, combining ambitious cooking with a warm and unpretentious atmosphere that has attracted diners from across the country. 

Building on the success of The Pack Horse, Luke expanded his portfolio with the launch of Almanac in Glossop. 

The restaurant quickly established itself as a destination in its own right, earning praise for its seasonal menus, ingredient-led cooking and relaxed approach to hospitality. Its growing list of accolades reflects Luke's commitment to creating exceptional dining experiences that remain accessible and welcoming. 

He said: 

"To receive a Bib Gourmand for Almanac is an incredible honour and a testament to the hard work of our entire team. From day one, our aim has been to create somewhere that delivers exceptional food and hospitality without formality, and where guests feel comfortable returning again and again. 

"To see both Almanac and The Pack Horse recognised by Michelin and the Good Food Guide is hugely rewarding, and we're incredibly proud that both venues have been acknowledged on a national stage." 

Today, Luke is regarded as one of the Peak District's leading hospitality figures, helping to put the region firmly on the culinary map.