Java Village

75 Wharf Street, Sowerby Bridge

Rating

VenueJava Village

Tel01422 834314

Websitewww.javavillagerestaurant.co.uk

Opening hoursMonday to Thursday 5pm to midnight, Friday and Saturday 5pm to 1am, Sunday 12 noon to 11pm

ChildrenYes

Disabled accessYes

The bill£40.05

THE Java Village used to be simply known as Java and it’s hard to see why it should now become a village too.

It has been in the same imposing detached building in Sowerby Bridge for two decades, but underwent a revamp just over a year ago and in came the new name – and it’s just Village over the door to add to the confusion.

Something of a strange choice as it captures neither its Indonesian nor Asian cooking styles.

But it remains in its same prime spot across the road from Sowerby Bridge’s canal basin and its impressive array of boats. It’s always worth a stroll there to step back in time.

And that’s what we were trying to do on this visit to Java Village.

Many years ago at the time the Java first got off the ground, Ruth and I went on a holiday to the Far East. A long time ago, but the memory of the amazing food we had there never fades. It was vibrant, colourful, packed with meat or fish and full of flavour.

So that’s why we decided to go Indonesian at the Village.

The menu is starkly split in two. Go Asian or Indonesian – or even mix the two up.

The restaurant is smart with comfy brown chairs, inset spotlights and a feeling of space. With tables in the main restaurant and also the bar area plus a function room upstairs it can seat 200.