Gimbals

Wharf Street, Sowerby Bridge

The bill

VenueGimbals

Tel01422 839329

Websitewww.gimbals.co.uk

Opening hoursMonday to Saturday from 6.30pm. Closed Sunday,

ChildrenYes, very welcome

Disabled accessFlight of steps up to lounge area and toilet.

The bill£67.30 for three (including a round of drinks).

WELL, Gimbals Restaurant is certainly different!

Described on its website as being eclectic and quirky, it definitely lives up to its description with rustic wooden floors, colourful decor, chandeliers and flickering candles.

Housed in the heart of nearby Sowerby Bridge, which appears to have any number of eateries within a few hundred yards, Gimbals was buzzing with customers for an early Tuesday evening, all tucking into plates of appetising food.

All age groups too were eating, from young children to the retired. It certainly appears to be a popular spot.

Maybe it was the Midweek Menu which had pulled in the crowds. At £14.90 for two courses and £17.90 for three, it offers reasonable value for a midweek treat.

Although not a massive menu, it does offer choice for all tastes and is much more affordable than the á la carte options which are many and varied including steaks, guinea fowl, belly pork, scallops, duck and sea bass for more special occasions.

Together with two pals Lindsay and Yvonne, I had chosen to dine out at this small Calderdale restaurant and we were all eager to tuck in, being tempted by the sight of passing platefuls of food coming out of the kitchen.

Studying the starter options, we chose three different dishes.

Lindsay chose the linguini of smoked salmon, capers and basil.

Yvonne opted for olive bread bruschetta of slow roasted garlic Portobella mushrooms and I chose the chilled salad of Feta, pine nuts, broad beans and beetroot with a Seville orange dressing and celery salt croutes.

All three starters were substantial enough to be filling but small enough to conform to today’s desired contemporary presentation.

However, after tucking into my Feta salad, I was surprised how filling – and quite delicious – it was.

Soon we had three clean plates and we were looking forward to our mains.