A TASTE of South Africa has just opened in the heart of Brighouse and, never one to miss a party, I decided to check it out.

Barracuda is a South African-inspired bar that is modern, warm, welcoming and was an immediate hit when it opened this month.

Having attended the launch night I knew what to expect when I returned for lunch one Sunday afternoon.

My friend Kate and I were looking forward to a relaxing lunch and a good natter. And Barracuda is just the place for that.

Unfortunately for us, we timed our arrival wrong and entered midway through a football match shown on the many big screens dotted around.

But it is big enough to escape and as we took our seats on the balcony I almost forgot the football was on until we were disturbed by the cheers at the end.

Looking over the extensive menu Kate and I picked our dessert first then worked our way backwards. Typical girls!

We opted to forgo a starter in favour of a pudding, something we were both relieved about when we saw the generous portions.

As a vegetarian I wasn’t even tempted to go for the £19.99 South African Braai – a dish of steak, gammon, burgers, sausages and chicken. I did wonder if anyone would be brave enough to try it themselves.

It reminded me of those American diners where you get your picture on the wall if you eat the million-ounce house special.

I went for the vegetarian chilli with rice as my option. I also treated myself to a bucket of curly fries, thinking they would complement my meal nicely.

Little did I realise that they would actually have served as a meal themselves, with the bucket filled to the brim.

The chilli was tasty and filling; I’m not sure I could have managed it all even if I wasn’t eagerly awaiting my dessert.

Kate chose the tuna melt, also with curly fries; in future we’ll share and even then I guarantee there will be plenty left.

Kate’s first words upon tasting her tuna melt were: ‘Oooh, how gorgeous’. Could they ask for a better reaction?

I had a glass of light and fruity Riddle rose wine, though I later found out it was Australian not South African, which I think would have been more loyal to the flag on the outside sign.

After our mains a friendly waiter appeared and asked us if we were ready for dessert, a nice touch which would have allowed us to wait a little longer had we not been.

I chose the butterscotch pudding with custard, which was delicious but very filling, while Kate went for the apple and blackberry crumble with ice-cream, though she did notice a distinct shortage of apple.

Our only complaint was that the table was still covered with the condiments of the previous occupant and not cleaned until after we finished our dessert. But the friendly waiter at least apologised as he cleaned it.

Both Kate and I will definitely go back, not only to try out the rest of the desserts we didn’t quite manage, but because Barracuda is the type of place you can go for a full meal, snack, coffee or night out.

The food is great value for money and the menu is so diverse you could go at least 50 times and have something different each time.

Venue- Barracuda, Huddersfield Road, Brighouse.

Open From 11am everyday with a licence until 1.30am on Friday and Saturday.

Disabled access Yes, for wheelchair users throughout.

Smoking There’s a sheltered smoking space at the rear.

The bill £22.70 including drinks.