Dining Out: Lytham restaurant offers day-to-night menu

While the interior is intimate in size, the outdoor tables stretch into Clifton Square providing a continental-style experience in good weather.

But when the sun goes down, the venue is still worth a visit as it transitions into a fashionable cocktail bar and eaterie.

On a Sunday evening it was fairly quiet but our appetites had been sharpened from a day of activity (my husband having returned from a day of tennis competition, myself rather more sedately pottering in the garden).

We have always been regular visitors to Java since it opened in 2009, and have eaten there on several occasions.

It is owned by restaurateurs Tony and Helen Vavaso who also own Spago across the square, and who last year added to their portfolio by opening Fifty Four in the former Jack’s premises in Wood Street, St Annes.

All three restaurants have good reputations but we find we prefer the relaxed atmosphere of Java to the more ornate Spago, particularly if just dining out a deux.

It has also recently been given a stylish refurbishment.

The menu spans breakfast, lunch and dinner with simpler offerings of scrambled eggs and sandwiches clearly aimed at day-time trade.

There is also a plentiful selection of pastas, pizzas, salads and tapas.

With no specific starter menu, we order our appetisers from the tapas menu.

In a world where it is not unusual for starters now to be around the £7 or £8 mark, this represents good value as each tapas dish costs £4.95 (or three for £12.95).

My choice of gambas pil pil, which translates to prawns cooked in olive oil, chilli, garlic, paprika and lemon, was served in a sizzling pan.

The prawns were succulent and came with a tasty kick.

Clive opted for the caprese salad which arrived with a generous portion of buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes and balsamic dressing.

He originally ordered the rack of lamb for his main, but sadly this was one of the items which had run out over the busy weekend.

Instead he opted for the chicken and chorizo penne to restore his energy, while thankfully my first choice of aubergine and smoked mozzarella ravioli was available.

The penne was the larger portion and was polished off across the table.

But I was happy with the size of my dish as I hate being over-faced by too much pasta.

We accompanied our meal with a bottle of Pinot Grigio, and a jug of tap water was also brought to the table.

Desserts and cakes are also on the menu, along with coffee to round of your meal.

While Java is open until 1am, food is only served until 10pm, with breakfast until 5pm and tapas from 5pm.

Service was excellent throughout, although we were there at a quiet time.

Our total bill came to £53.