To say Uppermill is a fairly small place, you are quite spoilt for choice with cafes, coffee shops and little restaurants. Java is one that I have visited a number of times purely because I love the interior, the coffee, and it's outdoor seating under heaters. However, I can't help but wish Java offered more of an extensive menu. I'm not sure if the mini menu, which is all written on black boards which is a slight pain as you have to physically get up and walk around to find them, is meant to be small to keep it very 'unique'. After all, it specialises in mezze boards, meat and cheese platters, tarts and soups. I feel it should offer more lunchtime options, like baguettes with chips, jacket potatoes... just a few more filling options.
Nevertheless, this is the second time I have been and experienced the meat and mezze platter, and they are really tasty. Just quite limited. I'll take my hat off to Java though as they are one of the only places in Uppermill to offer soya milk coffees, and the soya lattes are lovely too.
Slightly uncomfortable eating and drinking upstaires when you elbow is literally falling onto the next-door table, but I suppose the crammed and close knit set-up adds to it's cosy feel and ambiance. read more