The 'up-and-coming' village just down the M62 where bars and restaurants just keep opening

It's a village less than an hour away from Manchester - and it's attracting visitors from all over.

About two and a half miles from Halifax, and four from Huddersfield, West Vale has a busy bar and restaurant scene by all accounts. And, by day, there are several coffee and cake shops to choose from.

It's such a popular village centre that people from all over Calderdale like to visit, and even the occasional shopper or bar-hopper from over the hill in Huddersfield. On Tuesday this week, Caroline was visiting from Scammonden and was happy to sing West Vale's praises.

READ MORE: Things to do with the kids in and around Manchester this October half term and Halloween 2024

She says many people from outlying villages are big fans of West Vale. "People from Greetland, Stainland, Elland, Sowood and Scammonden come to West Vale," she explained. The village is "very up-and-coming" with a range of good bars and restaurants.

Her own favourites are Vine, a bar serving cocktails and afternoon tea, and Viaduct, an independent pub serving food. Both can be found on Stainland Road. Caroline says the village is also handy to pick up shopping, with a Tesco and a Co-op, and a new butchers called Gardens Farm Ltd.

After a chat, Caroline continues on her journey but then shouts back just one more tip. "The Cakery is very good, and very popular."

The Cakery describes itself as a 'brunch spot' and with coffee and cake too. It's one of several business in the imposing Victoria Mills complex where there is a showroom for the famous Andy Thornton Antiques. West Vale also has a florist, charmingly called The Greenhouse Branching Out. Staff member and florist Alison Brockbank is a big fan of West Vale as a community.

"It's a nice community and we have really lovely customers. It's a friendly place."

She says more bars have opened in recent times. At present the bars include Vine, Craft, Tipsy's, Viaduct, The Queen, and Scandic House, not to mention the various restaurants.

Margaret, who admitted she preferred Huddersfield over Halifax, says West Vale itself has 'picked up' in recent years, although she doesn't visit the bars or restaurants. "There's a fair bit going on, with Thai and Mediterranean restaurants, wine bars and a fair few takeaways."

She has a fondness for Huddersfield that goes back to her childhood in the early 1960s when she used to catch a trolleybus with her mum. "I have loved Huddersfield ever since the trolleybus. I like Huddersfield the best."

David Wiggins, who lives "five minutes up the hill" in Greetland, says West Vale has all the shops you might need. It has a nice cafe, Brow Bridge Cafe, and a takeaway, Bev's Baps. And an award-winning fish and chip shop, West Vale Fisheries."

He loves the rural setting and recommends walking the Calderdale Way, a 50-mile walk taking in the hills, moors and valleys of the area. David has walked the entire Way, which he completed in stages. "West Vale is nice, compact village with all the amenities that you really need."

However, he said vandalism was an issue, although not a serious one. A number of benches in the memorial park appear to have been smashed up, he said. "You don't see much vandalism - just bits and bats."

Paul Keighley, a residential partner of Bramleys, estate agents and surveyors, describes West Vale as 'vibrant' and a desirable place to live. "It has become quite a vibrant area for independent modern bars and cafes. In the centre there is Andy Thornton Antiques as well. It is a highly desirable residential area, given its close proximity to the M62 and to Huddersfield and Halifax.

"It is quite rural as well with great walks across Norland Moor, with Bradley Hall Golf club on the doorstep also. There are some good café/restaurants locally, The Cakery, The Fleece at Ripponden and The Sportsman at Greetland to name a few."