'Heavy hearts' - emotional announcement over unique restaurant that brought cow skin to Penwortham

Two years after it brought a unique buzz to Penwortham’s dining scene, it has been announced that African Village will close permanently today (May 23).

The eaterie opened in the former Pane e Vino site in Priory Lane in 2024, offering traditional African food such as boli (grilled plantains), peppered ponmo (cow skin marinated in a pepper sauce and grilled), peppered snails, as well as several stews and rice dishes. They also offered drinks popular in Nigeria, such as Bullet (a vodka drink), Nigerian Heineken, Orijin beer, Golberg beer and Kolaq Alagbo (herbal liquor).

The Post has reached out to management, but no explanation for the closure has been given.

A statement on social media said: “With heavy hearts, we share that African Village will be closing its doors for the final time on Saturday 23rd May. This has been more than just a restaurant — it has been a home, a meeting place, a space filled with laughter, music, culture, and unforgettable memories.

“From the very beginning, our goal was to bring people together, and thanks to each and every one of you, we did just that. We are deeply grateful for the love, support, and loyalty you have shown us over the years. Every visit, every meal, every kind word has meant more to us than we can ever express.

“Saying goodbye is never easy, but we leave proud of what we built and the community we created together.

“Thank you for being part of our journey. African Village will always live on in our hearts. With love and gratitude Lanre, Tosin, Tracey and all the African Village Team.”