Indoor hospitality reopens to cafe owners' delight

Monday saw one of the most significant days in reopening of businesses following lockdown restrictions, as hospitality venues were able to open their doors to welcome customers inside for the first time since December.

Cafes and bars in Omagh and the surrounding areas were a hive of activity as friends met up for lunch, coffees and pints for the first time this year.

After a long six months for many businesses who could not open for outdoor service or even takeaway and delivery, it was a major relief to see the tills tapping and customers smiling again.

One such business owner was Joan Noble of the Riverfront Coffee House in Omagh, who said it was a day that was needed for the whole town.

“It’s nice to be back, we needed it, the staff needed it and I think the whole town needed it,” Joan told the Ulster Herald.

“It’s amazing the response we’ve had since we opened, and some of the posts and private messages that have been sent to us have been absolutely delightful.”

“We couldn’t open for carryout so any time there has been a lockdown we have completely closed. It was sore on the staff and sore on the business.”

For more on the reopening of indoor hospitality in Tyrone, pick up Thursday’s Ulster Herald or subscribe here.