Hearty Fermanagh food served with the warmest welcome

Since taking over the popular venue in 2007, owner Damien Hanna's ethos of top-notch food, made from the highest-quality local ingredients, remains unchanged.

It's no surprise that the restaurant regularly welcomes people from all parts of Northern Ireland, and farther afield! 

What inspired your passion for food, particularly in the context of Fermanagh's culinary scene?

I always had a love for restaurants and dining out. When the opportunity came to have my own business, I jumped at it!

I'm here almost 18 years, and it was my passion for good food and customer service that inspired me to go into it. I have maintained that passion since. 

Can you describe the unique flavours and ingredients that define Fermanagh cuisine?

I feel our food not only defines County Fermanagh, but other parts of the world as well. Our offerings are diverse.

A major favourite is the curry, and we have ingredients in our curries that haven't changed since we started.

We always get good reviews on the steaks and our homemade burgers. We have around eight burgers on the menu, and all are popular.

I feel that Fermanagh is defined by good, hearty, wholesome food, and we always will provide that. 

How does the food you prepare reflect the cultural heritage and traditions of Fermanagh?

I still believe that as long as you do good, simple, wholesome food, you can't go far wrong.

We don't buy anything prepped or pre-packed; everything is prepped here on-site.

I feel this a traditional way of doing things - the Fermanagh way, where everything is prepped daily.  We do things differently down here; the authentic way. 

What brings you the most joy when you see visitors tasting and enjoying the dishes you've created?

For me, it's seeing so many people coming and having a good time and enjoying life!

Giving those positive experiences is what it's all about.

When a customer goes away happy, and leaves a positive review, that fulfils your job.

That's why we are here - to serve customers, and to make sure they go away having had a brilliant experience!

In your opinion, what sets Fermanagh apart as a destination for food tourism?

Without a doubt, the Fermanagh welcome. The food is one thing, but customer service, and a friendly smile, is equally as important.

People aren't numbers; every customer is unique.

I feel the customer service is equally on a par with the good, fresh food, and means people come back.

They become friends more than customers, and this is the same all over Fermanagh.

This is what being from Fermanagh is all about!

Can you share a memorable experience where food played a central role in a visitor's journey to Fermanagh?

There are too many times to mention! There are memorable experiences every day with customers.

We are almost 18 years here, and I see the same faces all the time, and many have became friends.

You never know who you could see coming into the restaurant, especially at this time of year, when there are lots of tourists about.

Every encounter is memorable in different ways. 

How do you believe food tourism contributes to the local economy and community in Fermanagh?

Without a doubt, the food scene in Fermanagh contributes greatly to the local economy. We are seeing it massively in the evenings at the moment with tourists.

There are a lot of people coming to Fermanagh on their holidays, and to stay at the caravan sites, who will book a table and enjoy a meal.

Tourism in general has always been a big part of Fermanagh, and it is important that restaurants strive to give the best possible food and experience to people from all over.

What motivates you to share your love of food and drink with both locals and tourists alike?

I am a great believer in high standards when it comes to food, and this has something I have been ensuring since day one.

Every day is a school day, but when you see that repeat business and people coming back, you know you are doing something right.

Happy customers make you want to strive and do it that bit better all the time.

When you look at our reviews on TripAdvisor, much of it is down to how the food is presented, served, and the overall customer service.

Overall, the positive feedback motivates me. 

How do you incorporate sustainability and locally sourced ingredients into your culinary offerings?

Buying right and buying quality is the most important thing. Cutting costs and buying cheap will get you nowhere.

Buy quality and serve quality, that's my mentality.

I buy everything local. I have three different butchers for different cuts of meats.

My favourite local ingredients are the steaks, which are made from locally-reared beef. All my beef is hung at least six weeks. This is reflected in the quality of the end product.

I have always had an eye for quality in what I do. 

What role do you see technology playing in promoting Fermanagh's food tourism industry?

Social media is having a big impact and will continue to do so, especially for people coming from out of town.

At Molly's, we use Instagram and Facebook, and this helps us to get our name out there to a bigger audience, including people who might not necessarily be from Fermanagh.

I have 40 [people] now coming from Mexico next Monday for lunch, and this is all through social media.

I feel that any restaurant nowadays has to have a social media presence.

So many people eat with their eyes, they see pictures on social media and on their stories, and that has an impact on the food they choose.

Could you share a personal story or anecdote that highlights the connection between food, community, and culture in Fermanagh?

One particular day sticks out in my memory. I had two guys came in for lunch, and they marvelled at our large selection of whiskeys and brandies.

They loved the food, and ordered two of the most expensive whiskeys.

It turns out it the Chief Executive Officer, and the manager, of the Belfast Giants! I was blown away!

It just goes to show that Fermanagh is on the map when these two people stopped off in a small town for lunch.

They couldn't believe the food and drink selection on offer, as well, which was an added bonus for me! 

Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of food tourism evolving in Fermanagh, and what role do you hope to play in that evolution?

That's a tough one to call. I would like to think tourism will increase, so as restaurants we have to be in a position to cater to these people.

But things are getting harder all the time, what with the cost of everything going up and changes in bar and restaurant trends.

The next ten years are going to be a major telling factor, and no-one can predict the future.

However, I do feel that there will always be a place for restaurants that offer the highest standards of both food and customer services.