Keeping up with the times is an important aspect of running a successful business these days, none more so than in the hospitality industry.
While many restaurants and cafes can rely on a sterling reputation, keeping things fresh is always a welcome move to keep customers coming back.
That’s why I thought I would go down and check out the new tapas menu available at The Gables Bar and Restaurant outside Dungannon, Co Tyrone.
This family run establishment on the Cookstown Road has been about for around 100 years, with the original part of the building dating as far back as 1837.
Now run by Niall and Lisa McKearney, The Gables has now started offering their new tapas menus on Wednesday evenings to offer something a bit different to diners in the area.
The first thing I noticed was how busy the place was - not necessarily what I had expected from a rural restaurant on a chilly November evening.
It made for a great atmosphere and we were sat at a cosy booth which made for a great casual dining experience.
There was an extensive selection of tapas on the menu and there would certainly be something for everyone, and plenty for vegetarians/vegans if you are that way inclined.
They are all priced at £5 each, making a nice round number for your bill. We opted for five tapas and a side dish between two, which was plenty for us but if you were really hungry another one or two would make sense.
The highlights for me were the black pudding and candy apple bonbons, and the smoked chilli chicken wings, the latter came with a sharp alioli which was a great combination.
The salt and chilli prawns were also a winner, and a side of chips to soak up all the juices and sauces was a great idea.
I wouldn’t exactly say it is the most authentic Spanish style tapas I have had, but it used local ingredients to bring something a little different to the table.
There was even room for a salted caramel cheesecake for dessert, and you better believe there wasn’t a crumb left by the end.
The service was second to none and Niall and his team looked after us really well despite it being really busy - definitely worth a visit in the lead up to Christmas!
