A unique new diner overlooking the runway at St Angelo airport in Enniskillen is proving to be a success after a few weeks of opening.
The Airport Diner at one of only five registered airports in Northern Ireland reopened in May after being closed for a number of years.
The venture has been taken on by John Joseph, an Indian native who is well-known for his management of local restaurant Milly’s in Tempo.
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John says he is delighted with the response he has received so far from the public, and that the diner provides a unique place to grab a bite in the county.
“It’s going well so far - it’s a wee bit more than a cafe, somewhere between a cafe and a restaurant.
“At the moment we don’t have a bar licence but we are applying to take a small bar restaurant licence out so hopefully that goes OK.
“I’ve worked in hospitality all my life, I am from India originally and I have another restaurant in Temp called Milly’s.
“We have been there for six years now and it has been great and I’m hoping for more of the same here.
The diner opens Monday to Saturday until 4pm and then also opens on Sunday for roast dinners from 12pm to 4pm.
“One of the best things about it is the free parking, in Enniskillen itself parking is a big problem so that is a draw for people. We are getting people in from that side of things.
“The aviation is a big bonus as well, children especially really like coming in to see the planes.
“They love watching the light aircraft and helicopters coming in and it’s a nice thing to be able to give them. We have an outdoor seating area as well so you can really see everything happening.
John added it was a difficult time to take on such a venture within the hospitality industry, but that it’s something he believes he was ready for.
“It’s really hard to start a business these days, especially in hospitality. There are a lot of challenges with staffing and recruitment.
“It’s a challenging sector to open a new business in these economic conditions, but I took that challenge on.
“I feel like a know a lot of people in this area and have a lot of good connections now, so I think it has great potential.”
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