N Ireland Business Awards 2017

SME NEWS / Northern Ireland Business Awards 2017 23 , The Old Thatch Inn is a family run business; it offers warmth and hospitality with its old stone walls and open fire. AnnaMarieMc Ferran talks us throughwhat makes the venue a fascinating and attractive destination for clients. The Old Thatch Inn Established in 1832, the Old Thatch Inn is one of the oldest pub restaurants in Northern Ireland. Offering a unique traditional setting, visitors are attracted by the exquisite exterior, which is traditional but unique in the area, as its old Irish exterior is followed through into its interior, and is well maintained by a general maintenance team. The Old Thatch Inn now has new and improved menus, to cater for everyone but still maintain the authenticity of the original traditional menu that its customers have come to love. Anna Marie explains what other changes the venue has made, highlighting its promotions and how it has begun to facilitate various types of events. “Additionally, we have added a selection of new gins and whiskeys to our already extensive drinks list. We offer weekly drink promotions on wines, spirits and beers which we promote through our social media channels. “Situated of the main road between the City of Derry and Belfast, we are the prime meeting location for businesses. Of late, we have begun hosting conferences and holding business lunches/meetings for local and distant businesses. Within this year, we hosted the very first wedding in The Old Thatch Inn, which was the first of many we are delighted to say. We provide live entertainment every weekend from Friday- Sunday, ranging from traditional music to live bands.” Since taking over, whilst continuing in his role as Head Chef, Ryan McGrath has restructured the business to include key personnel but also incorporating his main focus of including family and the local community. Anna Marie comments on what she believes helps the venue guarantee an excellent service, and what the future holds for the Old Thatch Inn. “Ensuring we always provide the best service, our staff regularly undertake training both in house and from external providers, with ten of our staff recently completing World Host Training in customer service. “Moving forward, we are currently working with Mid Ulster Council to incorporate what we have to offer at The Old Thatch Inn as a popular tourist attraction, and we are delighted to say we have already hosted 25 tours to date.” Company: The Old Thatch Inn Contact: Anna Marie Mc Ferran Email: [email protected] Address: 116 Hillhead Road, Castledawson, Magherafelt, Northern Ireland, BT45 8ET, UK Phone: 028 7946 8322 Website: www.theoldthatchinn.com Best Family-Run Irish Restaurant - Ulster NIR17006