A well-known chef is attempting to breathe new life into a historic listed building in Co Tyrone which has laid vacant for the past year.
New Sion Mills eatery Sika by Niall is the first solo venture of Dundalk native Niall Gorham, who spent more than a decade as a chef in the popular Oysters restaurant in Strabane.
Sion Stables is an old mill which was once owned by the Herdman family as part of the local linen industry.
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After the building was rebuilt 14 years ago, it has hosted a number of ventures including other restaurants, but Niall believes he has the skills to make it a success.
“I’m 46 now and I’ve been at this for 21 years,” Niall told MyTyrone.
“I’m originally from Dundalk and I started at a hotel there when I was 15. I worked in Dublin for a few years in a few different restaurants.
“I then helped to open up the Metropolitan in Letterkenny and I’ve been stuck here ever since!
“It’s my first venture out on my own, I’m 46 this year so it was now or never.
“It’s a listed building originally owned by the Herdman family for the local linen industry in Sion Mills.
“The Stables was rebuilt 14 years ago, originally as a tea room and museum and there have been a couple of restaurants in it.
“It’s been lying vacant over the last year but after speaking to one of the trustees I decided to take it on.”
Niall added the buzz from the local community has been noticeable since he opened his doors last week, and is hoping that will continue in the months and years to come.
“Since we opened last Friday the amount of locals that have shown their support already has been unreal.” he said.
“There seems to be a good wee buzz about the village itself that it’s back open again. I think they are just happy to see somebody in it.”
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