With many of our historical bank buildings now fading away to be replaced by online transactions, it was encouraging to see one Co Tyrone business last year at least keep part of this heritage alive.
The former Ulster Bank building in the Square in Stewartstown closed its doors four years ago, but in 2022 reopened as a cafe which also had self catering accommodation available on site.
With The Old Bank now approaching a year in existence, we decided to call in this week to try out the grub and see whether it matched up to the impressive site Don Ryan and his team have built.
READ MORE: Inside old Stewartstown Ulster Bank building transformed into coffee shop
The menu appears to change frequently with daily specials popping up, including a variety of sandwiches, hot food and breakfast/brunch options.
A bit early for lunch, a bit late for breakfast I was torn as to what to opt for from the menu, but in the end the draw of the humble panini and chips proved the strongest.
The chicken, chorizo and cheese panini sounded a lot better on paper than on the plate in the end however.
Top marks for the chips which were perfectly crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, but it felt as if the sandwich was a bit dry. It seemed like the chicken was pre-prepared rather than made fresh and I think for the £10 price tag it’s fair to expect a bit better.
Size wise it was a decent portion for the money though, and my favourite thing about the meal was the coffee which is as tasty as the local area has to offer.
Whilst I’ve had better meals travelling around Co Tyrone over the last few years, The Old Bank must be commended for providing a new meeting place in Stewartstown, one which plenty of people were making use of during my visit this week.
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