It’s so easy to take
your time in Tyrone...
As a born and bred Tyrone girl, I love how there is a laid
back atmosphere in our people and places, but chilled and easy going as we are,
we Tyrone folk know how to treat ourselves and our visitors in true style when
it comes to fine food, days out, relaxation and superior shopping.
Accompanied by my sister Vanessa and cousin Kathie, I set
out on a girls’ day out to see what my home county had to offer when it came to
some of our favourite things and we certainly got our eyes opened as to what
hidden gems were quite literally on our doorstep.
We headed first to the outskirts of the village of
Ballygawley to the Lavender Health Spa which is tucked away off the arterial A4
road under the shadows of the old monastery in the town-land of Errigal. Its
hideaway location gives a real sense of getaway as the windy rural roads lead
you to a little piece of heaven away from the hustle and bustle of everyday
life.
We began with a 30 minute session in the pool which and then
were taken individually for our treatments. As an expectant mum, I opted for
the maternity package of a back and shoulder massage while the girls sampled
taster treatments including a facial, then head, back and foot massage mini sessions
which were part of a Summer Special Offer and just enough to whet the appetite.
We were each wowed by the heavenly luxury of it all. Proprietor
Helene and her staff are personable and warm and they catered each treatment to
our individual needs which made each of us feel very special.
An hour later, we met up in the relaxation room with shag
pile carpet and muted tones and lay back in luxury sipping on peppermint tea
and soaking in the divine surroundings.
There is something spiritual about the Lavender Spa
experience. Perhaps the feel good secret is the expertise and personal touch
from the staff which is second to none, but I also believe it lies in its
ancient location and the rolling hills of the famous Clogher Valley. Whatever
the secret of Lavender is, a visit here leaves you with a feeling of deep
exhilaration from the moment you arrive until you leave.
With a building hunger, our next stop was at the Black Cat
restaurant where we arrived with high expectations. It is not every day you are
cooked lunch by James Devine who is well known for his appearance on the TV
show Masterchef and who holds a series of awards including NI Chef of the Year
2012.
We were warmly welcomed by manager Richard who seated us by
the window overlooking the picturesque Martray Lake and immediately we knew we
were in for something special. The Black Cat offers a set lunch menu of three
courses for only £15 and we began with mouth-watering home-made breads - curry,
tomato and basil, and wheaten - with a
selection of canapés and dips which were simply to die for
.
I chose the Potted Salmon and Prawn Cocktail with Tomato
Chutney, Vanessa had Chicken and Smoked Ham Hock Croquets and Kathie opted for
Confit Duck Tart. The highlight for me was the main course of Slow Cooked
Fermanagh Beef and the girls tucked into Black Cat Seafood Pie and the
Blackened Beef Burger which sparked off ‘food envy’ all around! Everything was
delicious and a visual work of art on a plate!
Richard recommended the ‘Chocolate’ dessert which he described
as a must for Snickers lovers, and the Strawberries and Cream with Chocolate
Chip Cookies which we accompanied by a selection of Irish Cheeses, Crackers and
Chutney. We were left speechless and mesmerised by the high quality of service
and the exceptional standard of cuisine. No wonder the Black Cat has got
tongues wagging all over Tyrone and beyond. It really is a treat for the
taste-buds and a heart-warming way to while away a Saturday afternoon.
Richard sent us on our way with a complimentary box of
Petits Fours and we vowed to return as soon as possible, eager to spread the
word to friends and family on the day out we had discovered on our doorstep!
South Tyrone may be home to me, but in an unbiased manner I
was genuinely blown away by the real flavour of hospitality and high standards
of service offered by our food and tourism sector. To top it all off, in nearby
Dungannon, a free parking incentive in the town centre means that a day out
like this in the run up to Christmas can be topped off with shopping at bespoke
boutiques such as Aurora, Cuba Clothing, Carmel’s, Snooty Fox and lots more.
For package offers from the Black Cat Restaurant and the
Lavender Spa, visit www.lavenderhealthspa.com
and www.theblackcatrestaurant.com
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