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Deli on the Green

Across the yard from The Loft @ The Linen Green (see entry), the stylish Deli on the Green offers table service and a slightly more leisurely pace. Glasgow-born chef Bob McDonald, highly respected in Ulster food circles, is head chef and ideas man.

Besides a classy deli (choose your lunch or pick up the makings of a picnic from the selection of quality local and more exotic foodstuffs) there are sofas and café style seating, inside and out, for coffees and snacks, and a brasserie, where the contemporary cuisine is reflected in a stylish combination of bare stone and glass, blond wood tables and high-backed cream leather chairs.

Changed daily, the menus reflect Bob’s commitment to profiling quality local produce including Kettyle’s dry-aged beef, Moyallon sausages, Ditty’s oatcakes and Tickety Moo Jersey Ice Cream - and there’s a guarantee of no GM foods.

Breakfast includes organic porridge and freshly squeezed orange juice, then lunch can be as simple as you want to make it, from the salad and cooked meats display (including Bob’s homemade corned beef), or wholesome hot dishes.

Then, in the evening, the tea lights and relaxing music herald a mood move: an ambitious menu, stylish presentation, comprehensive wine list and good service from well-trained, smartly turned out staff all create a sense of occasion.

Begin with deli breads with homemade soup, or steamed mussels with leeks & cider cream, perhaps, then follow with rack of Lough Erne lamb with spiced couscous, classic Kettyle dry-aged chargrilled steaks (char-grills are a speciality), or seared scallops with black pudding & chive hollandaise, baby new potatoes & asparagus, with interesting side orders.

Finish with a delicious dessert such as caramelised lemon tart with raspberries & sorbet or Irish cheeses with Ditty’s Oatcakes.

Nice wine list includes an interesting Deli House Selection, a handful of half biottles and some mini bottles too.

Seats 45; children welcome (high chair, childrens menu, baby changing facilities); fully wheelchair accessible. Open all day Mon-Sat 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, D Thu, Fri & Sat 6-9.30 (booking advisable). Early Bird Thu & Fri, 5.30-7. 2/3 courses £13.50/ £16.50. House wine £11.50. SC 10% on groups 6+. Closed Sun, 1 Jul, 12-13 Jul, 25-26 Dec. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Switch.