Riverside keep their customers sweet

The cafe in Bridge Street, which opened in the town 14 years ago, has been feeding people from far and wide ever since, with their range of soups, stews, roast dinners, pies and desserts.

With just two staff at the helm, the cafe attributes its success to a simple and straightforward approach.

Owner and manager Mechelle Clydesdale, said, “We serve our customers good, honest food in a friendly and relaxed environment.”

The Tea Rooms were nominated by Leader readers, as were all members of the Good Food category, and voted as winners by readers also. Mechelle said the input from customers makes the achievement mean so much more.

“Our customers are great and really seem to appreciate our food and service,” she said. “The We are very pleased with the fact we were nominated in the first place, but to win is just brilliant - we weren’t expecting it at all.”

At a time when businesses are finding it tough, Mechelle said the Tea Rooms has enjoyed continued success.

“We’re friendly, home made and good value for money. All our food is prepared freshly within the business, I think that’s what people appreciate. Our trade is much the same lately. January and February, which we would expect to be quiet months, were really busy. We’re reasonably priced and serve quality food so I think people appreciate that value for money.

Mechelle said their morning frys and other treats have customers coming from outside Dromore to sample a taste.

“We apprecoate that people travel from outside the town and we see that as a compliment to our culinary skills. We’re just delighted to have been recognised in this category and we hope to continue doing more of the same and keeping our customers happy.”