We tried the Co Tyrone food institution now run by a GAA legend

If there's one restaurant in my home county that reminds me instantly of my childhood, it's Kelly's Inn in Garvaghy, just outside Ballygawley on the A5 road to Omagh.

It was always a firm favourite in our house growing up, not just for the odd weekend meal out as a family, but a familiar pit-stop when travelling home from football games. It's a place I always associated with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere and good old fashioned hearty meals.

It's probably been a few years since I'd been in Kelly's Inn, and so when earlier this year it was taken over by none other than the company owned by Tyrone GAA legend Peter Canavan and renamed Canavan's, I knew I had to return to what was once a very familiar eatery.

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Kelly's had been a true Co Tyrone institution with the Kelly family running the venue since 1937, and now was their time to hand over the reins to new Red Hands to guide it.

As soon as we arrived at Canavan's, an air of familiarity swept over me, the outside appearing the same, aside from the name and a much more modern look than I recall. The iconic spire shape, adjoining supermarket and petrol station and spacious car-park to the rear were all still the same.

On entering via the back entrance, beside where the large function room is, I was struck by the beautiful interiors, very modern, but homely. I was hoping it was still the once family-friendly establishment I enjoyed running around as a child, as this time I returned with two of my own in tow and hoping they'd be on their best behaviour!

We were met by a friendly member of staff who showed us to our table and gave us the all-important menu to peruse as we ordered some drinks.

First glance at the menu and I knew, despite the new look and new name, this was still going to be the same comforting, home-cooked meals I remember so well from my childhood.

The children were quickly amused when handed their very own menus which doubled as colouring pages with little puzzles on them which kept them busy for a little while as we waited for our food.

We didn't need to wait long, as none of us opted for starters instead diving straight in for the main course. I opted for the Steak Sandwich, while the other adults chose Chicken Maryland and Salt and Chilli Chicken. The children chose Tomato and Herb Pasta and Chicken Goujons and skinny fries.

All main dishes were served with a side order and we chose chunky chips and garlic potato cubes.

I asked for my steak medium and it was cooked to perfection with a generous helping of tobacco onions on top and a side of creamy peppercorn sauce. I love a steak sandwich but nothing puts me off more than being unable to get your knife through the bread, I hate when it's rock solid, but there was no such issue in Canavan's. The garlic Ciabatta slice was crispy on the edges but soft in the middle so easy to cut along with the steak.

My guest let me sample their Salt and Chilli chicken which was served with a portion of curry sauce, just the way I'd like it if I was to order from a Chinese.

To me, it was less Salt and Chilli and more verging on Honey Chilli, but nonetheless, it was divine! The perfect amount of spice, tasty peppers, and the curry sauce had a lovely kick to it as well.

I'm not a Chicken Maryland fan but it's a firm favourite of my other guest who said it was lovely with the chicken, pineapple and banana served in light but crispy batter, and not at all greasy.

I have to single out one of my favorite parts of the main for special praise, the garlic potatoes! I'm always a little nervous ordering these in restaurants as I've been left disappointed too many times when dry, potato cubes have been served up with little or no taste of garlic, but Canavan's got the memo correct!

If you're doing Garlic Potatoes, they need to be drowning in garlic butter, yes they're calorific but they're amazing, and these were done to perfection.

Before I'd even realised my son had polished off his entire large bowl of Tomato and Herb pasta and he said it was "unreal!" Coming from a boy who would eat pasta morning, noon and night if we let him, that's high praise indeed!

My little girl had also made a good dent in her chicken goujons and chips which she had to get dipping in some of the curry sauce.

Full bellies, but always room for something sweet our attention turned to dessert and again a wealth of favourites were presented to us on the menu. After much deliberation, I ordered my old-school favourite, Jam and Coconut Sponge with custard while one of my guests chose the Sticky Toffee Pudding.

The Jam and Coconut sponge took me straight back to primary school, soft sponge, jammy top and sprinkled with coconut and of course slathered in custard, the ultimate comforting sweet treat.

My guest said the Sticky Toffee Pudding was very tasty as well, light and soft sponge with a lovely sticky and buttery toffee sauce served with vanilla ice cream.

The other thing that struck me about the desserts was the price. I've not been to a restaurant anywhere else recently where all desserts were priced under £5, they're usually around £6-7 per portion, so this was a welcome surprise.

We honestly couldn't fault our experience at Canavan's, delicious food, very-friendly and accommodating staff and very family-friendly, which when you're dining out with young children is so important.

As I was the designated driver I didn't get to sample the delicious range of cocktails I spotted being served up to other tables, but I most certainly will be back in the not so distant future!

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