Innbar Group to close The Aviary in Omagh

Local hospitality group calls for community support of high street businesses during tough times.

The Innbar Group has confirmed it will be permanently closing The Aviary, its popular restaurant and bar in Omagh, by the end of October. Located along the Strule River embankment, The Aviary opened its doors in 2021 as part of Innbar’s expansion efforts, under the leadership of Derry-born Stephen Doherty.

In a statement shared on social media this past Wednesday, the group expressed their sadness about the decision: “With the heaviest of hearts, we at The Aviary have come to the point where it’s time for us to close our book with the closing of the business.” Reflecting on the venue’s journey, they described “a whirlwind three years” since launching and acknowledged, “In our heart of hearts, we know that the time is right for us to call it a day at The Aviary.”

The closure is scheduled for Sunday, October 27, after which The Aviary will shut its doors for good. The venue’s two floors, known for their riverside views and vibrant atmosphere, have been part of Omagh’s local dining scene for three years.

Innbar, whose portfolio also includes The Village Inn, Canavan’s, The Cat & Fiddle, Daly’s Bar & Lounge, and Hagan coffee bar, used this announcement as a platform to highlight the struggles faced by small local businesses. They encouraged the public to rally behind high street establishments in Omagh, stating: “Times are unquestionably hard for all of us, but these places are the beating hearts of our towns, and at the minute there are far too many empty premises in Omagh’s town centre.” They added a plea: “Shop local, eat local, drink local. Support those smaller independent businesses. Town centres and hospitality rely upon people coming through their doors; get out there and give these businesses a chance of surviving in these tough times.”

For customers who have vouchers for The Aviary, the group confirmed that they will be redeemable at their other restaurants, The Village Inn and Canavan’s.