Yellow Door Deli

Portadown, Co Armagh

A local success story, Simon Dougan’s Yellow Door Deli has been serving Northern Irish gastronomes for 18 years. In that time it has expanded to include three delis, a bistro, outside catering, pop-up kitchens and market stalls.

The deli offering is dedicated to local, organic produce and has gained fans across Co Armagh, with rugby star Stephen Ferris among its clientele. It also recently picked up a Great Taste Award for the best Deli & Farm Shop Signature Dish via its braised beef pie – using Irish beef cheek from Hannan Meats in Moira – and smoked potato.

The original shop, with its chequered floor and pine fittings, smokes and cures its own meat, grows its own herbs, soft fruits, salad leaves and vegetables and bakes fresh, preservativefree bread. It’s known for its towering gourmet sandwiches too – try the roast beef and rocket on thick, crusty parmesan bread or venture down the patisserie route with an enormous home-made croissant filled with cheese and ham.
Christmas sees the arrival of some sensational seasonal produce, including award-winning sage and onion sausage rolls. Hefty game pies are a favourite, which can be accompanied by exceptional cranberry and sloe gin sauce, and followed by mince pies, made daily. Take home the deli’s jams and chutneys, or even its very own cookbook – one thing’s for sure, you won’t be leaving empty handed. EB.