Once dubbed the ‘Hub of the North,’ because of its major railway links, Portadown town still has a lot going for it.
We took a trip up the High Street to highlight just a few of Portadown’s thriving local businesses and all they have to offer.
The Rage Room
Ireland’s First Ever Rage Room in Portadown: Smash Your Stress at Rage Room NI.
Feeling the pressure of everyday life? Ireland’s first-ever rage room, The Rage Room NI, has been helping people smash their stress away since it opened in Portadown in June 2023. This exciting new venue offers a safe space where you can grab a bat, crowbar, or hammer and go wild on a variety of breakable items, from glass bottles and electronics to furniture and ceramics.
Whether you’re looking to relieve work stress, have a unique day out with friends, or just try something new, Rage Room NI offers an exhilarating experience like no other. With each session, participants are equipped with protective gear and guided on how to safely smash the items to bits – all while letting their frustrations out in the most satisfying way.
The Rage Room NI provides various packages, tailored for individuals or groups, so whether you want to let loose solo or bring a friend, there’s an option for everyone. Since its opening, the room has gained popularity among those looking for an unconventional way to have fun and de-stress, attracting locals and tourists alike.
Want to try it out? Head over to The Rage Room NI’s website to book your session for one of a kind experience.
Click here to check out The Rage Room NI website and to book your session now
Click here to follow The Rage Room NI on Instagram
Shoe and Heel Bar
One of Portadown’s longest standing and most recognisable shop fronts belongs to the Sole and Heel Bar. Established back in 1985, their team know a thing or two about bringing shoes back to life!
With an incredibly skilled team, they are more than confident in standing over the claim that they can “repair any shoe!”
Services offered include Men’s, Ladies and Kids shoe re-heeling, re-soling (including the stitching of leather soles), and shoe stretching both in width and length. Shoes can also have toe pieces added, heels lowered or built up.
And it isn’t just shoes they work on, stitching of bags and belts is also available. Adding to their offering is a Shoe Dying service, where shoe colours can be changed to match fabrics.
Said business owner, Philip Troughton: “Trends have changed with people wearing more of a casual shoe now, however with all the years of experience behind my team, any shoe can be saved – there is nothing beyond repairing – we specialise in refreshing and bringing shoes back to life. “
And, it can all be done quicker than you could tie your laces – with a same day service available and the added benefit of convenient access to a carpark directly across from the store.
Click here to follow Shoe and Heel Bar Portadown on Facebook
PlayAway
PlayAway, situated in Portadown, is an intriguing role play centre carefully designed for babies and young children.
The theme changes on a monthly basis allowing children to delve into a variety of interesting topics which help them to understand the world around them. PlayAway is run by an experienced Primary Teacher, whose passion is to create a calm, safe space for children to learn through play and to build a sense of community for parents and carers.
PlayAway is unique in many ways but the key quality that makes it stand out is the staff’s presence within the playroom, where they actively engage and play alongside the children, enabling parents and carers to step back and observe from no better place than the cafe.
Not only is the venue the perfect space to celebrate your little one’s birthday, they also welcome local nurseries and primary schools to join them for educational visits. In addition, they offer a range of weekly classes such as Moo Music and Messy Play with the hope to offer more in the coming months.
Click here to check out PlayAway’s opening times and to book a session
Click here to follow PlayAway on Facebook and keep up to date with what’s happening
Sitara Morgan
Sitara Morgan, situated in West St Portadown, originally started as small shoe boutique in 2010, in the middle of the crippling Recession. Renowned for offering exclusive, high quality footwear, Owner, Kristy Simpson, quickly realised Portadown high-street was lacking in something else.
With the Shoe boutique thriving and a loyal customer base established, Kristy made the decision to expand the boutique further. Launching into trendy clothing pieces, meaning customers can get the full head to toe look under one roof! From designer bags and jewellery to colourful knits and figure hugging jeans, Sitara Morgan offers something for everyone!
With three further business expansions over the years, Sitara Morgan have increased their business portfolio to include an in-house Coffee Shop and stock a full range of kids clothing.
For anyone not local to the Portadown area, Sitara Morgan also trade online, offering UK and Ireland delivery. They also offer in-store collection service for orders made online.
Don’t worry, if online shopping isn’t for you, all stock available online is available to try and buy in-store!
Click here to check out and shop Sitara Morgan online
Click here to follow Sitara Morgan on Instagram
