Top Blade to open in Portrush ahead of The Open

Belfast steakhouse group Top Blade is preparing to open a new restaurant in Portrush, adding to the town’s growing hospitality scene as it gears up for The Open Championship this July.

The company, which already operates restaurants in Belfast’s St Anne’s Square and Portadown, is reportedly taking over a site overlooking West Strand Beach, beside Curry’s Fun Park, the former Barry’s Amusements. The expansion follows the recent creation of Top Blade Portrush Limited, confirming the brand’s latest move on the north coast.

Portrush has attracted significant investment in recent months, with major players pouring millions into new hotels and restaurants ahead of the prestigious golf tournament. Belfast hotel group Andras House, US-owned Marine and Lawn, and The Links Collection have all invested heavily in the seaside resort.

Top Blade’s owners, John Crawford, Aaron Taggart and Kenny Parker, have been hinting at their new Portrush location on social media, sharing images of beaches and compasses pointing north. The group first launched Top Blade in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter in 2018, inspired by the flat iron steak restaurants of London’s Soho. Since acquiring the business in 2021, they have expanded to Portadown and now plan to grow their restaurant portfolio across Ireland under their hospitality company, Musca Holdings.

Portrush has seen a wave of new openings as The Open draws nearer. Marine and Lawn recently completed a major refurbishment of the Portrush Adelphi hotel, which now features the Red Sail Room, an Italian-inspired restaurant. The Links Collection has also opened the £16.5 million Dunluce Lodge, with fine dining led by Stephen Holland, formerly head chef at Lough Erne Resort.

Local entrepreneur Gareth Witherow has expanded his portfolio with his latest venture, One at Causeway Street, located at the former 55 Degrees North site. His other venues include The Tides, Urban Restaurant, The Newbridge, and The Pheasant Bushmills. The restaurant’s opening follows the sale of the nearby beach complex, which includes two luxury penthouse apartments.

With The Open just weeks away, Portrush continues to attract record levels of investment, transforming the seaside town into a thriving destination for visitors and residents alike. The arrival of Top Blade marks the latest addition to its fast-growing hospitality sector.