All About The West End

Just outside of the bustling mecca of the seacoast known as Market Square, lies a lesser known, yet equally as important area called the West End. This area, located on and around Islington Street, has been a hub for small businesses for years. In the early 2000s this area was better known as the home of Hannaford’s and Blockbuster (Rest in peace big guy), but now it is home to over one hundred small businesses.

The draw of Market Square is powerful; good music, good food, and a good atmosphere, especially in the summer. The appeal can at times take away from surrounding areas, but it can’t overshadow the West End. With restaurants, fitness centers, and other cultural attractions, the West End has made a strong name for itself. So strong in fact that portsmouthnh.com had to create a separate section on its webpage to highlight some of the more recognizable features of the area.

If you’re looking for good food, but not sure what to get, the West End offers a variety of eateries that can cater (no pun intended) to your every desire. Breakfast locations like Café Expresso and White Heron Tea & Coffee make West End an excellent location to start your day off before venturing out to conquer the world. Spots like the Hong Kong Express, Ken’s West End Pizza, or the Kitchen Deli & Catering are great for lunch with coworkers, family or friends.

Portsmouth West End boasts a concentration of local cultural hotspots as well. The Button Factory has been providing studio space for local artists and craftspeople since 1986, and it hosts an annual open house the weekend after Thanksgiving to showcase this creative talent. Having presented over fifty original works, the West End Studio Theatre plays host to many organizations, such as the New Hampshire Theatre Project and the Artists’ Collective Theatre of New England (ACT ONE).

There are also many other lifestyle organizations located in the West End. Maybe you’re looking for a little healthy relaxation in your life and you’re not sure where to go. Bikram Yoga may be the perfect place for you to begin your search. Located in the West End, Bikram Yoga is suitable for all ages and there is no previous experience required to sign up! If you’re looking for a place to lift some weights or shoot hoops, Portsmouth Athletic Club is another option for a healthy lifestyle. (And if you’ve had a good workout you can treat yourself to burger from Mojo’s Grill and Tavern located next door)

The city of Portsmouth is incredible in many ways. Watching each part grow alongside the city is encouraging to all who call this place home. The West End is an area that has grown and blossomed, and will continue to expand as the city of Portsmouth expands too.