Our Guide to the Top 25 Bowling Alleys. With bars in them.
Pubs have had pool tables since 1857, when, as we all know, it became law. Here, we like our games louder, more energetic and with, er, bigger balls. We also like drinking – it is the truth, the light and the way. Probably. With that in mind, we set out to find the top 25 bowling alleys in the UK with pub attached. Nuts optional. Combing drinking with bowling seemed like a no brainer really. Oh, and if your city isn’t here, it’s probably because it (a) it’s not as good as these ones (b) it doesn’t have a bowling alley in it or (c) it did, but we got drunk and forgot. It happens.
Aberdeen
Condona’s Sunset Boulevard
We’re not sure if we’re a little concerned about this place or not. It’s in the middle of a giant entertainment complex, with dodge’ems, crazy golf and an adventure park, to name but a few. Also, the staff, and well…everything really, seem to think they’re American. In Aberdeen. Which is just odd. Still, once you get over the glaring neon (we went in the evening, apparently it’s fine during the day) it’s a fine place to bowl, lots of lanes, with not much waiting, and the bar is massive, well stocked and the barman knows what an appletini is. We’ve no idea why there’s a giant metal square on legs in the middle of it though, but we’re sure there’s a reason. There’s a bit of a lack of tables to sit at, everything is at the bar, including the food. Other than that, we enjoyed it. We’re taking sunglasses next time, just in case.
http://www.codonas.com/Cosmic_Bowling_Bar.html
Belfast
The Odyssey
Popping across the water to “Norn Iron” we discovered the Odyssey. We’re glad we did, it has two bars. Bowling of course too. That’s why we’re here. Bowling. Yes. It’s a fun little place to be in, the Odyssey. A decent amount of lanes (20) and all the usual features – pool tables, gaming machines, etc. What swung it for us was (a) you can get a decent pint of Guinness here and (b) the staff look like they actually enjoy working here, which we found refreshing. A little disturbing when one said he sleeps there, but refreshing nonetheless. Also, we didn’t get funny looks when we asked about the ‘craic’. Or searched in the managers office. Again…
Birmingham
The Hollywood Bowl
A bowling alley that, on the outside, looks like a nightclub. Which…explains nothing really. The Hollywood Bowl is big though, with 24 lanes and a decent size bar, it looks nice and you’ll get a decent night out we’d venture. The bar is a little lacking (no cocktail offerings here) but as a certain pub landlord is quick to point out, “it’s a pint for the fella, glass of white wine/fruit based drink for the lady”. That’s alright then. Quite why the website needs to explain how to play 10 pin bowling is something we’ve not figured out yet. Along with how to steal the giant ‘H’ and make it look like the work experience boy did it.
http://www.hollywoodbowl.co.uk/index.php
Bradford
The Hollywood Bowl
Bowl (bowl!), always believe in your soul….sorry. So same chain as in Birmingham then, and pretty much along the same lines. But then, that’s not a bad thing. Plenty of lanes, staff seem friendly enough (though offers of a drink in the bar afterwards were met with stern gazes), and the bar is reasonably stocked and staffed. Expensive though, so you won’t want to spend a huge amount of time there. As the Hollywood Bowl is in the city centre, this isn’t a problem as after you’ve finished bowling and had a quick pint, you can always pop off elsewhere.
http://www.hollywoodbowl.co.uk/index.php
Brighton
Bowlplex
We were told there were two bowling alleys in Brighton, but when we got to David Lloyds all we could find was a gym. Attempting to bowl in between exercise bikes proved tricky, so we went to the other one instead. Bowlplex is part of a chain, and while we’ve tried to showcase as many independent alleys as possible, sometimes you can’t. Even in the most flamboyant town in the UK. It does have a bar though and that’s enough for us. It’s a little….plastic-y inside but once you get over that and start to play it’s a pretty decent atmosphere. It’s got pretty much everything you’d expect from a bowling alley really, and the bartender can make a mean mojito. Mo-ji-to.
Bristol
The Lanes
Ever wanted to pretend you were Michael Douglas in Wall Street, except, with bowling? Just us then. The Lanes, bizarrely and wonderfully, provides the corporate office look, and sticks five bowling alleys in the middle of it. Even the bar is made from bowling lane wood, so your drink slides along nicely, before spilling over that blonde at the end you had your eye on. Even better, it does a burlesque night where you can watch girls in corsets bowl! We’re thinking of moving in.
Cambridge
Tenpin
Is it wrong to describe a bowling alley as cosy? We can’t think of any other way to describe Cambridge’s effort in the bowling league. Almost feels like there should be a roaring fire in the corner with an old sheepdog lying in front of it. It squeezes in 28 lanes, making it one of the biggest we’ve visited, and does something called “cosmic bowling” which we didn’t get to see, but made us feel slightly queasy – balls in space? Bar isn’t bad either, spacious, nice atmosphere, and while you won’t get any fancy Tom Cruise Cocktail type shenanigans, it does the job.
Cardiff
The Hollywood Bowl
They’re breeding, these things. Another city, another Hollywood Bowl. There are two bowling alleys in Cardiff, this one and a Tenpin. We still prefer the Hollywood Bowl though. Friendly staff, good bar, and plenty of pool tables for when you want smaller balls (how long are we going to get away with using this joke?). The bar itself is reasonably priced. Ish. No more than a trendy city bar anyway. And without the yuppie types. That’s worth a bit extra in our book. Now where’s that work experience guy with our H….
Coventry
Tenpin Bowling
The great thing about this Coventry edition of the Tenpin chain is it has quasar lazer, and the largest number of lanes we’ve found so far – 36! Count ‘em! We did! The bar here holds the same types of alcoholic beverages as we’ve found in the other branches of the chain – it would be nice to have a bit of local variety. What can you do though, except drink, and bowl…drink and bowl…then chase people with laser guns. Just like granny used to do.
Dudley
Bowlplex
We’re beginning to realise that there are fewer and fewer independent bowling alleys around these days, which is a shame. Bowlplex is one of the only bowling alleys in Dudley, and we like being here, partly because of the accent, and partly because on Friday nights it’s Retro night. They play the greatest cheesy hits from the 80’s and 90’s, and if you come dressed up you get a free drink from the bar. Sadly it doesn’t work at other times. Like Tuesday afternoon about 2ish. Even if your hair is the greatest since John Travoltas in Saturday Night Fever. * sigh*
Dundee
Dundee Megabowl
“Only bowling alley in Dundee” the staff proudly told us when we checked out the Megabowl. It’s massive too, 36 lanes (we counted. Again.). It’s a fairly decent set up, though they could perhaps do with new carpet in the bar, which also was a little pricey but the only one you wouldn’t be scared to go into in the area, so that’s fair enough. Megabowl has an event called “Glow bowling”, which wasn’t on when we visited but we’re glad about that, all those coloured balls all over the place…too many memories….
http://www.dundeemegabowl.co.uk/
Edinburgh
World of Bowling
Auld Reekie more than holds its own with the Corn Exchange World Of Bowling. It has plenty of lanes and as it’s a little further out of town, usually quiet enough to get on a lane straight away. There’s a bus to take you right there too. Cheap too, and the bar is decently priced, though don’t expect 40 different types of beer. You’ll take your Tenants and like it, alright? Most significantly though, if the manager decides, you can bowl as much as you like for £7. Leaving more than enough for another pint.
Glasgow
The Garage
Glasvegas has a couple of bowling alleys, but the best we found is in Kilmarnock (ok, it’s a little bit of a drive, but it’s worth it). Not only have you got a bowling alley (12 lanes), a decent bar, a Wimpy which will bring you your food to the lane…it’s also got an indoor go-karting track. So you can play Mario Kart with your mates after you bowl. Now that’s progress. Who’s got that banana skin?
http://www.thegaragekilmarnock.co.uk/
Leeds
AMF
There can be only one….well, only one left in Leeds anyway. AMF Bowling is pretty big, looks decent enough (though could maybe do with a bit of a paint) and you can even get a free game of bowling if you sign up to their mailing list. The bar is huge, decent selection and if you buy a meal between 12 and 4 during the week you get a free game of bowling. Sorted. Pretty close to a few pubs and clubs too, so you can continue on your night out afterwards.
Liverpool
Megabowl
Alrite, alrite, calm down, calm down…There’s a Holywood Bowl in Liverpool too, but we decided for the Megabowl, as it’s closer to the city centre, and it has those cool barrier things you can put at the side of the lanes that stop your ball going out when you’re drunk. Not that we condone large amounts of drinking. Though if you feel the need, the bar is quite nice, if a little expensive. Rumours of one giant lane with 60 pins are greatly exaggerated, however we like the suggestion made by one of the patrons that the balls are returned by the use of “gnome magic”.
Er, no website this time. Odd.
London
Bloomsbury Lanes
Geez you Londoners are spoilt for choice, aren’t you? We’ve decided on Bloomsbury Lanes however. Why? Because it’s the 50’s! In London! That’s a good thing! The alleys are wonderfully retro, and it’s got the only above lane ball return outside the US. Fancy. The bar is made from bowling alley wood, and the whole place has a superb atmosphere about it. They do theme nights too, like the Withnail and I bowling night, and the Kill Your Idols night. Let’s hope it’s not literally. We rather like Dolly Parton.
http://www.bloomsburylanes.co.uk
Manchester
Megabowl
Once again it’s Megabowl vs Hollywood Bowl…FIGHT! Megabowl wins however, due to its secret weapon…a Cineworld right next door, and being rather easy to get to. Which means you don’t have to actually leave the area to do anything else – there’s a Nandos and a Burger King there too. And of course, the all important bar….which was a little disappointing actually, but perfectly serviceable. You might have to deal with a few chavs, due to it’s location, but otherwise, Megabowl is the way to go. It’s close though, Hollywood Bowl has a better bar.
Why don’t Megabowls have websites?
Newcastle
Namco Experience
This is a little odd. Pacman, yeah? Little yellow dude that eats pills and ghosts? He’s got a bowling alley now. It’s all neon and Namco (that’s the games company who make him) have their logo everywhere. We found it…puzzling. It looks great, but we couldn’t help but feel we should be spending more time in the arcade area than actually bowling. To cope, we just went to the bar and decided we liked it after all, due to the staff being pretty friendly and helping to console us with the wide drinks selection. We’re pretty sure Pacman’s eyes were following us though…
http://www.namcoexperience.com/newcastle/bowling.php
Nottingham
AMF
We were hoping for some Robin Hood type theme at AMF bowling, but when we turned up in tights brandishing bow and arrows, we were asked to quietly leave. Sneaking back in later on, minus the tights and silk underwear, we decided AMF is a pretty nice place to bowl. Seems to vary between very quiet and stupidly busy though, so it might be an idea to book in advance. It’s clean, tons of lanes, and the staff are nice. Except when you turn up in costume, obviously. The bar is well stocked, and comes with it’s own smell, which is important. We also discovered that trying to steal from the rich to give to the poor doesn’t go down well, so perhaps avoid that if you’re going.
Oxford
Bowlplex
There’s only one bowling alley in Oxford we could find, so by default it wins. We turned up half expecting bowlers to be sat with calculators and white boards, working out the best angle of trajectory to bowl with – it is the city of learning after all. What we found was normal people, though quite a few chavs on our visit, which put us off slightly. The food wasn’t great either, but the bar was nice and we even had an intelligent conversation with the bar staff on what makes a good beer. We lost track of it somewhere around the “rate of carbon dioxide flow through the liquid causes….” Zzzzz….
Reading
Reading Bowl
Rather like this place actually. Just feels nice, you know? It’s very clean, with a good range of bowling lanes, though the balls do glow at you during their Glow evenings, which we found a little worrying. How can you appear manly with giant pink balls? They have a policy of no hoodies, caps or tracksuits, which might go some way to explaining why the place is still clean*. Moving on…the bar is nicely setup, if a little understocked and could do with a few more places to sit. Leads on in a “come-this-way-now” style to the pool room, which leads on back to the bar. And the circle of life continues. Lion cub optional at this point.
http://www.readingbowl.co.uk/
*We think everyone is lovely and nice, including people who wear hoodies and tracksuits. If David Cameron can hug a hoodie, so can we.
Sheffield
Ski Village Bowling
Brilliant this. Take one bowling alley. Add a ski slope. Mix until firm. Pour in beer and assorted spirits from the bar area. Go insane.
Whoever came up with the idea of a ski slope beside a bowling alley is a genius. Except we're not very good at sking, so we stuck to the pins. Pretty decent prices for bowling, and the bar is nicely stocked and gives you free wi-fi too. So you can Facespace or Mybook or whatever it’s called that you’ve just made a strike and are now feeling quite pleased with yourself, preferably with some young thing you made sure you “accidentally” bumped in to. We know your type.
http://www.sheffieldbowling.co.uk
Swansea
Megabowl
There are only two bowling alleys left in Swansea now, with Old Ma Keely’s Bowl n’ Fish sadly gone. “If you catch it, I’ll cook it!” she’d say. Ah, memories. Megabowl continues to baffle us by not having a website for its alleys, but its fun, the staff are uber friendly (yes, we’re allowed to use words like “uber”), and we like that all Megabowls continue to be the last refuge for Wimpy restaurants in this country. The bar is lacking a bit of atmosphere we have to say, but that could be because everyone is staring at Sky Sports. They don’t change it. Ever. Apparently it’s law, or old charter, or something. We asked for proof of this, and were told it was none of our business and did we want a drink or not. We did.
York
BowlnFun
Yes yes, we know it’s not strictly speaking in York, but it’s got a laser quest/zapzone/quazer lazer arena so it gets extra points for having people you can shoot. In a non-threatening wholesome family fun way, of course.
The bar is pretty damn nice and we were surprised at the food, it’s good. We mean that. Go for the pizza if you want a recommendation. Drinks-wise it’s got most of what you’d want, though we could have done with a bit more choice on draft. If you finally get around to bowling, and yearn for a more innocent time, they do a disco bowling night on a Friday. It was too tempting for us not to try bowling to ‘Night Fever’. Then wishing we hadn’t. Sorry to all concerned.
Wolverhampton
Strykers
Cheap and cheerful is our Strykers. Offpeak (that’s before 5pm) you can bowl for £2, and after 5pm it’s only £3.50. That’s one of the cheapest games we’ve found. They also do a meal deal with two games of bowling, a burger, and a pint (or glass of white wine/fruit based drink for the lady, or soft drink for the little ‘uns) for a crisp £10 note. Nice.
Crucially, they’ve thought one thing through. Some people like watching sport, and some don’t. So they’ve set up two bars (sports and regular) and let you get on with the drinking. Well done. Good selection of draft beers in both, along with the usual assorted spirits and wine. We preferred the regular bar, as you can have a decent chat about how the work experience kid knocked all the skittles down with that giant H of his. On 3 lanes. Showoff.
http://www.strykersbowling.co.uk/bowling.html
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