It’s not about bowling...It’s about Bloomsbury Bowling
Forget bowling past, the Bloomsbury Lanes provide the fun of bowling in a charming venue with a completely unique style. The Bloomsbury Lanes has eight swish bowling lanes, complete with the only vintage above lane ball return outside the US. Far more than just bowling, the venue has a large cocktail bar made from bowling lane wood, a full service diner serving classic American fare and plenty of lounge space to relax over a drink. For those looking for a more private affair, the Kingpin Suite with five bowling lanes is the perfect size for exclusive events. Centrally located just off Russell Square, the Bloomsbury Lanes is easy to access from all London areas. So whether you're meeting up with friends, or want to hold a private bowling event for a large group, The Bloomsbury Lanes has it all
Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes
Bar in Bloomsbury
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7 / 10 from 5 reviews
Address
Basement of Tavistock Hotel
Bedford Way
Bloomsbury
London
WC1H 9EU
Basement of Tavistock Hotel
Bedford Way
Bloomsbury
London
WC1H 9EU
Telephone
020 7183 1979
020 7183 1979
Region
Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury
Category
Bars
Bars
Opening Summary
1pm till Late Every Day
1pm till Late Every Day
Venue Facilities
Smoking Area
Food Served
Disabled Facilities
Children Welcome
Credit Cards Accepted
Music Played
Live Music Played
Private Area
Outdoor Area
Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes Picture Gallery
All In London Review
Part bowling alley, part karaoke room, part club - Bloomsbury Lane has all bases covered
As venues go it’s rather charming. Descend the stairs - past flat screens playing suitably stylish movies – head down the carpeted corridor and you find yourself peering into transparent karaoke booths, filled with have-a-go crooners. A bar serves drinks at the back of the large space and a makeshift diner is tucked up alongside the bowling lanes themselves so you can watch and eat to your hearts content. Look around and it’s clear that Bloomsbury Lanes appeals to the students and with a supporting cast of workmates – carrying forth that straight from the office look – the atmosphere is refreshingly friendly. It must be the bowling, the sport of the people. And on the subject of bowling, Bloomsbury Lanes is owner of one of London’s only above ground ball returns – if that means anything to you.
DJs play to the dance floor behind the lanes and on this occasion it’s a heavy selection of accessible electro and hip-hop classics. Think big night rather than date night, with an n alternating selection of danceable club nights that appeal to the wild. The quietest area is the diner, and apart from those amazing pizzas, there is a good selection of burgers and other American snacks. A 26” pizza will cost you about £20.00 but it would easily feed a group of four. Wash your slices down with Bittburger, Camden Pale Ale or cocktails from the bar.
Part bowling alley, part karaoke room, part club – Bloomsbury Lane has all bases covered for an awesome time with a group of buds. Strike!
Reviewed by T.A.O
Published on Feb 22, 2012
Indie bopping and bowling
Roll With It is the latest indie pop club night to take over Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes on the second Friday of every month. As the name suggests, expect a healthy dose of Oasis and other Britpop cohort anthems, current pop tunes and even the odd 50s rock and roll tune. It’s student-tastic and cheerful, and that’s before you wander into one of the colourful karaoke booths for a sing-song. Elsewhere, there is plenty of slouchy seating for eating and drinking if you don’t dare to take part in the bowling yourself, but if you do want to get those snazzy shoes on you’re advised to book well in advance as the lanes are very popular. One lane costs £39 per hour, but if you’re only here for the indie bopping it’s £7 to get in.
Reviewed by Leila
Published on Mar 3, 2011
Catering to both bowling fans and those who just want a good old boogie
They pride themselves on bringing a taste of 1950’s Americana to London, without being part of a chain. Situated in the basement of the Tavistock Hotel near Russell Square, the venue has 8 lanes which appear to fill up very quickly – it’s advisable to book in advance, particularly for weekends. On the Friday night I visited the crowds had already arrived by around 8pm, indicating this is clearly a popular after-work hangout.
The bar has a cocktail list that includes all the classics; bottled and draft beers and champagnes are also sold. The food menu is predictably a selection of burgers such as the Kingpin - with cheddar cheese and streaky bacon - pizzas, and snacks such as nachos and chicken wings. Their burgers have in fact twice been rated as being in the top three in London.
Prices for bowling vary depending on the day of the week, they go up to £5.50 on Friday and Saturday evenings per person per game. Alternatively to hire a lane for an hour is £36, however this price goes up according to season – it’s £42 at Xmas time, a hike that takes advantage of the number of work parties that will be hosted here throughout the season.
It’s clear that the punters at Bloomsbury Bowling have come as much for the dancing and drinking as for the bowling. By midnight the venue was in full swing with revellers swaying their hips to the sounds of ‘Disco Shed’, whilst much beer was swigged and cheers were uttered by the bowlers.
It’s no-frills, fun atmosphere is the reason why Bloomsbury Bowling is growing in popularity. Catering to both bowling fans and those who just want a good old boogie it’s no wonder.
Reviewed by Leila
Published on Jan 6, 2010
In The News
AIL VOTM: Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes
This month... the delights of forgoing the bygone business park bowlplex for ten-pin fun accompanied by karaoke, club nights and massive pizza…
User Reviews
Rachel
from London
from London
Sep 7, 2014
Really disappointing door staff . I wouldn't come back.
scarlirclarke
May 27, 2011
Finally visited Bloomsbury Lanes last night with team from work. Service was attentive, nice diner and tasteful retro-is decor.
We had a table tennis booking and large karaoke room, but not bowling, so no review on that part. Karaoke rooms similar to Lucky Voice, so easy to use. Liked the waitress service to rooms and drinks list. Pizzas are GIANT. Fun place for drinks and entertaining, more seating needed though.
We had a table tennis booking and large karaoke room, but not bowling, so no review on that part. Karaoke rooms similar to Lucky Voice, so easy to use. Liked the waitress service to rooms and drinks list. Pizzas are GIANT. Fun place for drinks and entertaining, more seating needed though.
Mike Read
from Dulwich
from Dulwich
Feb 23, 2011
I went there on a spur of the moment thing last Saturday with a few mates and the venue was a complete shock to us. Really lively, great music, great cocktails and there is a really good atmosphere, full off happy party animals. I will make this a regular venue for sure.
Name: Mike Read
Location: Dulwich
Name: Mike Read
Location: Dulwich
Anonymous
Dec 18, 2009
This place is great. I went here for my friends birthday on the weekend and had a great time. decent music all night and a pretty good live band as we arrived. good crowd - everyone was just out to have a good time. it's like an adults playground. the drinks were pretty reasonable too for central london. we had a karaoke room for 2 hours, and despite my initial thoughts - i had a brilliant time! a few of us put some money together to get a late night lane - and i have to say, drunk bowling, is the best form of bowling! definitly recommend this to someone who wants a fun nigt out!
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