AIL VOTM: Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes

AIL VOTM = All In London Venue of the Month ;)

Nobody has lent bowling more kudos than the Coen Brothers’ ‘The Dude’ and he’d certainly appreciate what’s on offer at Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes. Located in the basement of the Tavistock Hotel, the space is something of a salute to the country that gave us the man who drinks White Russians. Authentic Americana covers the place, which gives it a certain American Graffiti style attraction and the fact that it’s in a hotel basement merely emphasizes the feeling that you could just as easily be on a film set. But it’s not simply about the look and the feel of Bloomsbury Lanes that makes it so striking (pun definitely intended); it’s what it packs in.

The Bowling

There are eight lanes, which can be hired by the hour and whether it’s an afternoon game or some late night skittle bashing, the opening hours can accommodate you.

The Kingpin Suite

If you’re the type of high roller who likes to splash the cash then you might be tempted by the Kingpin Suite. Five lanes, a private entrance, arcade games, ping pong tables and its very own cocktail bar makes it the place to come for any self respecting bowling bigwig.

The Club Nights

Funk and Bowl and Supa Dupa Fly are just two of the nights that regularly soundtrack the bowling at Bloomsbury Lanes. Hip-hop, soul, funk and R'n'B keep the dance floor packed till the early hours. But for us it’s all about Friday Night Bowl. Open until 3am, this has to be one of the finest nights out in London. A combination of live bands, DJs, film screenings and bowling is pretty much irresistible.

The Karaoke

Four karaoke rooms mean that if you’re in the mood to work out your vocal muscles you can stay in-house. The rooms are stylishly decorated and best of all they’re private. Meaning you can belt out the likes of Bonnie Tyler and still walk out with your head held high.

The Food and Drink

Ray’s Pizza is on hand to serve you gigantic pizzas of the kind you might not have witnessed before. Pile into a booth and get comfortable – the size of these things could keep you busy for a while. If there is any room for dessert make sure to plump for a hard shake. Jack Daniels, peanut butter, syrup and ice cream would be our choice.

When it comes to the weekend and making that big decision between bowling, karaoke, pizza parlour or club, don’t, just have it all at Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes.