Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes, bowling in Bloomsbury

Photo: Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes

Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes: Bowling in London

PaidBooking required8 lanesDate nightGroupsKaraoke

Basement, Tavistock Hotel, Bedford Way, London · WC1H 9EU · Mo-We 12:00-01:00; Th 12:00-02:00; Fr-Sa 12:00-03:00; Su 12:00-00:00

Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes is a retro American-style bowling alley hidden in the basement beneath the Tavistock Hotel in Bloomsbury. You get eight lanes done up in a dive-bar, 1950s diner style, plus private karaoke rooms, a cocktail bar and an American diner kitchen, so it suits date nights, big group outings and after-work crowds more than a quiet family afternoon.

The single most useful thing to know: lanes are pre-booked and pre-paid, costing £45 per hour for up to about six people, so split the cost across your group. It is over-18s only later in the evening, with no under-18s after 8pm Sunday to Thursday and after 7pm on Friday and Saturday. Kitchens run until the evening while the bar stays open late, so you can bowl, eat and drink without leaving your lane.

The bowling setup

There are eight ten-pin lanes laid out in a retro American style, all dim lighting, neon and vintage diner fittings rather than a bright family bowling centre. Each lane takes up to about six people and they recommend a solid hour of play per lane. Bowling shoes are included with your booking and you have to wear them, so leave the high heels and open-toed shoes at home. Beyond the lanes there are private karaoke rooms if you want to add singing to the night, which is a common combo for groups.

Good to know

Lanes cost £45 per hour and must be booked and paid in advance, so this is not really a walk-in venue for busy evenings. Turn up on time, because late arrivals lose playtime. It is over-18s only later on: no under-18s after 8pm Sunday to Thursday or after 7pm Friday and Saturday. There is an American diner menu and a pizza kitchen, plus a full bar, and you can eat and drink right at your lane. Outside food and drink are not allowed.

Good for groups

This is a strong pick for bigger nights out. The Kingpin Suite handles parties of roughly 30 to 250 people, and full exclusive hire is possible for up to about 450, so it works for birthdays, work socials and larger celebrations. Bowling and karaoke packages bundle lane time, rooms and food together, which makes splitting the bill across a group easier. Because the vibe leans bar-and-diner over family centre, it suits adults and mixed groups looking for somewhere to drink and play late into the night.

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Common questions

What is Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes?
It is a retro American-style bowling alley in the basement beneath the Tavistock Hotel in Bloomsbury, with eight lanes, private karaoke rooms, a cocktail bar and an American diner kitchen.
Is Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes free?
No. Bowling is paid and bookable. A lane costs £45 per hour for up to about six people, and karaoke rooms start from £60 per hour.
Do you need to book or can you walk in?
Lanes are pre-booked and pre-paid, and late arrivals forfeit playtime, so it is best to book ahead rather than rely on walking in, especially in the evening.
How many bowling lanes are there?
There are eight ten-pin bowling lanes, each taking up to about six players.
Is there an age restriction?
Yes. There are no under-18s after 8pm Sunday to Thursday or after 7pm on Friday and Saturday, so later in the evening it is over-18s only.
What are the opening hours?
It opens at 12pm daily, closing at 1am Monday to Wednesday, 2am Thursday, 3am Friday and Saturday, and midnight on Sunday.

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