Lucky Strike: A Bowler’s Guide to London?

Posted by Kate on Oct 21, 2010 in News | 0 comments

Bowling. For me, it’s past time from back home. I’m actually not bad, a couple spares here…once in a while the lucky strike. I’m no where as good as some friends of mine who bring their own ball and shoes every time (seriously?), and I don’t know the flick wrist technique that sends the ball hurdling down the center of the strip—But, I can participate in a game without putting on the bumpers (do those exist here?) and that’s a win for me.

Lucky strike

In central, suburban New York when we’re not tipping cows (joke) or having a night out at the movies, a trip to the bowling alley can be a welcome change to a night out at the bars. Cheap games and shoe rentals, and the occasional Rock-and-bowl theme, can be accompanied by beers, cocktails and delicious high calorie food. Here, the sport, attracts the old and the young. I even know groups of people who chose our local bowling alleys as their post-prom hang out spot (not quite like the movies!)

Yet, when I heard about this deal I sought to find out England’s bowling connection. I found that in the 1300′s, bowling was apparently outlawed by King Edward III so troops could focus more on archery. Later, during the reign of King Henry VIII, the sport was both legal and popular.

Anyhow, not long ago a couple friends of mine visited from the States. We headed towards East London for a night out on the town, and because of a recommendation of a friend ended up in a local bowling alley to start the night off. To our surprise and horror, when the bill arrived at the end of the night we were paying 8x more than back home. Whatever happened to cheap fun?

The good news? I never thought I would revisit an English bowling alley until now—my pocketbook simply couldn’t take it. With today’s deal, I’m looking forward to a little sporty change from the bar scene. And to be honest, Wii bowlinhg just wasn’t the same.

What do you think? Does bowling get enough attention, here, in London? Am I missing some of the cheaper spots to partake in my childhood fun?

Today’s Deal for London

(Running till the end of Thursday the 21th October, 2010)

£9 instead of £30 for fun-filled action with two games of Ten Pin Bowling for five people or two rounds of Dodgems for up to six people at Namco Station – Save 70%

£9.00

Value	Discount	You Save
£30	90%	£21
Buy it for a friend!