Lane7 opened its Leicester venue this weekend (OCT24), offering much more than the typical bowling experience, as reporter Isobel Rix discovered.
As we arrived early for the booking, we took time to sit in the impressive drinks hall. I ordered a latte from Fika, one of the resident drinks providers, which was a perfect way to warm up after the bitingly cold walk from home.
Above a stage, a huge screen plays sports matches for all to see, disco balls cast flickers of light all around – this place is party-ready (when parties are allowed again of course).
Alongside swish bowling alleys located within the former Leicester Central Station is a ping pong room, pool tables, karaoke, photo booths, crazy golf and more, with resident street food trucks in the food court outside.
First up we headed to the bowling alleys and after a brief wait our lane was free. After refreshing myself with the form of entertainment, which I had regretfully neglected since my primary school bowling party days, I improved no end – even getting a strike.
Next, it was time to eat, so we headed outside to the food trucks.
The options were Deckards (bao), What’s Your Beef (burgers), Yardbirds (fried chicken) and Thai Express (Thai street food). I opted for the tofu pad thai from Thai Express with some vegetable spring rolls, which were both delicious and incredibly filling. The fried chicken on waffles from Yardbirds also looked amazing, although the wait was slightly longer due to its popularity.
We finished up with a few pints ordered through the table service QR code on each bench, perfect.
To check out what’s on offer and book in for some fun, click here.
