Roxy Lanes & Roxy Ball Room

Opened at the end of last year, the two Roxy venues are a pleasing exercise in thematic mash-ups. One combines the current trend for craft beer with the tried-and-tested pool hall model, the other with a bowling alley.

The Ball Room, featuring pool and ping pong tables, has the feel of a converted warehouse, with wire-mesh walls separating the gaming spaces at the back from the seating and table areas near the front. At roughly a fiver for a half-hour session, it feels like you’re paying quite a hefty premium – doesn’t pool normally cost a quid a go? – but if you don’t mind this, then the opportunity to play saloon games in an abandoned factory space is a novel one, and there’s even a space for beer pong.

Sister venue Roxy Lanes is a short walk away, and is very similar in most respects – the main difference is that it offers bowling rather than other ball games. It also has some pretty decent package deals that throw in food and drink while you bowl, and therefore represents slightly better value for money than the Ball Room. It also features some pretty mean burgers.

Food wise, both bars keep things casual with menus that are orientated on sharing; tapas, starters, meat boards and pizza are the specialities. The range of beer is sourced from breweries in Leeds and Ilkley, as well as some independent national ones (from £3.80 a pint), and its assortment of cocktails with dirty names (er, Balls Deep In Chocolate, anybody?) is decent value, with blends starting from £6.50. Expect a memorable and fun, albeit expensive, night out.