Bars & Pubs

Although its near-neighbour All Star Lanes (see above) makes a good stab at sophistication, BBL knows it's a big kids' playground. As well as the eight lanes, there's pool by the hour, table football, karaoke booths and, beside the entrance, a small cinema. Bands add to the mayhem on some weekend nights, when the floor buzzes with squiffy revellers, their eyes ablaze with sport. The rest of the place is pretty functional, with a large horseshoe bar (serving Bitburger, Bernard and Meantime), retro bowling instructions on the walls and a smokers' alley at the back. If you want a piece of the bowling action (or karaoke), be sure to book ahead.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9