Roxy Lanes

Yeah, it’s a Tesco. But look above it.

Back when we reviewed Roxy Ball Room, we knew they had bowling in the works, and we were surprised to discover the new bowling alley occupies a whole new bar just round the corner from its sister venue.

The entrance isn’t very inviting, but we can’t blame them for the horrendous architecture of the early 70s.

Hidden above Tesco in the heart of the shopping district, Roxy Lanes is a small 4-lane bowling alley with state-of-the-art scoring computers and a billiard ball theme. Bowling at peak times is £8 a game, which is pretty steep compared with the Merrion Centre but it’s a much more classy experience so might be good for a bowling date or a fancy party (especially as kids are not welcome except during the weekend daytime sessions). There’s also a beer pong table if classy isn’t your thing.

This is the bar area. Beer pong is at the back.

The beer selection on offer is similar to at Roxy Ball Room, although somewhat reduced. There are 7 kegs (including the Roxy Lager and a couple from Whitstable Bay as well as Copper Dragon, Sam Adams, Asahi and Ilkley). There are also a few decent bottles from Wharfebank, Brooklyn, Flying Dog, Founders, BrewDog and Goose Island. Not the best selection of beers in town but certainly the best we’ve ever seen in a bowling alley! We did end up paying over £8 for two local bottles which is a bit steep, in our opinion.

Bowling! Definitely a first for bars in central Leeds.

As well as bowling and beer, there’s food on offer. Pizza or sandwiches with pizza toppings are the choices (with burgers on the way), and the pizza was very good indeed.

It’s hard for us to explain, but there is something just a little bit odd about the atmosphere of Roxy Lanes. Maybe it’s the lighting or the shiny newness of it. It definitely feels like a one-purpose companion to Roxy Ball Room, and if we weren’t coming specifically to bowl we’d definitely rather be round the corner.