Bowling venue set to reopen for first time since March

The owner of Electric Bowl, on Commercial Street, has confirmed the venue can re-open as of September 8.

The venue is owned by four brothers, George, Paul, Michael, and Tony Ioannou, who also run Snooker Club, Fast Eddie's Pool, and the venue's F1 simulator - Race Centre, which opened to the public on July 11.

Director, Michael Ioannou said: "We will be starting off with buy-one-get-one-free bowling all day Tuesday.

"This will be a regular Tuesday offer and is part of a new range of offers which will be available on a regular basis.

"We have twice before tried to open, based on government announcements, only to be knocked back by a list of last-minute exemptions which even then seem vague and contradictory.

"During the lockdown we have been busy deep cleaning and extensively redecorating.

To comply with Covid 19 guidelines, the venue have put in place a regime of cleaning and sanitising all equipment between customer use, and to adhere to social distancing business will be operating at 50% capacity.

"Using every other bowling lane means each group of customers will have their own ball return, set of bowling balls and table for food and drink," said Mr Ioannou.

"We ask all customers to wear suitable flat-soled footwear but bowling shoes are available on request.

"Table service will also be in operation.

"Tables in the diner will be well spaced and a one way traffic system is in place to enter and exit the building.

"With limited capacity pre-booking is advisable.

"The Electric Bowl is amongst the last businesses in the UK to be allowed to re-open, for reasons which are still unclear, and it has taken its toll on the business and members of our fantastic team.

"However, we are finally open again and raring to go."

Electric Bowl's reopening comes after the permanent closure of Halifax's Galactic Golf venue on Horton Street, which is owned by the same family.

Government guidelines state bowling is classed as an indoor sport, which was a mitigating factor into the venue not reopening sooner.