The Perfect Autumnal Afternoon at Bowling House Norwich

I think it's pretty clear from the way it looks outside that Autumn is well and truly here, which means lots of things to look forward to. Autumn has to be, by far, my favourite season of the year. There's nothing quite like looking at the changing colours of nature, the fresh crisp air, chunky knits, tan boots, cinnamon scents, and not forgetting berry coloured lipsticks. I'm definitely looking forward to snuggling up in blankets and reading a good book whilst watching the rain outside in the coming months. Even though the nights are drawing in, temperatures are dropping there are many indoor and outdoor activities that can be enjoyed during the cooler months. So we have been embracing the autumn weather and created a Autumn bucket list that we can do as a family. A autumnal family afternoon at the Bowling House was the perfect way to kick start our list and so we thought that we would share a little more about our first autumnal outing. 



Bowling House Norwich

Bowling House in Norwich brings a unique twist to any bowling experience and it's most definitely more than just a place to go bowling. The Bowling house has got an amazing vibe and is nothing I have ever seen before. It’s fairly small with only five lanes but this makes it feels atmospheric and fairly sophisticated, and would be the perfect place for a date night. The decor has a retro feel with a touch of industrial. Instead of concealing the industrial past of the building, the bowling house has decided to highlight it. Minimal walls, rough ceilings and large glass windows and as a result, the industrial interior design style is full of character. The menu is full of interesting dishes that are full of flavour and designed in a way to appeal to every taste and some of their cocktails look perfect to make my way through on a date night. The staff are lovely, kind and so helpful. From getting our bowling shoes, choosing our food, to being served and even seeing us out of the door. The service was excellent. 

Getting to Bowling House was a little tricky. Based on Dereham Road in Norwich for those unfamiliar with the area it can be easily missed and the car park is not as visible as you may think. We were told that the car park is right next door but it's actually across the main road. However, it's only a few minutes away. We did get a little confused as we assumed that the bowling house would have their own car park. So make sure you continue pass the bowling house, over the next traffic lights you'll find the car park on the first left which is a pay and display car park £2.80 for a couple of hours. 






Bowling at the Bowling House

On our visit we decided to go bowling and then have a bite to eat after. If you prefer your food whilst you bowl, you can do that too, just ask the waiter to bring your food over. But with a four year old we thought it would be better to bowl before eating. Before we get into this who bowling thing I need to confess that I am a terrible bowler, both my husband and daughter like to take advantage of that and relish in their victories. But more on that later. When we have been bowling before we have never got the chance to wear those fun  bowling shoes, at Bowling House they provide them for you, and will look after yours while you bowl. Our daughter's feet were a couple of sizes too small, which was disappointing for her as she really wanted to wear bowling shoes like we did. 



The lanes were shorter than standard ones so power means nothing and perfect for those who are ready to unleash their competitive side and level the playing field. There are five lanes which are very close together so you'll be quite close to other bowlers, however this is ideal with slightly larger parties. We went to the bowling house in the early afternoon so it wasn't particularly busy, apart from a couple of other families which was quite nice. There were a different range of sizes with the balls, my daughter and I preferred bowling with the smaller balls and my husband preferred the heavier ones. Games are charged per person, per game. Adults are £5.80 on Mondays, £6.80 Tues to Thurs and weekends before 6pm, or £7.80 after six on the weekend. Kids (under 13) are £5, and are only allowed in the venue until 7pm. You can also get a Family Ticket any day before 6pm for £35 (two games for up to 4 people) or get 3 games for the price of 2 during the week or before 6 on the weekend. 


Food at the Bowling House

Food at the bowling house was delicious! The menu was full of a selection of different dishes, with something to suit everyone. After building up an appetite, or needing to drown my sorrows in good food (for the loser, yep me) we decided to take a seat and look over the menu. The food included lots of fresh flavours and had some really interesting dishes. I especially loved the AMAZING punchy crispy Jalapenos, served with Parmesan mayo. When we visited the bowling house both my husband decided to get the Southern Fried Chicken Burger that was cooked in buttermilk and topped with BBQ sauce and service with Skin on Fries. We decided to get two side orders the Cajun Beer Battered Onions Rings with Blue Cheese Sauce and of course those crispy Jalapenos that certainly packed a punch. Our daughter decided to get the Mac & Cheese with a side order of chips! But the best thing of all???? They serve DIET COKE! Yes, a place that doesn't say 'Is Diet Pepsi Ok?' Winner hands down just for that. The food was really delicious, and the portion sizes were generous. Both my husband and I were more than satisfied with our meals, our daughter wasn't overly keen on the Mac & Cheese, but I don't know why because it was so good. However, she really enjoyed her chocolate ice cream that came as a part of her meal. I love the fact that the bowling house offered different drinks for children too, squash instead of those sugar filled Fruit Shoots!








As well as a great menu full of interesting dishes they have have the most amazing bar and the cocktails and wine list look amazing, one to save for a date night. Some seems quite expensive though, with cocktails I tend to want more than just one. However you can get two cocktails for £10 during Happy Hour which runs from Sunday to Thursday 9-11pm.

What Mimi Thought

Well as you can imagine, for a four year old, it was the best thing she had ever done. She enjoyed a family afternoon date at Bowling House, and even now a week or so on she is still telling friends and family about her day bowling and that she beat both Mummy and Daddy. Now I have be completely honest here, I am terrible at bowling. Actually when I come to think of it, I don't think I have ever won a game, that must be an accomplishment in itself, really? I am that bad that I ended up using both of my hands on the ball and going through my legs, it did help me get a strike. We have been bowling a couple of times with our daughter and she is still getting to grips with the rules and waiting her turn. At times when she reached for the bowling balls it did make me wince, as I didn't want her get her fingers trapped between two bowling balls. But she soon got the hang of taking her ball when told to and getting it to the ramp and loved pushing the ball off the ramp. 



My daughter LOVED the food at the bowling house. We handed her the quirky menu and allowed her to choose her own meal and she decided on Mac & Cheese and as the waiter finished taking her order she shouted, I would love some chips too please. As our food came out, we were surprised that the waiter took note of her requests. Our daughter tried the Mac & Cheese, but after a while she took more interest in her chips and decided she preferred that and onion rings. In a nutshell, she had the best afternoon and has asked several times if we can go back, which we will! 

What Tony Thought

A great atmosphere, excellent service and amazing food. I really loved the industrial feel of the interiors and the refurbished decor like the cinema chairs definitely adds character and were really comfy. The atmosphere of bowling house was really relaxed and the background music added to that, making our visit very enjoyable. The food was very good and the menu caters to all tastes, I cannot fault the menu whatsoever. I even like the fact that there were some games and activities incorporated on the children's menu to help occupy them. However, the activities don't stop with the children. There were also some retro board games like Othello, Boggle and Connect 4, everyone loves an old fashioned board game. And if that doesn't appeal to you there is also a foosball table too. In a nutshell a great afternoon for families and perfect place for a date night. 


Giveaway: Bowling for Two at Bowling House

Now you have a chance to go and see for yourself, as we have teamed up with Bowling House to offer one lucky winner the chance to win a night of bowling for two. So why don't you enter over on our Facebook page to win an evening for two people at Bowling House in Norwich.

Simply like our page, like the post and comment 'I'm in' . Open to UK residents aged 16 and over. Closing date for entries is 11.59pm GMT on 10th November 2018. The winner will be chosen at random. The winner will be informed by a reply to their comment plus an email within 28 days of the closing date and will need to respond within 28 days or a new winner will be chosen The winner’s name will be available on request and published in Mimi Rose and Me and on social media accounts. The promoter is Bowling House, Norwich. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. For full terms and condition please see here

We were kindly gifted our Autumnal afternoon at Bowling House in exchange for this review, however as always my words are my own. 

9 comments

  1. It looks like you all had a great time! I can't remember the last time we went bowling, I will have to try and take my eldest in the next half term! x

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  2. I have never took my girls bowling before and I have no idea why because they would love it. It looks like you had lots of fun! Oh and your food looks amazing!

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  3. i absolutely love going bowling! Even better if there's cocktails and food involved! Looks like you and your little family had the best time!
    Rosie

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  4. We love bowling, it's such a fun activity for all ages which is great for us with having four aged 4-14! looks like you had such a fun time, gorgeous photos!

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  5. We love bowling, its really nice to have a family activity that we all enjoy. It looks like you had a great time!

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  6. It looks like you guys had so much fun! I absolutely love bowling and this place looks great!

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  7. Ah this sounds like good Autumn fun! I havent taken the children bowling yet but we really ought to soon, I think they'd love it! Lovely post xx

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  8. Such a happy and fun read sweetie! I need to go bowling havent been in ages! x x

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