23
Mar,2026
When you’re planning a girls’ night out in London and you want something more than just drinks and dinner, All Star Lanes delivers. It’s not just another bowling alley. It’s a full-blown social experience where neon lights, retro playlists, and expertly mixed cocktails turn a simple game into a night to remember. No one shows up just to bowl. Everyone shows up to laugh, cheer, and forget the week ever happened.
Why All Star Lanes Stands Out
Most bowling alleys in London feel like relics from the '80s-dim lighting, sticky floors, and a single bartender who hasn’t smiled since 1997. All Star Lanes flips that script. Opened in 2023 in Shoreditch, it’s designed for groups who want energy, style, and zero awkwardness. The lanes are wide, the bumpers are automatic, and the scoring system? It’s on giant screens so everyone can see who’s winning-or totally bombing.
The real magic? The cocktails. They’re not afterthoughts. Each drink is crafted by mixologists who treat bowling lanes like a cocktail lab. You’ll find the Strike Sour-a tart blend of gin, elderflower, and lime with a sugar-rimmed glass shaped like a bowling pin. Or the Split Shot, a smoky mezcal number with charred pineapple and a sprinkle of sea salt. These aren’t sweet, sugary drinks meant to hide the alcohol. They’re bold, balanced, and meant to be savored.
What Happens When You Book a Group
Booking a group at All Star Lanes is effortless. You pick a time slot-weekends fill up fast, so plan ahead-and choose one of three packages: Bowling & Bubbles, Shots & Strikes, or Full Lane Fiesta. Each includes lane rental, shoe hire, and a set number of drinks per person. But here’s the catch: they don’t just hand you a menu. They assign a lane host.
Your lane host isn’t just a server. They’re your hype person, your drink expert, and your unofficial referee. They’ll explain how the automatic scoring works, recommend drinks based on what you like (yes, they ask if you’re a gin person or a whiskey person), and even start a mini game of "Guess the Song" between frames. One group of six friends from Manchester told us they didn’t stop laughing for two hours. They didn’t even bowl that well. But they didn’t care.
Group Dynamics That Actually Work
Not every group activity holds up under pressure. Escape rooms? Too intense. Trivia nights? Too competitive. All Star Lanes strikes the perfect balance. It’s social enough that you’re talking, physical enough that you’re moving, and silly enough that no one takes themselves seriously.
Here’s how it plays out in real life:
- Someone rolls a gutter ball and everyone screams like they just won the lottery.
- A group of four splits into two teams and starts betting on who’ll get the next spare. The loser buys the next round.
- One person insists on wearing their high heels to bowl. They don’t win, but they become a legend.
- Someone takes a photo of the whole group holding up their drinks with the lane number behind them. It ends up as the group chat wallpaper for months.
There’s no pressure to be good at bowling. In fact, the worse you are, the more fun it gets. The automatic bumpers mean no one’s embarrassed by gutter balls. The music is loud enough to drown out your groans. And the cocktails? They make even the most serious person loosen up.
The Vibe: Not a Bar, Not a Lane-A Party
The space at All Star Lanes is designed like a cross between a 1970s disco and a modern cocktail lounge. Think velvet booths, mirrored ceilings, and hanging lanterns that glow like bowling balls. The walls are covered in vintage bowling posters-some real, some fake-but all of them make you smile.
There’s no stage, no DJ booth. But every Friday and Saturday night, a live band plays classic rock and pop hits from the '90s and 2000s. You’ll hear Britney Spears right after AC/DC. Someone will inevitably start dancing between lanes. Someone else will try to do a moonwalk. No one stops them.
And the food? Don’t skip it. The Double Strike Nachos come in a giant tray with jalapeño cheese, pulled pork, and a side of sour cream that’s been whipped with lime. The Spicy Tofu Bites are crispy, sweet, and spicy-all at once. You’ll eat more than you planned. You’ll want to order more. And you will.
Who It’s For (And Who It’s Not)
This isn’t for the quiet, reserved crowd looking for a candlelit dinner. If you’re here to sip wine and whisper, you’ll feel out of place.
This is for:
- Groups of 4-12 who want to bond without the pressure of a fancy restaurant.
- Birthdays, bachelorettes, or just "we haven’t hung out in months" nights.
- People who think "fun" means loud music, weird drinks, and zero judgment.
- Anyone who’s ever said, "Let’s do something different."
It’s also perfect for international visitors. Tourists from Australia, Brazil, and Japan have told us they’ve never had a night like this. One woman from Melbourne said, "In Sydney, we go to rooftop bars. Here, we bowled in a neon cave and drank a cocktail shaped like a bowling pin. I didn’t know I needed this."
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Book ahead-weekend slots vanish 3-5 days out. Weekdays are quieter but still fun.
- Wear comfy shoes. You’ll be walking, bending, and maybe dancing. Save the heels for the photos.
- Order the Strike Sour-it’s the most popular for a reason. The lime cuts the sweetness, and the sugar rim? Pure joy.
- Tip your lane host. They’re the reason your night runs smoothly. A £5-£10 tip per person is appreciated.
- Don’t skip the photo wall. It’s got giant bowling pins, glittery backdrops, and a sign that says "I came for the strikes, stayed for the cocktails."
There’s no dress code, but most people lean into the vibe. Think colorful tops, statement earrings, or even a sequin jacket. It’s not about looking fancy. It’s about looking like you’re having fun.
What People Are Saying
On Google Reviews, All Star Lanes has 4.9 stars from over 1,200 reviews. The most common phrases? "Best night out ever," "I didn’t know bowling could be this cool," and "We’re coming back next month."
One review from a group of five friends in their early 30s said: "We’ve been doing girls’ nights for 10 years. This was the first time we didn’t check our phones once. We were too busy screaming when Sarah got a strike after three gutter balls. We laughed until we cried. And yes, we got a second round of cocktails. No regrets."
Do I need to know how to bowl?
Nope. All Star Lanes has automatic bumpers, easy-to-use scoring, and lane hosts who guide you through every step. First-timers often have the most fun because they’re not overthinking it. Just roll, laugh, and drink.
Is it expensive?
A basic package starts at £28 per person for two hours, including three drinks. The Full Lane Fiesta is £45 and includes five drinks, food, and priority lane access. It’s comparable to dinner and drinks at a fancy bar-but with way more laughs and zero awkward silence.
Can I bring a birthday cake?
Yes! They let you bring your own cake or cupcakes, and they’ll even put it on a table with candles and a "Happy Birthday" sign. Just let them know when you book. They don’t provide cake, but they’ll help you celebrate.
Is there parking?
There’s no on-site parking, but the venue is right next to Shoreditch High Street Station (Overground) and a 10-minute walk from Old Street (Northern Line). Ride-shares drop off right at the door. If you’re driving, there’s paid parking at nearby NCP lots, but it’s easier to take public transport.
Do they have non-alcoholic drinks?
Absolutely. The mocktail menu is just as creative as the cocktail menu. Try the Zero Strike-a sparkling ginger and elderflower drink with a lime twist-or the Pin Drop, a cold brew tea with mint and peach syrup. All are served in the same stylish glasses.
If you’re looking for a night out that’s more than just drinks and dinner, All Star Lanes is the answer. It’s not about how many strikes you get. It’s about who you’re with-and how loud you laugh when you miss.
