Best Bowling Alleys in London for a Girls' Night Out

Why bowling is the perfect girls' night out in London

Forget dinner and drinks that turn into a three-hour debate about who pays the bill. Bowling gives you something to do, something to laugh about, and a built-in excuse to cheer each other on-even when you roll a gutter ball. It’s not just about the score. It’s about the high-fives after a strike, the ridiculous shoes, the playlist blasting through the speakers, and the way someone inevitably knocks over the pin rack trying to show off. London’s bowling scene has changed a lot in the last few years. Gone are the fluorescent-lit, dusty lanes of the 90s. Today, you’ve got stylish venues with craft cocktails, neon lighting, and DJs spinning between frames.

Pinball London (Shoreditch)

If you want the full package-bowling, cocktails, and a vibe that feels like a Brooklyn loft crossed with a 1980s arcade-Pinball London is your spot. The lanes here are wide, well-maintained, and lit with soft RGB glow that shifts color with the music. They don’t just serve beer; they have a cocktail menu designed by a former mixologist from The Connaught. Try the Strikes & Strikes-a gin-based drink with elderflower, grapefruit, and a smoked salt rim. The staff don’t just hand you shoes. They give you a quick tutorial if you’ve never bowled before. There’s also a snack bar with loaded nachos, truffle fries, and mini sliders that actually taste good. Group bookings are easy, and they reserve lanes for parties of six or more. No one gets left out. And yes, they have photo booths. You’ll need them.

AMC London Fields (Hackney)

This isn’t just a bowling alley. It’s a full-blown entertainment hub with arcade games, a rooftop bar, and live acoustic sets on weekends. The lanes at AMC London Fields are modern, with automatic bumpers (perfect if someone in your group is still learning) and digital scoring that shows your stats in real time. What sets it apart? The food. They serve Korean fried chicken bowls, vegan tacos, and even matcha cheesecake. The lighting is moody but bright enough to see your face when you’re laughing too hard. They don’t charge extra for music requests-you can pick the playlist from their app. One group of friends made a playlist called “Girls Night Anthems” and played it all night. By the third round, everyone was dancing between turns. It’s not fancy. It’s fun. And that’s the point.

Bowl & Brew (Camden)

For those who want their bowling with a side of craft beer, Bowl & Brew is the place. This venue has 12 lanes, all with cushioned seating and dedicated waitstaff who bring drinks without you having to leave your lane. Their beer list includes 20+ local brews from London microbreweries, plus cider, wine, and non-alcoholic options like ginger beer and lavender lemonade. The food is simple but solid: loaded potato skins, spicy wings, and a killer vegan burger. The vibe is relaxed but electric-lots of chatter, clinking glasses, and the occasional scream when someone nails a split. They host “Ladies’ Strike Nights” every Thursday, where you get 20% off lanes and a free drink if you bowl over 120. No cover charge. No dress code. Just good company and good lanes.

Tenpin London (Wembley)

Wembley isn’t usually top of mind for a night out, but Tenpin here is a hidden gem. It’s one of the largest bowling centers in the city, with 40 lanes and a separate lounge area with plush couches and fireplaces. The lighting is dim enough to feel intimate, but bright enough to see your score clearly. What makes this spot special? They’ve got private party rooms with soundproof walls and dedicated servers. Perfect if you want to celebrate a birthday or just keep the group close. The staff are trained to manage big groups without rushing you. They also offer glow-in-the-dark bowling on Friday and Saturday nights-black lights, neon balls, and music that makes you want to spin in your bowling shoes. The food is standard pub fare, but the drinks are well-priced. And yes, they have a mini arcade with retro games if you need a break between frames.

Chinatown Bowl (Soho)

For something different, head to Chinatown Bowl. This venue blends traditional Asian design with modern bowling tech. Think wooden railings, paper lanterns, and lanes that glow softly under amber lighting. The music is a mix of lo-fi beats and classic K-pop. The cocktails are inspired by Asian flavors-think yuzu margaritas, lychee mojitos, and sesame-infused gin tonics. They serve dim sum-style snacks: dumplings, spring rolls, and sticky rice balls. It’s quieter than other spots, which makes it ideal if your group prefers conversation over chaos. They don’t do loud parties, so you won’t get blasted by bass-heavy tracks. The staff remember your name after one visit. And the lanes? Clean, fast, and perfectly oiled. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to every month.

What to wear (and what not to)

You don’t need fancy clothes, but you also don’t want to show up in heels or flip-flops. Most places provide rental shoes, but if you’re going more than once, invest in a pair of clean, flat-soled bowling shoes. They’re cheaper than you think-under £15 online. Wear something you can move in: leggings, jeans, or a flowy dress that doesn’t drag. Avoid long skirts or bulky coats-you’ll be bending, stretching, and maybe even dancing between turns. And bring a small bag for your phone, lipstick, and a backup top in case someone spills a drink. You’ll thank yourself later.

How to book and save money

Weekends fill up fast. Book at least 48 hours ahead, especially if you’re a group of five or more. Most places let you reserve lanes online. Look for deals: many offer “2-for-1” lane deals on Tuesdays, or happy hour pricing between 4-7 PM. Some venues give discounts if you mention you’re celebrating a birthday or bachelorette. Sign up for their newsletters-you’ll get early access to events and exclusive discounts. And don’t forget to split the bill. No one wants to be the one who ends up paying for three rounds of drinks and a giant pizza.

What to expect from the experience

Bowling isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection. One friend might be a pro and knock down 280. Another might roll three gutter balls in a row-and still be the life of the party. That’s the magic. You’ll hear laughter, see someone try to do a spin move and fall sideways, and watch as a quiet person suddenly becomes the loudest cheerleader. The lanes become your stage. The pins, your audience. And by the end of the night, you’ll realize you didn’t just bowl-you bonded.