The second instalment of the Roxy experience is here, and it continues on the theme of balls. That’s right, only this time it’s bowling. Where Roxy Ballroom treats the city of Leeds to a grown-ups only arena of ping pong, pool, and beer pong, this new venture is all about the adults-only bowling. No longer must we Leodians(or Loiners, if you prefer) visit those chain bowling spots, complete with the familiar sticky floors, food so salty and microwaved it’d survive a nuclear war, and the pesky annoyance of them young ‘uns. No – we can bowl in style. I popped along for the press night and have been back once for a bowl, and I have to say that I’m a fan. I love bowling, even if I’m useless for the first few rounds, and as much as the aforementioned spots do the job, they really just don’t cut it.(Especially when the mouth eroding salt bombs that are deep fried mushrooms burn your mouth like lava. I look at you, Merrion Centre.) This is a place where you can enjoy all the silliness of trying to channel Jesus and The Dude, whilst actually enjoying a great drink, some great food, and some pleasant patrons. I couldn’t be happier! The space is rustic — you know the type, with exposed piping, brick work, and such. I like it, although I’m aware that everyone’s doing it. The drinks are fantastic. There’s a decent range of up-scale lagers and craft beers, an inviting cocktail list ranging the whole gamut of spirits, and a damned fine mocktail or two.(I know this as when I came back I was too poorly to booze. The non-alcoholic mojito — winner.) I believe they even do milkshakes, which rounds off the American-style experience. The kitchen, open, has a small seating area and a lovely selection of bites. I tried the pulled pork pizza, which was every bit as tasty as you might expect. The sizes are very good — even the small is respectably big — and they’re freshly made, naturally: not too doughy, generously topped, and flavoured well. I’ll need a second try before declaring them in my top five for pizza here in Leeds, but they are absolutely solid. So solid I shook the chef’s hand on opening night. For those with meeker appetites, grab yourself a selection of their Mediterranean style bites: olives, delectable houmous, pita, and more. Again — all fabulous. And the bowling! What can you really say about bowling? It is, of course, just what you’d expect. The lanes are fresh, the system works well, and the balls are… well, balls. Fortunately, the small ones work even with tiny wee hands like mine. There’s even ones with shiny, flashing LEDs, for those that bowl all fancy, like. It’s £6 per person, per game until 5pm, then £8 per person, per game after. Really very decent, in my opinion, considering the lovely space and experience. And if you get enough of a crew together, that’ll make for a few awesome hours of entertainment. I can see myself back for many more rounds. Love the place.
