THE Big Lebowski would be bowled over.

Warrington has become a destination for bowling fans with two alleys opening just three miles apart.

Golden Square’s £1.9million Superbowl UK entertainment centre launched in May and the former LA Bowl reopened as Tenpin last year after a £500,000 makeover.

A third bowling alley is even being considered as part of the redevelopment of the town centre when Warrington Market moves out of its temporary unit.

So with the competition hotting up, we were invited to give Tenpin another go.

The Chetham Court centre is perfect for families striking it lucky.

It was the first time my five-year-old had bowled and he was quickly having fun – and being competitive – thanks to a ramp to push the ball off and bumpers to prevent it going into the gutter.

I was secretly glad of the bumpers because I’d not bowled for years and although it certainly took a few frames to warm up we were enjoying ourselves from the outset.

Warrington Guardian:

Staff were welcoming and attentive throughout and you can enjoy drinks and snacks while you bowl or at the new diner and bar area.

Tenpin has 28 lanes so there is plenty of space for everyone, making the experience feel more relaxed.

And the family-friendly vibe extends to the bowling itself. At the time kids were enjoying a birthday party a few lanes away which seems to a regular occurrence.

Two games later we had made a convert of my son who even won one of the rounds (I blame it on the ramp).

We had a great time but purists may raise an eyebrow because my wife got a strike and I got a half-strike when we did really not deserve it – some gremlins in the machine seemed to knock over the final pins for us.

It worked fine most of the time though and I particularly liked the ‘spare-finder’ on the screen which gives you hints on how to get those tricky final pins down.

But I was less keen on the fairly loud pop music which blasts out constantly. It was a bit much for a Saturday afternoon or maybe I’m showing my age.

We also had a bite to eat in the new colourful diner.

Warrington Guardian:

There is plenty of fast food and comfort food on offer like burgers and nachos that you can wash down with soft drinks including Slush Puppie or a cheeky beer.

If you want to make a day of it, Tenpin also has pool tables, table tennis and ‘Sector 7’ laser tag (formerly Quasar) which is described as a ‘4D experience’ with strobes, UV lighting and fog.

My son was a bit young to try that but we will be sure to come back to become space rangers another time.

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I’m sure a lot of Warringtonians will have memories of LA Bowl and – with the all too familiar sound of balls rolling down the lanes and the arcade machines trilling – it is good to know the bowling alley is still there many years later.

It remains a good value, family day out on our doorstep.

For more information about Tenpin or to book visit tenpin.co.uk/our-locations/warrington

COMPETITION

We have teamed up with Tenpin to give away two games of bowling and a sharing platter for up to six people with an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink each.

A range of platters are available with the likes of burgers, garlic bread and lattice fries as well as vegetarian options.

To enter the competition, simply answer the question: How much money was spent on the Tenpin makeover?

Send your answers along with your name, address and phone number before 5pm on Wednesday, July 10, after which a winner will be selected at random.

Send an email with the title ‘Tenpin competition’ to competition@nqnw.co.uk or write to Tenpin competition, Warrington Guardian, Unit 4, 240 Cygnet Court, Warrington, WA1 1PP.

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