Lane7 opens doors to its largest UK venue, promising first overseas site soon

Lane7 has opened the biggest of its 12-strong portfolio of boutique bowling venues in Birmingham, with more promised to be arriving soon.

Ballers in England’s second city are now spoilt for choice with the venue’s second site opening, a vast 30,000 sq ft space in Birmingham Bullring. Owners have also revealed the opening of its first site in the capital will be next pin to fall, with a new venue in London Victoria, which also teases a secretive ‘adults only’ attraction as part of its gaming make-up.

In true Lane7 style, more new gaming will feature at the new Bullring site in Birmingham. Alongside 14 lanes of bowling will be dart boards, beer pong, floor shuffle and karaoke booths. The new site even has two mini curling rinks and 35 retro arcade gaming machines.

For a decade, the group has been ‘redefining boutique bowling’, blending it with alternative gaming, hospitality and immersive experiences. Its approach has won it an ever increasing fan base across the UK, and owner and founder Tim Wilks says it’s now ready to ‘spread the baller love’ to London having opened what is now its 12th operational site in the Midlands.

He commented: “We’ve created and curated a new fanbase of baller fans who also love the additional and unique attractions we bring to each new site. The plans for London are perfect for its setting in the heart of Victoria, including a new adult-only gaming attraction. That’s Victoria’s secret for now…just watch this space.”

Tim revealed Lane7’s London venture of ‘upmarket’ bowling and gaming is due to open in December on a site that spans three floors and features a ‘dramatic’ 30 metres of floor to ceiling glass frontage.

This will be followed by its first international site with a launch in the heart of Dublin City Centre in 2024 at Chatham & King, a mixed use leisure and retail destination adjacent to St Stephen’s Green.

Tim added: “It’s going to be a huge year for the business, with our growth plans in the next 12 months affirming our commitment to providing top tier entertainment in vibrant, urban settings.”

Supporting the expansion plans is the behind-the-scenes work taking place on shaping the new senior team and structure, appointing a new managing director for its Lane7 and Level X brands, as well as a new group chief financial officer.

Former FD at Merlin Entertainments Group and interim CFO at Southampton FC, David Bence officially arrives at the group, having already enjoyed what Wilks describes as ‘a good few months happily dating’.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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