'Marilyn Monroe' at Hollywood Bowl in Cwmbran

Staff at Bowlplex in Cwmbran celebrated their £250,000 refurbishment and relaunch as Hollywood Bowl with an opening night last Thursday.

'Marilyn Monroe' officially opens Hollywood Bowl
‘Marilyn Monroe’ officially opens Hollywood Bowl

A glass of champagne and a photo with a Marilyn Monroe lookalike on the red carpet put a smile on guests’ faces as they arrived.

I came with my wife, 11-year-old daughter and mother-in-law (plus my win-at-all-costs attitude). The smile on my face from meeting the Hollywood icon was soon wiped off as my mother-in-law started smashing the pins over.

Despite my early strike and being given a ‘strike’ sticker from our lane attendant to show off my skills I could not catch up with her early lead and she beat us all.

Ten-pin bowling is a game for everyone. The lanes were packed with families and friends of all ages.

We chose to use in-lane bumpers for my daughter….and the rest of us…and yes I still can’t believe I lost. They mean young players can play equally against older players. The final scores in our games proved they work…

The American-style diner at Hollywood Bowl

So what’s new at Hollywood Bowl?

The redesign has seen the bowling centre undergo a full rebrand and refurbishment with a brand-new Hollywood Diner, serving gourmet dogs and burgers, freshly made shakes served in retro milk bottles, signature desserts, as well as American classics from the new menu. The Diner sits alongside a brand new American-style bar serving house speciality cocktails.

I had a nice surprise spotting a selection of real ales including Trooper and Blue Moon lager.

Any of the centre’s 20 lanes can be pre-booked. We had a tour to see how the new various areas mean its a venue for occasions from family gatherings and children’s parties to nights out with  friends and work colleagues.

Matt Howell, general manager of the new Hollywood Bowl in Cwmbran, said:  “With a brand-new diner, high-tech features and lots of added Hollywood glamour, Cwmbran will be a whole new entertainment haven.”

A lane at Hollywood Bowl in Cwmbran

Jobs at Hollywood Bowl

Visit bowlingcareers.co.uk for their latest job vacancies

Thanks to Hollywood Bowl for the invitation to their opening night with snacks and a free game of bowling.

 

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