Bowl Central finally set to open in Reading this summer

The entertainment activity company Bowl Central has had plans to open in Reading stretching back two years after it acquired the former Dawsons music store near the town centre.

Despite hopes to open in 2023 and 2024, difficulties with the site in Caversham Road have delayed the project.

But now progress is being made on the project to transform the former music shop with the company aiming to open this year.

Kurt Standish, the business manager of Bowl Central Reading said: “We’re looking to open in the summer.

“We’re getting the bowling equipment shipped over from the USA, which will hopefully be delivered in March, then it’s just a case of installation.

Bowling, the central activity at Bowl Central, coming to Caversham Road, Reading this year.Bowling, the central activity at Bowl Central, coming to Caversham Road, Reading this year. (Image: Bowl Central)

“The venue is basically made up of Pins and Prizes. Pins reflect the bowling element.

“The prizes are for the arcade, which will have video and redemption games.

“Hundreds of prizes can be collected by playing games and collecting points using a contactless card system that’s been around for 5-6 years.

“It works as a loyalty card, so you can come back week after week to save up for bigger prizes such as PS5s TVs and more.

“Prizes go all the way from them to maoams, cuddly toys, remote control cars, cooking appliances, everything that appeals to a really broad demographic.

“There’s something literally for everyone.”

Some of the prizes you can win at Bowl Central once it opens in Caversham Road, Reading.Some of the prizes you can win at Bowl Central once it opens in Caversham Road, Reading. (Image: Bowl Central)

Back in 2022, Bowl Central won approval for alcohol and late night food sales from 10am to 11pm from Sunday to Thursday, and 10am to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Mr Standish said: “We’ll also have a restaurant and a cocktail bar with live TV, music and interactive darts.

“We’ve got a stone pizza oven, that’s our speciality. We get constant high ratings on our pizzas, but we’ll also do side dishes such as chicken tenders, wings, tapas, nachos, fries etc.

“The bar will have most drinks you can think of on tap and bottled, beers, ciders and alcohol-free.

Pints and cocktails at the bar at Bowl Central coming to Caversham Road, Reading this year.Pints and cocktails at the bar at Bowl Central coming to Caversham Road, Reading this year. (Image: Bowl Central)

“There’ll be Guinness as well, which we haven’t been able to offer at our other locations in Bournemouth and Fareham.”

Bowl Central is entering a burgeoning market for bowling and active entertainment in Reading.

Bowling is already provided at the Spinners venue in the Broad Street Mall, and Hollywood Bowl is due to open at The Oracle in the summer.

READ MORE: New bowling alleys, game centres and restaurants set to come to Reading in 2025

Asked what will set Bowl Central apart, Mr Standish said: “The first thing that’s really great is that we have free on-site parking, which is a bit of a luxury, it spares everyone the stress and expense of parking elsewhere.

“Being a smaller boutique venue is one of our greatest strengths. With a unique combination of bowling, a premium cocktail bar, AR dartboards, pool tables, live sports, and a redemption arcade with hundreds of prizes to win, we cater to a diverse range of audiences – from families to students, young adults, corporate events, hen dos, stag dos, and even wedding receptions.

“We are a family-friendly venue up until the evening, when there’s a transition to live music and activities for adults, we turn into a nightlight destination.

Children enjoy arcade video games at Bowl Central.Children enjoy arcade video games at Bowl Central. (Image: Bowl Central)

“We’ve got that element of being a small bowling centre, the arcade and we can offer private hire, corporate events, work dos, stags and weddings.

“What truly sets us apart is our ability to be an entertainment destination for everyone, offering something for all demographics. We take pride in delivering exceptional customer service, with our dedicated hosts ensuring every guest has a memorable experience and adding a personal touch that sets us apart from other leisure and hospitality venues.”

Help support trusted local news 

Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/subscribe/

As a digital subscriber you will get:      

  • Unlimited access to the Reading Chronicle website   
  • Advert-light access       
  • Reader rewards       
  • Full access to our app

Reading Chronicle | Town Centre