Totally disgusted with this place. I wish I had looked at the reviews before attending with my family. Let me start by saying that I had no preconceptions beforehand. As soon as we arrived, we were told we had to pay an entry fee in addition to the money we had paid online for the bowling. We then went to our lane after checking in to find no small children's balls available. After pleading with another party of children, we got a ball for our child only to find the only ball guide/launcher was broken so when you rolled a ball down it, the ball veered to one side. My wife went downstairs to get some refreshments for us and was gone for what seemed like an age. Whilst we were waiting for her to return, we had a member of staff ask us to carry on playing. We explained that we were waiting for my wife to return and they seemed to be put out that we weren't just taking her turn for her. My wife returned to tell me that some drinks were unavailable and we then had to waste more time by going back again as they wouldn't bring food to the lane. I understand at busy times this might not be possible but get this... I counted 4 staff upstairs on their phones, not paying any attention to the customers and then downstairs it looked like the entire team was just dossing about behind the bar. Some were sat down in a corner, a couple on their phones, and I heard one even talking about not wanting to be there because of the massive hangover they had. So we wasted time having to go back downstairs to get the food. There are big signs stating no food and drink on the lanes, so we left our refreshments directly above the sign on the table only to turn around and find that a cleaner had come along and disposed of it. This table is literally less than 2m away from the bowling space where we were bowling. Crazy! Add to this that the sidebars kept jamming and not coming up for my child, and it was really the most terrible experience. Given the lazy attitude of the staff there, I can understand that the equipment isn't maintained to any standard hence the issues. Find somewhere else to go.

We had a 5 year old birthday party here and it was an absolute mess, shambles. When we arrived no one directed us to where we was meant to be, it was busy and we had to keep moving around to find a spot for our party as the bowling area was still occupied and we wasnt allowed to seat in the reserved area for another party. No designated area for my party, had my guests just standing around wondering what was going on. I handed my cake over in a beautiful cool bag, which I never got back, apparently it got lost! I had nothing to carry the left over of my cake in. The email said don't bring knife, cutlery, napkins, ended up wishing I brought my own. I handed cake out with my hands and couldn't even cut the cake at the table after singing happy birthday. Please be aware they don't even bring your cake out for you, you have to do that at the table, completely ruined the surprise of cake coming out. Then to top it you have to go to the bar to cut it amd bring it back, a massive joke. The only good thing about this was the dance floor for kids to run around. Absolutely disapointing, my home planned parties are better than this. Don't bother wasting your money!

DO NOT GO HERE!!! Very sketchy place. My friends and I went here to bowl and have some drinks, but then 1) some kids were doing drugs in the bathroom and it became a party in the bathroom until security showed up. Then, my friends phone went missing once we left the place and we tracked it back that it was still at the bowling alley. We found out that one of the security guards had the phone and then wanted 600 pounds to return the phone!! THE SECURITY GUARD!! We threatened to call the cops and we knew where he worked, so then he tried giving us a random phone in which we called him out on it and it turned out to be his own phone (stupid mistake on him). We then had a long argument and traded rightful phones with him but this was disgusting behavior. He’s a shaved headed male with poor English and I’d recommend any tourist or person to stay away from this place and DON’T TRUST THE SECURITY GUARDS!!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

This Finsbury Park institution is great fun for adults and children alike (though in all honesty, and this is not the fault of the staff, the amount of sugared-up children running around is not too everyone's liking - certainly not mine!). There are lanes, of course (it being a bowling place) but also bars, pool tables, table tennis, karaoke rooms, arcade with plenty of games... The beers (somewhat watered down?) retail at £5.70 or thereabouts, there's a good selection of cocktails, but food is limited. Staff do their very best (though the staff WhatsApp groups must be good because most of them seem to be constantly on their phones) and will always try to help out. The DJ is ok, music keeps the party going, there's a decent outside space (some of it covered and heated) and the toilets are clean. This is a bit of iconic Americana in North London, or a stranded cruise ship far from the high seas. But it is exactly what it says it is. And usually exactly what you want.

Rowans is such a local gem. Depending on if you go a weekday or weekend, it's a very different experience. The drinks are all well priced and the bowling has a fun retro experience to it. I've been here maybe 15 or so times over the years and the only negative would be the really aggressive and excessive security who seem to be gagging to have a problem with you. There's probably more security here than at Heathrow T5. On a couple of occasions, I've come here sober after work for a work function and have been treated like I'm a drunk, with heavy levels of questioning and pat downs. If the place wasn't so iconic, this would be a 3* experience, but it's Rowans - so it's still a solid 4* for the fun of it all.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Rowans Tenpin Bowl is a fantastic place for a fun and entertaining time! The atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming, making it a great spot for friends and families. The well-maintained lanes and top-notch equipment ensure a smooth and enjoyable bowling experience. The staff is friendly and accommodating, always ready to assist and provide guidance. Whether you're a casual bowler or a serious enthusiast, Rowans Tenpin Bowl offers a range of options for all skill levels. And after the game, the food and refreshments available at the facility add to the overall enjoyment. Highly recommended for anyone looking to have a blast while knocking down some pins!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Not a bad place at all where you can enjoy a nice evening with friends. Two floors where you can enjoy lots of bowling lanes, two bars, game room and a karaoke room too! Went there on a Sunday night and it wasn't extremely busy, just a few lanes were free so no needed to wait to play. £1 is the entrance fee but prices are quite cheap. Giving 4 stars only because upstairs bar was closed, so Every time we wanted a drink we had to go downstairs. I don't blame it as it was on a non busy Sunday night, but if it was going to be open that was going to be absolutely a 5 stars review! Pop by for a funny evening with your mates and you won't regret it

We went bowling at this place, it was a lot of fun, the access is also equipped for wheelchairs. After bowling we also went to the games room and played on the lanes upstairs. The place when we were there wasn't crowded but there were still a lot of people. Upstairs when we went bowling there was also a private birthday party, so the atmosphere was very lively and warm, there are places to buy food, I saw a restaurant where you can buy food you can sit at the tables feel good and continue to have fun. I liked it, I will definitely come back.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Absolutely brilliant. The lanes are buzzing with excitement every time. DJ was playing some jokes old school songs, and the beers weren't too expensive either. Highly recommend the frozen cocktails! The arcade downstairs is great too. All the old classics are there: basketball shoot, tomb raider, dance mat, guitar hero. Also got some air hockey and the old 10p tipping point games too. Fun pubs right around the corner, and also right next to the station - what more could you want!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Booked online to visit Rowans Bowling with my boyfriend on a friday night. There were lots of security around, I was let right through but my boyfriend was taken outside by one of the security staff and told he would need to tip him to be able to enter, he even said “be reasonable, don’t come back with a fiver”. We obviously refused and so lost the money on the booking and transport to get there and back, would not recommend this place is a disgrace, security is corrupt.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No

Horrendous bouncers. My friend wasn’t let in because he was wearing tracksuit trousers - which I understand as a rule, but he has been let in previously no problem? The WORST though is a different bouncer told my friend off for vaping outside in the line (almost jokingly trying to flirt?), and then proceeded to grab her arm as he intimidated her. When she pulled away and told him that he wasn’t fair in saying that, he whispered to the other bouncer and we were told none of the 8 of us outside would be let in. Classic men on a power trip. Disgusting.

I really like the retro look and feel of this venue and the split levels of the lanes too. Service wasn’t great.. Bar upstairs closed and no lane service at peak time, perception of the team wasn’t positive overall. 4-5 behind the bar, and one watching each level of lanes however one was sat playing a game on this phone and the other was oblivious to multiple faults happening. The £1 admission fee was a bit odd too. Three stars as I really wanted to love it here and will put down to just a bad day as it was really just service lacking.

Nice and relaxing atmosphere but i was disappointed from the shoes. I asked for a 44 and actually i was given a 43. There was a youn guy behind the desk and i tried to explain to him that its actually not comfortable at all to wear a smaller number, especially when you're there for fun. The response was "thats all i have " I was with a group of people that was celebrating the birthday of a good friend and didn't want to have an argument but its such a shame for a nice place to suffer from staff training and management.

The BEST security team ever!! HUGE thank you to Eddie and Jacob who went above and beyond. My phone was stolen right outside the front doors and they reviewed the security footage and saw who did it. They then went outside and found the guys who stole it and got my phone back! I truly cannot praise these guys enough. Give them a raise because they are freaking rockstars. Ps. The photo is seconds before my phone was stolen, which I had back in less than 20min thanks to Eddie and Jacob.

Guys I had made a call to let them know that I was going to be 4 mins late, I arrived at 00:04, according to their policy it says that on Friday and Saturday evenings no admission is permitted after 01:00am. They refused me entry knowing that their policy says that we are allowed entry until 01:00am. Morice and Major (the manager) refused us entry. This is totally unacceptable knowing that their policy says one thing and they’re saying something completely different.

Absolutely loved this place! Went early on a Saturday and it was £1 entry to heaps of fun arcade games, about a 1.5hour wait for bowling (if you hadn’t booked), and pints for around £6. There is karaoke too but we didn’t try that out, definitely will be back to though. Great music playing and is honestly such a great vibe! Also heaps of big screens for the World Cup if you want to watch! Follow @hi.there.im.katie on TikTok for view reviews

£1 admission fee for entering the building - what? Then be mindful that £15 is for the game, not for an hour, meaning if you play well, and close the game in 15-20mins, you need to plan around £45 per hour per adult. Bowls are poor quality, sometimes broken, Also there is no food inside, just drinks. All in all, I don’t recommend the place.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Always a good night out here, I bloody love it! Really good for a group of people / birthdays/ dates / and just a really fun time. Bar, bowling alley, music & Dj (at the weekend), dance floor, karaoke & an arcade! What’s not to love! Make sure to book in advance for bowling / karaoke as sometimes it can get booked up quickly at the weekend.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

I wish I took photos of this venue and the cocktails! It was all so amazing. The staff were super friendly and the cocktails were both strong and delicious! I'm not much of a bowler but I definitely had a great time there! There was also an arcade! My only issue with the venue, which isn't a major one, was that we were still charged an admittance fee (to enter the venue) despite having a booking for bowling for 16 people.

✅ For bowling, buy tickets in advance. If u only goin there for the arcade there is a fee enterance. £1 i think. they got DDR, guitar hero, hockey, ball pool, basketball hoops, buncha car and motorcycle games, shooting games. Ive gone here plenty with family and friends. SHEESH ✅
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Good ambiance, a bit pricely but good for spending time with your family and friends and also for your loved one ❤️. There is a game room for classic arcade and coin game lovers 8 bowling routes and a great open smoking garden . Note : There is a one pound entrance fee per person in week.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The vibe is interesting as it feels like you are in a bar/bowling alley in the us. We had a limoncello spritz, which was very disappointing in terms of taste. I would expect better quality for the price of the drink. Also, we did not feel looked after as the customer service really lacks.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Bowling, arcade games, pool, karaoke, dancing. What more could you want? Very enjoyable if its not too busy. Saturday nights can get rammed, in which case expect long queues for the bars and games. Book in advance if you want to get a bowling alley. Bouncers are not very nice.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Last Saturday we went there to celebrate my daughter's birthday and we absolutely loved the place. My daughter and her friends really liked it and they had fun. The customer service was excellent. I would like to say a big thank you to Giorgia for making this day special.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Always great fun in Rowans. Fun for everyone and really easy to get to. Lots to keep the kids entertained before and after the bowling. Really good for kids parties. Or if you fancy a drink and a laugh with your mates always a good giggle with pool, air hockey, basketball hoops an racing and shooting arcade games. Definitely worth giving a go

I used to go to Rowans as a teen. I recently went back for a kid's birthday party, and they were very accommodating when a few parents ran behind. I'm happy they're still striving in the current economic climate and offering an improved social setting.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Went with some work colleagues & had a great time bowling. Staff are friendly & helpful, great security. Drinks are a good price, it gets really busy after 9 when the DJ comes on, great atmosphere if you like to party. There's also an arcade where you can hang out with friends. Nice place to go & have fun, best days are Fridays & Saturday's.

Cheap (for London) and cheerful fun! This place is a paragon of simple, nostalgic goodness and the staff are great. Shout out to one lady (didn’t catch her name but she was covering the arcade and had long dark hair and was super friendly) who put my bag and coat behind the counter when I left it lying around! Would recommend to everyone :)

Had my son’s birthday party there and was really pleased! Booking the party was easy and stright forward. On the day the staff was very helpful, place seem very clean and food came out on time. Definitely would recommend for kid’s birthday parties!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Nice place, staff is not consistent though. On Tuesday evening there's a meeting of people with learning disabilities which I think is great. However I saw once staff charging them for entrance, other time not. In general though staff is very nice. Prices are ok. And there's nice area upstairs for private hiring.

Great place to hang out with your mates or a date! From bowling to the arcade and karaoke you will be spoilt for choice. I will definitely pay a visit again. Also just to save you time, withdraw cash before you go in for the arcade. There is a change machine should you need to break your notes into coins.

Great bowling alley with plenty of lanes. Had so much fun here and they also do karaoke! Need to make sure you book but on quiet days they may be able to accommodate. Overall fantastic for family and friends!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

This place is a little rough round the edges but it's amazing and rare to have such a big arcade center, loads of old skool games, pool tables, bowling, great atmosphere. I'm a kid from the 80s and it's so nostalgic for me and great value. It's worth keeping, so go there and support them. :)

Lovely spot. Security needed on the door which is a bit surreal. But great venue. Bowling, karaoke, dance floor (great reggae playing), arcade etc. They serve food and drink and have a bar.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Went for karaoke and he staff were amazing. there was a wide selection of songs. I'm more of a metal and rock lover and they had more rock and metal songs than I initially expected. Loved the experience plus went to the little arcade there and they had some really good games :)

I am not an expert in bowling but I won my friends! What I mean is I can’t compare with another places but the experience was good. They have cool music and a fully bar, just missing some good beer. I didn’t try the food but they have this addictive coins pusher machines!

Brilliant in general to be honest. We went bowling but also played pool and had a go on the arcade as well. Food was snacky but very good value. Hotdog and chips for approx a £5 so great if you have kids. Staff friendly and happy to help. Drinks cheap ish too! Great day

Staff very welcoming and engaging. The Game Room is clean with different games for all ages, Bowling alley children had a wonderful time! Once again staff was at hand when needed..
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Great bowling alley, it has changed from long ago when I attended as a child. Great new experiences such as an arcade. Feels like another world once you enter past the payment counter. A lovely trip out for the kids and refreshments are great values for money.

First time for us. It's seems it's little bit more grown up place which turns into club later on, but great for family during the day. Plenty of space to sit, very large bar and good bowling. They also have an arcade and some gambling machines for 18plus

Drinks are cheap by London standards. If you want to Bowl or get a karaoke room definitely book. Cash is needed for the arcade, no atm inside nearest ATM is the Tesco.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

I can't stop going to this avenue for about 11 years and will continue to visit. Lots of entertainment, nice pub inside, their Dj is on top of the Djs with decent music all the time I go there. I 100% recommende! Don't think twice and just GO...

Went to bowl for a friend’s birthday. They easily accommodated us (we were over 10 people). When we were finished we went downstairs to play arcade games
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

It is so old inside, you feel like in 80s. I ordered small Mochito its price was £5.50 and I even didn't feel taste of alcohol and no fresh mint as well.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Had the most amazing night at Rowans, staff were amazing and so helpful, after bowling we used the karaoke booth ....out of this world....Great fun! Best night out in ages, Thank you
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Entry is £1. Just a good, casual night out playing table tennis, air hockey or pool and other arcade games. The main attraction is obviously bowling but it can get pretty busy on weekends and you may have to wait a while to get a lane. At

A lot of good memories here and the odd NYE too. Drinks have always been cheap in comparison to places around but not always the liveliest. However the atmosphere usually is and has a good influx of people midweek to weekend with DJ sets

I'm sad that it took me until my fourth year at university to make it to this famed and legendary establishment. We had a great night of drinking, dancing, bowling and arcade games, in what was so much more than a bowling alley. I had

I'm a regular at rowans . I have been for many many years and always have a great time. However my experience last night was not pleasant. Me and several friends were made to feel very uncomfortable by the manager behind the bar. He

Fun family event, went for a kids birthday party. Portion size are very generous! And alcohol cocktails beverage selection was not too bad.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Friendly staff. Clean facilities. Could probably do with some modernisation. They can do away with the separate admission fee and bowling shoe hire fees (totalling £2 each person). An all inclusive rate would be more favourable.

Nice place for a family afternoon with friends or family or even kids birthday party. Looks a but old dated, but great for local fun.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Really good fun. But not happy that after already paying for bowling, you have to pay an admission free. But I don’t understand what it’s actually for, admission fees are out of date and I think it should be scrapped

I deeply love this place with every fibre of my being. It is embedded in the cultural canon of London life and everyone must go!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Perhaps the best tenpin bowling lanes I've been to, ever. Nice Americana hither and thither. Good little games arcade too. And you don't need to hire those silly fungus ridden shoes. And they serve alcohol.

Excellent staff and a great place to keep the kids busy for a couple of three hours. Depends how many kids you have but it is expensive. Fun time though especially for first time bowlers. Enjoy your visit

I fantastic venue for bowling, games and disco. A no thrills venue, that doesn't try to hard. Have a bowl, each some chips and cooked from frozen scampi with a bit of disco dancing to close. Awesome

Brilliant here!!!! The atmosphere is lovely. Kids really enjoyed themselves bowling and playing in the arcades.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Nice vintage feeling, good bowling lanes. I enjoyed my visit here. Great selection of arcade games.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Amazing place for everyone. I took my 3-year-old son, and he really enjoyed it. Highly recommended
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Love Rowans, we not only had a great time bowling with family and friends but we also hired the karaoke room and sang out little hearts out!! What a great night. Loved loved loved it.

Smell so bad !!! Like through in up everywhere The waiting was long for nothing, the only think cool is that is not expensive for London ! But I don’t recommend it at all !

Service was exceptional and very clean. The place wasn't busy either. No bowling shoes required which was good. The guy at the front desk was so friendly. Thanks so much.

Went bowling with my coworkers. It's a friendly place and we had a lot of fun.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

This place is delightfully shabby and old school. The DJ was also playing some excellent club tunes. The arcade is fun but remember to bring some coins with you.

When did bowling become so expensive? Good afternoon out with kids but need to give ceiling in bowling alley and toilets a makeover for amount your charging.

Security are friendly and staff are efficient regarding get drinks or spillages on the dance floor. Wish the DJ played some tunes a bit longer . …

Weird club and couldn’t get in my nice sweatpants. DJ was good!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The place is nice, big ... and have affordable prices
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Pleasant small bowling alley with large arcade and several pool tables. The staff are very friendly and nice bar. More

A nice place where you can go to have some fun. Only 3 stars because a lot of their machines were not functioning.

Lots of fun as always, but the music was far to loud to hold a conversation which reduced the overall experience

Always a great place to go to with your friends and family. Only issue I have is the price for the whole thing.

I mean, this place is legendary, right? So all good fun and definitely lots more than just bowling!

Very bad experience, the staff wasn’t helpful at all. Bowling was good.
Wait time…
More

Great place. Varieties of games available. Food quality is also nice.

A top afternoon out, but don't forget your wallet! £££ …

Kids had a good time. The wait was not too long.

Lovely atmosphere. Decent drinks. Nice vibe.

As well like it to much me and my brother