All Star Lanes Brick Lane

Address: The Old Truman Brewery, 87 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QR, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 207 426 9200
Website: view All Star Lanes Brick Lane’s website
Door: Go early
Style: Sports bar
Food: Set menu

Review

The biggest of this four-strong collection of American-style bowling alleys is hidden Tardis-like on trendy Brick Lane. A small street frontage gives way first to a diner named Luncheonette, featuring Southern-style classics, and then nine bowling lanes and a cocktail bar.

You don't need to have one of the lanes to come drinking here (but if you want one be sure to book). A 20ft copper-topped bar dispenses classic US cocktails, beers and a wide range of bourbons - claimed to be the largest collection in the UK. Large booths favour groups.

A list of fruity 'favourites' heads the list ahead of more sweet, fruity drinks served in jam jars, a selection of tiki cocktails, a short list of classics and a nice line in pitchers that include a pisco-based punch.

Drinks are competent if not show-stopping - but don't forget there was a recent time when bowling alleys meant cola and chips, and these are still definitely among the best around. Upstairs, there's a 100-capacity private room with its own three bowling lanes.