Geez, long story, but I've lost a bet and now I'm supposed to convince a friend in London to go bowling with me.

Are there even any bowling alleys in London? Oddly enough, I've never seen this subject mentioned here before....

There are several bowling alleys in London -- it is called "10 pin Bowling" if you want to search.

or you can check here http://www.accessentertainment.co.uk/TenPin/London.htm

Thanks as always for the help and the link, Janice. There's an alley in the basement of the Tavistock Hotel. This will be a truly special memory. (And I'm never going to bet on anything again in my life!)

San366, Are you **sure** you won't share the story with us? It's got to be a good one!!

Janisj, isn't 10 pin bowling a US derivation of skittles? In London, we ran across 10 pins bowling at the Trocadero (travelling with kids, NOT my idea of a good time). In context, it seemed like a real novetly.

Hope you re consider telkl

Pick your place carefully. Some are huge proper 10 pin bowling alleys - others are funny little miniature places that are not really for serious sport, more for kiddies to play around on. Something in a hotel cellar will probably come under the second category. Go to a proper bowling alley for a fun night.

The bowling alley in Queensway is the best I've been to. Full length lanes. It also has an ice rink if you get bored bowling. Remember, Queensway tube station is closed until 2006 so you will have to use Bayswater, which exits 20 meters up the road!

There is also a small bowling alley inside County Hall. Just a few lanes.