MFA Bowl

Went here last night with a group of students from the art college. I can’t comment on the price because the college students union had organised a deal for us which was great.
We had a good night but the place itself is extremely tired. Carpets are torn and repairs with duct tape all over the place, the wood around the lanes is broken and dirty and toilets really need looking with a few taps and one of the hand dryers not working at all.
I would rate this place 2* however we had a great time and the staff were friendly and quick to resolve any technical issues on the lanes — however it’s worth pointing out that it wasn’t busy.
The bar is extremely basic with a minimal selection. My main gripe is that you cannot sit with your drink on the seating on the lanes. This forces you to stand further back, which to me is uncomfortable. I would certainly spend a lot more money in the bar if we could sit down with our drinks. This would result in a much more relaxed game of bowling.
I prefer Hollywood Bowl in Kirkstall as it’s not as dingy inside, has a better bar and free carpark. But if you are in town this place is fine.

I have been bowling (trying) here on and off since i was a lad and it’s good to know that I’ve stood the test of time a little better.
We have both seen better days and have problems with things not working as well as they should and we are both in the business of trying to fit in with a fast moving, lively world and somehow not quite managing.
On the plus side we can still show people a good time and we’re cheap.
On a serious note, I DID enjoy my visit and neither the bowling nor the drinks cost the earth. I am sort of hoping that 1^st Bowl invests a little money and cleans up the operation as it will soon be slap bang in the middle of a new retail and leisure development along the back of the Merrion Centre.

It’s so weird when you wander in somewhere, somewhere you’ve never been, and have a sense of déja vu. As soon as I descended the stairs to 1^st bowl I felt as though I’d been there before, which I haven’t, but perhaps it was the feeling of stepping back into childhood. The last time I’d been bowling was when I was 14, and it looks like bowling alleys haven’t changed a bit since. Or perhaps it was the Peep Show episode that made it seem familiar? Regardless, if you’ve not been in a while, you still know what to expect.
The counter comes first, to pay for your lanes and games, and hand in your shoes. It’s a simple exchange, and the staff are very friendly. For two games it cost £8 for two, which is really extremely cheap for over two hours of good solid fun. (Well, that depends if you enjoy bowling.) We had a big group of us, for a birthday outing, and it was fantastic. The alleys are grand, the system is easy, and it’s all as simple as that.
I did my best to channel Jesus from Lebowski, but alas, I wasn’t good. I managed a couple of strikes, and a few spares, but then made up for that with several 0 scores. What is it with my arm bowling to the left? Damn it! It also brought out an uncontrollable competitive edge. Why this came out with bowling I’ve no idea! Anyway, I love it, and I want to go again.
As for the other amenities, there’s a bar, a place to order various fried goods, and a ton of arcade games. The bar serves up very standard, if below par drinks. (Depending on your tastes.) The most exotic beers are Guinness and creamflow Worthingtons, and there’s a range of WKDs and VKs. That’s the kind of boozing had here. As for the food, I didn’t dare risk a hot dog for a quid, so had some breaded mushrooms and chips. The mushrooms I regretted, as they really didn’t sit well. Very greasy, and not delicious, but edible if you’re starving.
The other games are good, but could have been better. With a tempting range of Mario Kart, some FPS games, air hockey, American pool, and various others, it’s packed with potential fun for an evening. However, only managed to get air hockey to work. (Mario wouldn’t accept any coins, and Time-​something-​or-​other glitched half way through.) We also saw someone try out the ‘hurricane’ machine, which looked more like a light blow dry. But the air hockey I loved. Probably because I won!
In summary, I like it. I liked it because bowling is loads of fun, and the staff were grand. I didn’t love it because the food and booze is below par, and some of the games we tried didn’t work. However, I’d definitely come back. So, it’s a straight middle ground 3 out of 5. Anyone want to go bowling?!

I couldn’t hit a strike but AMF almost does.
Now i haven’t been bowling in years, the last time i remember heading out to bowl was my eleventh birthday, and even then nobody let me win so i probably had mixed memories of bowling alleys.
I’m happy to report that AMF was exactly what you expect of an old bowling alley experience. Tacky music blasted out loud enough to do a celebratory bop too when you actually hit something, but not so loud to drown us all out. Neon lights everywhere and all the old school favourite arcade games clustered around the lanes. Air hockey being my personal between rounds favourite.
We didn’t struggle for a lane (even when after our first game we fancied another). The staff were friendly and even offered us the regulars discount as we’d brought enough people for two lanes.
The bar was cheap enough and to be honest i was happy. It wasn’t over crowded and my only really complaint was the temperature. After an hour of bowling we were all boiling, to the point where some of the girls took terms surfacing for air at the doorway and returning to cheer.
I accept that people with families would prefer the newer larger Kirkstall bowl but it isn’t as authentic, it hasn’t the charm or the atmosphere. Its old not rundown, For a group of friends out for a good night out, who aren’t fussy about having the Hollywood bowl experience this really is brilliant. I had a great time and i guess i may be easily pleased but a night out here really is what you make of it.

So you don’t fancy the cinema, a club or staying in. Not so problematic, especially if you decide to go bowling. I think there is a time and place for it regardless of your age. So off we trotted to AMF Bowling.
I find most bowling allies have some element of tackiness, it’s just part of their charm and it’s not upmarket entertainment that’s for sure. It is however a good laugh to spend an hour or so with a group of your friends.
It’s reasonably basic and tatty around the edges but the end product is the same. Silly shoes rubbish scores and badly served burgers. Not that I’m complaining because I did enjoy myself and that’s what counts at the end of the day.
You’ve also got some American Pool tables and as I mentioned before a not so hot diner if you’re in dire need of reviving.
What I will say about this particular centre is the amount of offers they have on. If you’re a student you are well catered for. For me, those days have long gone so the 3 game deals for £7.50 on a Sunday evening is a winner. Don’t expect anything other than what it is and then everyone will be happy. Expect the moon on a stick and Houston we have a problem.

Bowling is well fun! I am totally crap at it. But still, it’s a good laugh.
Leeds Bowl has been the location of a few of my friends birthday celebrations and lightened the mood of more than a few friends on low days. With 26 lanes, a full bar and diner and a few large American pool tables they have everything you need for an evening of silly uplifting entertainment. Take a good mate who you know you can have a laugh with, and you should have a great time.
Prices are really good compared to the bowling alleys in my hometown at £5.15 each per game. £10.20 for two games. Or £2.50 for your third game if you are still eager to bowl. They also have a family offer of £7.50 for 90 mins which will keep the little ones happy for a while at least.
There’s always a day when you need some kind of cheering up. Leeds Bowl is the place to do it.

It’s pricey, old, rundown and sports old fashioned and tacky décor. Used to bowling at Hollywood bowl in Kirkstall, AMF is a slightly grotty and expensive.
I can’t say I was impressed when bowling here. Located by the Merrion Centre next to a greasy takeaway, the bowling alley is difficult to find and has no parking (the nearest carpark is £3 an hour which is extra pricey).
Bowling here is fun and there are many lanes to choose from. However I couldn’t help but feel on a weekday evening that £10 per person for 2 games was a very expensive bowling night out!
The bowling alley has a vibrant air however. It is often busy with a fun and competitive atmosphere. There is a bar here with reasonably priced beer and bottles of alcopops and has offers on family and group bowls which work out a little cheaper.
If you are based in the city it is an okay option for something to do however if you live outside the city I wouldn’t suggest driving in as you will end up parting with quite a bit of money for only an hour of fun! In addition to this the bowling alley is not situated within walking distance of any reasonable bars or restaurants to accompany a game of bowling.

To be honest, I don’t really remember that much about my visit to AMF Bowling, due to the fact that it was Christmas and I’d been getting festive on hot apple punch from the beer hall in Millennium Square for a large part of the afternoon. From what I recall, it was a pretty standard alley, with games working out at about £10 for three, an overpriced bar and some fast food outlets. I was out on a social with my fellow post-​grad students and our lecturers, which was rowdier than it sounds, and we might have annoyed the staff a bit. Even though there was no one else there they were constantly asking us to keep it down, then a very strange lady who worked there told us that if we stepped over the line at the end of the lane again we’d end up like the last person who did that, at which point she pointed at on ominous red stain (clearly paint) on the floor. We left soon after, unsurprisingly.

AMF Bowling is actually a great bowling centre. I was expecting it to be run down and to look quite old but I was impressed how clean and tidy the place was. The facility hosts a fairly large bar area and fast food style eating area as well as a large number of bowling lanes and arcade games. I feel that the prices are fairly expensive compared to other places but the location is good even if the exterior isn’t the greatest.
Currently there is a great deal where you get a free game of bowling if you purchae a meal between 12 and 4 Monday to Friday. It is also includes the 2 for £7.50 burger deal. So for £7.50, 2 people can bowl and get beurger and chips.

With their own pub, and a few amusements this place is great for the start of a big night out. There are lots of different packages, tournaments and even parties that you can book, which can save you plenty of money. Let the competiveness begin, with friendly helpful staff, great music and your friends what more could you want?

not the best in leeds but if ur not fussy about a flashy bowling alley its fine and you are less likely to have to wait for a lane.
last time i went the sides wouldnt come up for the kids and we complained & moved lanes but they still didnt work. the staff did their best & in the end gave us all vouchers which was nice of them i guess.

AMF Bowling has a great location in Leeds city centre. If your planning a night out its perfect as its surrounded by pubs, clubs and bars. They have many different prices packages depending on how many games you want and what time of day you plan to go. Bowling is great fun and you can even keep your score card to show how good or bad you were to all your friends.
Free bowling too
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5. Tick the box next to «Sign up to receive news and offers from AMF Bowling and receive a free game voucher!»
6. You will receive your free voucher by email immediately, then your booking is confirmed in a few hours