MFA Bowl ILKESTON

"Tried to make a booking online, showed 3 spaces available and got a call to say no lanes available until later on. At least the member of staff was friendly enough, but this is poor in my opinion, especially in todays times with such technology available."

"Unfortunately the bowling alley is now very run down. Looks derelict from the outside and on the inside it hasn’t been updated for at least 2 decades possibly more. The pinsetter machinery is old and in need of serious maintenance or replacement, the tv screens for the scoring are ancient CRT tv’s that are well beyond it and the bowling ball return system is temperamental. During our 3 games, the pinsetter packed up 4 times and the maintenance tech that was on duty looked like he was ready to rage quit his job and it took him an age to get it running again each time. There were 2 front of house staff on and they were rushed off their feet and not able to provide any sort of customer service at all. Such a shame as in the early noughties it was a really good place. It’s time for the owners to invest and come up to the modern standard."

"Been here a few times yonks ago and for the first time this year, and really please to say very relax atmosphere and great place to do practice bowling if your into competitive teams going against others,also a fun night out with your love ones, with other amusing things from darts , pool table and arcade sections, a lovely little bar and cafe, this place seem to be going back to the good old days wheres there's not so much shove into your face."

"I have been bowling here now for over thirty years in three leagues with a low handicap, but I have never seen such fowl lane conditions as today. The owners of the bowl need to put money into the premises instead of just taking money off punters and league bowlers alike, it's daylight robbery. If you were wanting to bowl here on a night out, don't bother the centre as become awful. There are lots and lots of slot machines again positioned to take your money. Drinks are pricey, compared to the town centre, and food that's a joke just look around to see how many people are eating, or not. Many of the staff are very friendly but some are only there to pick up a pay cheque at the end of the month. The biggest problem is that it is run down and needs lots of refurbishment to make it fit for purpose. For a seasoned bowler the lane conditions are so erratic it is difficult to enhance your game. Get real owners or the financial rewards of this bowl will go down hill rapidly"