Black Dog Ballroom Dog Bowl Manchester Review
Dog Bowl Manchester
Reviewed by Debbie Tasker
Located on Whitworth Street very close to the city centre and within easy walking distance of all the major bus/train and metro links and with parking nearby this is the ideal place to spend a good day/ night out with family and friends.
We were booked in for Saturday morning. Having not been there before I wasn’t quite sure where it was, it is in fact opposite The Ritz – which most people will know!
We were greeted by a lovely member of staff, Thomas, who was to be our host/waiter throughout the visit. He showed us to the reception and a very friendly lady took our names while another equally as helpful and friendly member of staff sorted our bowling shoes out.
There are five full length bowling lanes located at the back of the venue with seating and tables. There was only us bowling at first but it soon filled up. I liked that it only has a few lanes as it meant it wasn’t too noisy. It has good lighting and background music which help to create a good atmosphere
We started our game. My grandchildren (aged 11 and 9) were not doing too well and getting a bit disheartened, the lady at reception shouted over would we like the buffers up for their turns? Oh yes please! This made for two much happier participants. I decided to order drinks so headed for the bar, Thomas approached me and asked what we would like and said he would bring them over. Another nice touch.
All too soon the game was over and again Thomas appeared and asked which table would we like for our meal. The children chose one in the window where we could watch the world go by. There are plenty of tables ranging from small intimate booths to large family tables, the seating area is clean and bright with a nice decor designed along the American diner line.
We sat down and again Thomas was a star taking our bowling shoes and bringing our own shoes back.
The menu is Tex Mex/American and there is plenty to choose from ranging from burgers, fajitas sandwiches, fried chicken, ribs etc… All reasonably priced and prepared in their kitchen from local suppliers. The kids are given a play sheet and on the left hand side is the menu you can have three courses and a soft drink for £6.50. I don’t think anybody could argue that isn’t fantastic value for money! Between us we sampled lots of different thing – pork crackling, bbq shrimps, tacos, bbq wings, cheeseburger, fried chicken and mixed fries (the sweet potato ones were excellent crispy and tasty). Everything was cooked perfectly and presented well. I absolutely loved the pork crackling as did the rest of my party and would recommend you try it if you’re lucky enough to visit Dog Bowl.
We didn’t wait long for starters or main meal even though it had started to get quite busy by this time. I glanced around and everybody’s meals looked yummy and the customers seemed happy with the service and food.
We were asked on a couple of occasions was everything ok and did we need more drinks, the staff were attentive but not in your face and the manager, James, came over a couple of times too. I could see were not getting special treatment as all customers were receiving the same level of service.
Thomas brought the dessert menu over but we were all too full to order one, except Kian who had Brownie with ice cream and whoofed it down and proceeded to lick the plate (I did tell him to stop) so I’m guessing it was delicious! There is a good range of sundaes priced at £4.25 but like I say we were too stuffed to sample them. If the rest of the menu is anything to go by I am sure you wouldn’t be disappointed in them.
We only drank soft drinks but there is an extensive range including cocktails, which I did see a hen party enjoying and going back for more so again I’m pretty sure they live up to everything else about this place.
We had a lovely afternoon and the staff are a great bunch. There is nothing negative I can say about the whole experience, although my granddaughter has wrote her own review (see below) and she did have one “little” complaint.
Abby aged 11 (These are all her own words): This is an exceptional place for families. The entertainment is enjoyable and the food is great but the children’s ribs are too smoky for the children’s menu. Otherwise I strongly recommend the place! – out of the mouth of babes!
A great place for all ages and I noticed it is open late into the night (3am with no under 18’s after 9pm) another added bonus. I will definitely be visiting again and wouldn’t hesitate in recommending to others.
Prices Per Game Per Person:
£6 off peak (until 6pm Monday – Friday) £4 for children and students with an NUS card
£8 peak (from 6pm Monday to Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday)
£4 after midnight 7 days a week
Rating: 5/5 
For more information visit www.blackdogballroom.co.uk/dogbowl.
