Namco Bowling
Trafford Centre, Manchester
Reviewed by Lisa Wilson
As a family the kids (age 9 and 7years) love bowling but not so much me and the husband. The trip to Namco Funscape in the Trafford Centre, Manchester was very straight forward and we knew that parking close to the Orient was the best and nearest place to the Namco Bowling.
When we arrived the first thing you see is the games and dodgems and all the lovely flashing lights, as you can imagine the girls faces lit up. With ten pin bowling, a huge selection of games machines, Europe’s fastest bumper cars, bar, pool and much more – there is fun for all the family. The bowling area is very easy to see and we walked up to the desk where we were met by lovely helpful staff. As the girls were wearing pumps already they could keep them on but I wore their non-slip pumps that are included in your bowling experience, which were very comfortable although don’t do much for your street cred! We were asked if we would like any dodgems tokens which are £3 each so of course the girls said yes!
We were directed to the VIP area as the main bowling area was busy. This was lovely because for a short while we had it to ourselves which give me time to warm up. Our area was very comfortable with two leather sofas and a table in the middle with their menu on. I was impressed with the meal choices and kids options which were all priced at £3.45 which include fries and a drink too, the adult meals range from £4.95 – £14.95 so caters for everyone. They also cater for kid’s parties at £12.95 per person which includes a gift, host, bumper cars, meal and bowling. Adult packages start from £12.95 – £18.50 per person.The menu also has a good choice of beverages including hot drinks.
I have to say when I managed to knock some pins down I really got into it and just seeing my girls having fun made our day. When we were playing, one of the staff noticed Megan was having trouble hitting the pins so he came over and offered to put the bumpers up for just the kids goes ,which really helped the sulking moments. There are also ramps that children can roll the ball off if they are too small or not as confident to hold it themselves. We found out too that if we scored a strike or spare we got free prize tickets that we could exchange for gifts or sweets in the games part, although you do need quite a few as we found out.
We played two games which cost £10.50 and we were surprised how long they lasted but were sorry it came to an end as we all had a great time and would definitely come again soon. After the game had finished I handed in my pumps and headed for the dodgems. The super-charged bumper cars race around the track on an ultra-smooth floor, giving drivers and passengers the most exciting and fun experience. In-car harnesses keep everyone safe whilst the wild ride is on! There is a height restriction of 1.1 metres. I have to say I had to drag my eldest away she loved it that much!
We left Namco Funscape feeling like we had had a great day!
Rating: 5/5 
For more information or to book online visit www.namcofunscape.com.
Namco Funscape, 14 The Orient, The Trafford Centre, Manchester, M17 8ED
0161 749 1111
