What with the NBA’s visit to Shopperland this week, PubSpy decided it was high time I got his ass down to a bar. Like an American might.

Brooklyn Bowl’s US sister in Brooklyn (who woulda thought it) is a slam dunkin’ touch down of a multi award-winning bar-cum-gig venue hailed by Rolling Stone as “one of the most incredible places on earth”.

Fittingly, the London version is more like English footballers – plenty of promise but overpriced. Indeed, the only incredible thing was the cost of a pint.

Unlike we’re led to believe in US sitcoms, not everybody knew my name at Brooklyn Bowl. I can’t say I blame them, there were a few of us there on game night.

The place was rammed with b-ball fans and vintage hoop shooting was shown on screens all around.

Bearing in mind it was an event night at the O2, perhaps I should lighten up a bit on the cost of the booze. After all, you expect to pay more at gig venues.

And price aside, Brooklyn Bowl is pretty awesome.

It’s dimly-lit, a bit oldie-worldie Coney Island funfair style inside, which is fun, and there were friendly staff buzzing around.

There’s a dancefloor which doubles as a dining area and, of course, the bowling – 12 lanes of ten pin fun. You don’t get that at most bars.

Like its Yank relative, Greenwich’s Brooklyn Bowl is also a gig venue and gets some quite cool names – Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip, members of the Wu Tang Clan – and even when there’s not a band the soundtrack to the evening is cool. 

Understandably, there was quite a clamour to get to the bar. We’re all used to a bit of hustle and bustle on a busy night but just what was some pillock doing sitting there like he was in an episode of Cheers?

I don't care if you are wearing a vest over your T-shirt, Mr Ironic Beard, who sits at the bar when the queue is four deep? 

Surely he can’t have been enjoying people climbing over him and he certainly blocked my access to booze.

Said booze was a good selection – 10 beers on tap, including three local Meantimes.

But, embracing the Americanness, I ordered a pint of Brooklyn Lager from the smiling barman.

In hindsight, it wasn’t surprising the barman smiled as he lightened my account by £5.90 for (nearly) a pint and a lot of foam.

A quick note about the food. It’s fittingly American – wings, sticky ribs and fries – and is absolutely stunning.

Brooklyn Bowl, The O2, Greenwich

How it rated:

Atmosphere**** Friendly and convivial, aided by a bowling alley

Decor*****  Pretty. And it has bowling alleys!

Staff**** Great

Food**** Mmm, American bars snacks.

Drink***** Great range. Yay for Meantime.

Price* Ouch. Premium prices.