Lewisham’s longstanding bowling alley's new owners “can’t wait’ to show off its £500,000 refurb having only been able to open briefly last year.

Lewisham Lanes, on Belmont Hill, was transformed during the first lockdown and over the summer last year, but was only able to properly trade for a week in October and throughout December.

A new arcade, disco lights, DJs and a pizza menu have been added to the formerly run-down venue.

Pete Terry, Managing Director of Disco Bowl, which runs the venue, said: “We can’t wait to welcome back our diverse range of customers from kids using our elephant ball ramps, teenagers, students and adults, bowling really is great fun for everyone.

“We invested £500k in this venue and I know it will be worth the wait to get it open and trading again”

“The first lockdown saw us closed for 5 months, and this time the centre hasn’t traded since December.

“That’s 11 months of closure with all the bills still to pay.

“We are however delighted that we have been able to survive and now we look forward to a great summer of fun and bowling.”

Formerly the First Bowl, then MFA Bowl, the venue was run down after years of neglect.

General Manager Jo Marchant said: “The team and I can’t wait to get the doors open again and provide some safe family fun to all our customers.

“We have recruited a further 5 members of staff before opening in order to make sure we can look after all our customers”

“If you didn’t get to see us when we were last open in December, come on down and see the changes.

“No longer is this a tired old alley with old carpet and a poor layout, this is a vibrant fun focussed entertainment centre and we’ve worked hard to make this a great place to come and enjoy yourself.”

For the May reopening the company has opened the bookings at www.lewishamlanes.co.uk