So, in the interest of research, last week a big group of us from LNOF HQ took a trip up Newcastle’s St James’ Boulevard – to the entertainment-powerhouse Lane7, a retro bowling alley. Needless to say, we had a ball (no pun intended).
![A group photo in Lane7, with a ping pong table in the foreground](https://media.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/images/articles/gallery/307/article-5-750-450.jpg)
The venue itself is epic, bringing a completely new concept to the heart of Newcastle - transporting you to another era of retro. Along with an impressive 10 vintage, walnut bowling lanes, Lane7 boasts an all-American dining experience, four ping pong tables, five Yankee pool tables and a private karaoke room to boot – all set to a quirky U.S. hipster backdrop of retro lighting, exposed brickwork and a unique mantra - ‘shut up and bowl’.
![A man bowling a ball down the alley at the pins](https://media.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/images/articles/gallery/307/article-1-750-450.jpg)
Up first on our itinerary was a double whammy of bowling – split into two groups, we went head to head in a match to separate the wheat from the chaff (after a few drinks, this proved easier than we thought). And, after a couple of turns, it was clear to see who’d strike it lucky, and who’d end in the gutter (literally).
![A split image of a man celebrating a strike, and the back of a man holding a bowling ball](https://media.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/images/articles/gallery/307/article-2-750-450.jpg)
Next up, we tried our hand at a spot of American pool – and, with plenty of seating surrounding the tables, some of us rested our pins with a cocktail or two, whilst some chilled-out potting took place. After this, ping pong – which after a few civilised games, quickly escalated into a beer pong frenzy. Amidst the antics, the mouth-watering, American-style buffet was brought out. And, boy did we eat.
![A girl and a boy attempting to bounce ping pong balls into a glass of beer](https://media.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/images/articles/gallery/307/article-7-750-450.jpg)
What We Ate:
Cheeseburger Sliders
SFC Goujons
Bucket O' Sweet Heat Wings
Bucket O' Spicy Pork Ribs
Fried Mac n' Cheese Bites
Corn on the cob with garlic butter
House seasoned potato wedges | coleslaw | house 'slaw | sauces
![An image of some American style food, taken from above the table](https://media.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/images/articles/gallery/307/article-4-750-450.jpg)
Finally, after we’d sufficiently stuffed ourselves with all manner of finger lickin’ goodness, it was time to showcase everything we’ve ever learnt from morning shower ballads, and hit the karaoke. In our own private karaoke room, we left all our inhibitions firmly at the door. And, it’s safe to say – if we do say so ourselves – that we nailed Wham’s ‘Club Tropicana’, belted out a cracking Backstreet Boys’ ‘I Want It That Way’ and even rapped an impressive ‘Forgot About Dre’. Eminem would've been proud.
![Two girls singing into microphones in Lane7's karaoke room](https://media.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/images/articles/gallery/307/article-8-750-450.jpg)
All in all, a fantastic night was had by all – and we’ll definitely be back. If you like the sound of Lane7, check out the awesome stag and hen activities we can offer your group.
Words: Sarah Main. Photographs: Laura Young