Pin-Up Bowling Scores a Strike on its Opening Night!

Last night saw a little bit of 1950s Americana come to Manchester, as Pin Up Bowling opened its doors in a specially constructed pop-up venue in Spinningfields. 

The venue kicked off eight week of bowling, beats, burgers and booze with a launch party featuring the one and only Norman Jay MBE, who provided the soulful soundtrack to the evening.

The marquee style venue, situated smack bang in the middle of Manchester's Spinningfields district, is essentially a large diner with a bar, plenty of 50s style leather seating, a dance floor and four traditional style bowling lanes. The venue will be open seven days a week for the next two months, with a traditional American diner menu and a cocktail list featuring such gems as 'The Dude', 'American Pie' and the 'Gutter Ball'. 

Guests at the launch party enjoyed an evening of booze, American influenced canapes including mini burgers, sweet potato pies and macaroni cheese, and the opportunity to try out the bowling before the venue officially opened to the public. 

Pin-Up's resident DJs provided the soundtrack of 50s rock n roll, motown and soul early in the evening, while rockabilly dancers coaxed guests out of their seats and onto the dance floor.

As the evening wore on, the legendary Norman Jay took to the decks with a lively set of soul and funk classics, accompanied by the unmistakable sounds of smashing pins from the bowling lanes behind him. 

The next eight weeks at Pin Up Bowling sees an exciting Friday and Saturday night events programme with DJ sets from the likes of Mr Hudson, Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip), Graeme Park and Unabombers, as well as nights hosted by local promoters including Bitch, Funkademia and El Diablo's Social Club. 

See the full events programme here and get your tickets through Skiddle. 

If last night is anything to go by, Manchester is in for an eight week treat with a great venue that blends the kitsch and the modern with a fun, relaxed vibe and an events schedule that looks just as tasty as the Diner's menu. 

Good work Pin-Up guys and gals, we'll definitely be back soon!

Words: Jayne Robinson

Photos: Carl Sukonik and TheVain.co.uk