A dark alley

Blu-O, an international bowling chain, opens its doors in Delhi.

The concept of bowling alleys in India hasn’t really taken off. Barring a few places which have been around for some time now, where only a handful of people roll their arms over, not many new alleys have come up. So it was surprising when the multiplex chain PVR Cinemas launched Blu-O, a bowling alley located in a shopping mall in Gurgaon.

At first glance, Blu-O looks really swanky. It’s well-lit, with ample space, and cordial staff. Each game is priced at Rs 175 on weekdays. Though the weekend hadn’t started yet, the place was buzzing with people. The music, however, was so loud that to be heard by the man behind the counter, you had to shout. Not the best thing for one’s vocal chords. But did Blu-O have anything to offer someone who doesn’t know how to bowl? “Is there anyone who can give us a brief coaching lesson?” I enquired. One of the staff members offered his services saying that there wasn’t anyone else who could teach the basics.

Next, I enquired about bowling shoes. Rental for a pair, I was informed, was Rs 40. A pair of socks cost another Rs 40, but thankfully they were brand new and you got to keep them. The shoes looked clean, and there was no problem getting the right size — an issue I have encountered at almost all other bowling alleys in the past. Blu-O certainly loses out on the fact that they charge for shoes, which are normally given gratis in most bowling alleys.

The outlet has a bar and serves food as well. The catch — one has to bowl in order to have a beer or munch on something. It’s that simple. “But I don’t feel like bowling and I want to try the food,” I told the guy at the counter. “Sorry sir, but you will have to take a coupon even if you don’t bowl.” I looked around at the alleys, they were all full. The waiting time, by the look of it, seemed to be a good 20 minutes at the very least. Since it was incredibly noisy and I was dying of hunger, I dropped the idea of rolling my arm. In all likelihood, I couldn’t help but think, like most places in Delhi, the place will be deserted after the initial interest. Unless, of course, they allow you to eat and drink even if you don’t want to bowl!

Score: 6/10. The alleys are nice, the place is well decorated, but too expensive

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