Did someone say bottomless brunch and ten pin bowling? When the enticing opportunity to get my mid-afternoon kicks at Dog Bowl arose, who was I to refuse? So, off I trundled to the Oxford Road hotspot along with my guest, anticipating avocado galore washed down with flowing fizz… and I wasn’t disappointed.
It's all fun and games at this cavernous venue.
While the décor was decidedly New York-themed, the Big Apple didn’t steal all the attention. As a stencil of our Rainy City sat above the entrance, corrugated iron and exposed brickwork hinted at our industrial roots, and big glitter balls and colourful light fittings made a bolder statement. It's a much cosier affair than other bowling spots, with just 5 lanes providing the setting for double dates and groups of friends.
One great thing about the brunch menu here is that it's served until 4pm through the weekend, so if you're feeling delicate, there's still the option of an American diner-style brunch at a reasonable hour. I opted for the smashed avocado - because if nothing else I'm a walking millennial cliché - while my guest chose a more carnivorous steak benedict.
If this isn't brunch goals, then we don't know what is.
The avocado was the stuff of dreams; executed with finesse and glazed in balsamic as it lay upon the King of Bread (aka toasted sourdough). My guest's pick was spot on; with tender steak, homemade hash browns (extra points there) and perfectly runny eggs topped with spring onions for some added crunch – not to mention some flavoursome chilli jam on the side.
Coming in at just £25 each, bottomless brunch is an absolute bargain - especially when our glasses were topped up consistently through a two-hour window. Wading through prosecco, bloody marys, wine and beer, I settled on endless mimosas for that hit of fizz and vitamin C. After donning my not-so-stylish bowling shoes, I was ready to shamelessly lose a game... even with the ramps up.
The DesignMyNight Digest
Apologies for the pitiful puns, but we were well and truly bowled over at Dog Bowl. Though I scored no strikes, the staff, the food, and the entire experience most definitely did. If you're after something a bit different, it's time to take a trip to Whitworth Street. Trust me, you won't regret it.
Bottomless brunch is available at Dog Bowl every Saturday and Sunday, with 2-hour slots for unlimited drinks and a dish priced at £25 per person.
