North East boutique bowling firm Lane7 has confirmed plans to open a new site in Durham city centre later this year.
The trendy bowling company, which has opened 11 sites across the UK since founder Tim Wilks opened the first in Newcastle in 2013, is heading to the Walkergate leisure scheme.
The company will transform the former Fat Buddha restaurant in the centre, and is set to make a significant investment at the site ahead of an opening later this year.
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Graeme Smith, chief operating Officer for Lane7, said: “I can’t wait to bring our premium modern bowling offering to the historic city of Durham. The chance to open another site in a region that has supported us tremendously over the past decade was a no-brainer.
“Whilst we already have venues in the region, every Lane7 location is fiercely independent in spirit, décor, and activity; designed with the locals in mind. It really is bowling, but not as you know it.”
Tom Beaumont, associate director in the leisure agency team at Colliers said: “I’m bowled over to strike a deal with Lane7 to become a new anchor tenant at Walkergate, Durham’s prime city centre leisure destination.
"Lane7 will undoubtedly bring new job opportunities and dynamic to the area with their consumer-focused experience which will include bowling, cricket batting cages, darts and arcade games to the area.
“Lane7 will add to an already impressive tenant line-up including Slug & Lettuce, Ebony Champagne Bar, Nando’s, ASK, JD Wetherspoon and Players Bar. We currently have the remaining vacant unit under offer to a high-class restaurant as well.”
Last month the company, which also has sister brand Gutterball at North Shields, announced it is launching a family-friendly entertainment brand called Level X, with the first three sites set to include one in Middlesbrough.
Meanwhile, Lane7 founder and owner Mr Wilks has put his remaining gastro pub on the market amid moves to focus on the growth of his bowling company.
He initially launched three venues – The Pickled Parson and The Corner House, both in Sedgefield, and The Fox Hole in Piercebridge – to run as pubs-with-rooms alongside Lane7.
The Fox Hole was sold off in 2019 and a deal has just been struck for the sale of The Pickled Parson. Christie & Co is now searching for a buyer for The Corner House.
David Cash of Christie & Co said: “Some really exciting opportunities have been presented to Tim for Lane 7 and therefore it makes sense to exit the pub industry completely.
“We already have strong interest from local, regional and pub company operators as well as private individuals and expect more during the course of the marketing campaign.”
