BOX (Arc Inspirations)
A significant move for Arc Inspirations’ BOX brand was to open its seventh site in London – its first opening in the south of the country.
Invoking its Watch, Play, Party mantra, customers to BOX sites can watch sports on a multitude of screens, play games such as shuffleboard and darts, and party via its bandeoke, karaoke and other events.
Its drink offer covers a spectrum from local craft beers to Budvar tank beer to barrel-aged cocktails galore and more.
Food suits the high-paced atmosphere with plenty of offer plus a range of high and low seating offering customers plenty to look at even if it’s high time in the match.
Venues follow a consistent look, enhanced by localised touches such as regional beers and venue‑specific neon signage and appeal to a huge range of customer bases.
Marketing is multi‑channel and high‑impact, including influencer partnerships, supplier‑led campaigns, sports‑rights activations and the successful Sundown Sessions live‑music series.
King Pins (Professionals at Play)
King Pins is a modern take on the traditional ten-pin bowling alley offers but elevated to the nth degree.
The brand, from Professionals at Play, has expanded rapidly, growing from zero to seven sites in under three years, with gift card sales being a particular highlight for the business.
The brand features a striking yellow and purple design palette that comes to life as day turns to night – but that’s not to say its venues are for one demographic. Whether you’re looking for family fun, a works meet-up or time to grab some great food and drinks then watch the live match, King pins has you covered.
Furniture is bespoke built per site in-house and games guests play include ten-pin and duck-pin bowling, shuffleboard, ice‑free curling, Crazy Pool, tech darts, batting cages and arcades gaming too.
Strong launch campaigns in Glasgow, Belfast and Bristol, joined its two sites in Manchester.
Digital channels, TikTok content and tailored emails power customer engagement, supported by strong staff training and retention.
Barbara’s Bier Haus (NEOS Hospitality)
Barbara’s Bier Haus, now operating five sites including Brighton, delivers a fully immersive après‑ski concept built around bold design, high‑energy service and group‑focused fun.
Each venue shares a consistent aesthetic created by the brand’s dedicated designer: pergolas, skis, helmets, bric‑a‑brac, hand‑painted artwork, Tiffany‑style lighting and bespoke lanterns.
Staff uniforms, which include full ski suits, dresses and lederhosen, add theatre to the customer journey and can be spotted outside venue when team members are marketing the business.
Sites are structured into multiple zones that include a relaxed front bar for quizzes and live music, a late‑night party room with DJs, a room for karaoke and outdoor areas.
The offer centres on shared serves such as eight‑pint beer towers, fun‑led cocktails and Germanic food including wurst and 2ft-long pizzas.
A strong digital strategy, gamified ski‑pass sign‑ups and nightly entertainment ensure consistent footfall across all days and demographics, defining the brand’s ‘unseriously good fun’ USP.
Roxy Leisure (Professionals at Play)
Roxy Leisure, which comprises the Roxy Lanes and Roxy Ball Room brands, operates around 20 UK sites, and was a trailblazer in its heartland of Leeds when it first opened in 2013.
A London opening in the City for its Ball Room business has been a big step and one it has carried off with aplomb.
A high-energy, games-driven, neon-lit brand awaits guests with tech‑driven shuffleboard, darts and its trademarked Crazy Pool to get things started.
Its food and drinks are also key to the set-up as are its kiosk ordering booths but you can also talk to the host if you’d prefer.
A new Roxy Rewards app is beginning to reap rewards is the form of bookings, loyalty and spend being increased.
A huge email database gives the marketing side of the business a real headstart when it comes to contacting guests and delivering high engagement.
The Professionals at Play training ethos emphasises speed of service, bags of energy and constant guest interaction.
