JERSEY Bowl has been sold to the former owner of Tamba Park, who promised to “breathe new life into the venue and make it amazing again”.
Jonathan Ruff announced he acquired the Island’s only indoor tenpin bowling centre from MFA Bowl for an undisclosed sum in a post on social media.
“I am super excited to breathe new life into the venue and make it amazing again,” he wrote.
Mr Ruff, originally from Preston in Lancashire, owns several Jersey-based businesses grouped under the holding company Ruff Ventures, comprising property development, motors, bars and restaurants.
He was the owner of Tamba Park adventure playground and boating lake in St Lawrence, which closed in 2019.
In the post announcing his purchase of Jersey Bowl, Mr Ruff teased renovations including refurbished bowling lanes, new lighting and flooring, a “bigger and better arcade”, and glow-in-the-dark bowling.
“There are so many exciting plans and ideas to implement,” he said. “Although it’s a little tired at the moment it’s still great fun.”
The post attracted over 1,000 likes and hundreds of comments.
Mr Ruff later thanked Islanders for the positive response.
“I was not expecting such a reaction,” he said. “It settles the nerves a little knowing the Bowl is so loved. I took out a rather large loan to make this happen.”
He also confirmed that Jersey Bowl will remain open whilst renovations take place.
“We will do sections at a time and try and do as much work outside of opening hours,” the local businessman added.
Former owners MFA Bowl purchased Jersey Bowl for £2.5 million in 2020, after previously operating the bowling alley since 2014 as a leaseholder.
The facility includes 18 bowling lanes, arcade games, an indoor play area, bar and restaurant.
The website now redirects to tambabowl.com.
