Hollywood Bowl Reports Record Revenues Despite Heatwaves as Families Seek Affordable Entertainment

Britain’s largest tenpin bowling operator, Hollywood Bowl, has achieved record annual revenues, demonstrating resilience amid unusually hot summer months. Families across the country flocked to its venues, drawn by affordable pricing at a time of muted consumer confidence and rising costs elsewhere.

The group, which operates 77 sites in the UK, reported a revenue increase of 8.9 percent to £250.8 million for the year ending September. Data from the Met Office indicated the summer was the hottest on record in the United Kingdom, yet demand was undeterred. Chief Executive Stephen Burns highlighted the crucial importance of maintaining value for money, with an average spend per head of £12.28 delivering a quality experience at a modest price. He emphasised bowling’s unique accessibility, positioning the company as a popular choice amid cost of living pressures.

Like for like sales at UK locations edged up by 1.1 percent. Management implemented dynamic pricing strategies, focusing on incremental profits per customer. This approach partially offset a 7.5 percent decrease in game volumes, as customers were willing to spend more per game, evident in a 9.2 percent rise in spend per game. Food sales grew by 6 percent and drink sales by 4.1 percent, while amusements surged by 15.1 percent aided by fresh digital payment solutions and new offerings such as e-darts in certain locations.

Pre-tax statutory profits increased by 3.6 percent to £44.3 million, with underlying profit before interest, tax, and other items rising by 0.9 percent to £68.4 million. This result matched analyst expectations, underscoring operational strength and prudent financial management. The business also operates in Canada, where it runs 15 Splitsville-branded bowling sites, making it the largest branded operator in the market. Like for like sales in Canada grew by 3.2 percent, and adjusted underlying profits reached a record C$10.5 million, driven by an almost 15 percent increase in spend per game.

Having demonstrated the resilient appeal of bowling, Hollywood Bowl aims to expand its footprint to 130 venues by 2035, with 95 in Britain and 35 in Canada. The group has identified 40 potential new locations in Canada and forecasts a 50 percent rise in underlying profits at its Canadian sites within the next few years.

Despite an overall share price decline over the past twelve months, the company proposed a final dividend of 9.18p, leading to a total dividend of 13.28p, which marks a 10.1 percent increase compared with the previous year. Analysts highlighted the reassuring nature of these results in the face of investor concerns about the impact of hot and dry summer conditions.

Looking ahead, the company expects its business rates bill to rise following recent changes in tax measures and property revaluation. While a reduction in the business rates multiplier appeared to provide relief, Hollywood Bowl noted that revised property values would negate any financial benefit from the tax changes.