Jersey Bowl sold to Tamba Park operator

Jersey's bowling alley has reportedly been sold by its owner, MFA Bowl.

Local businessman Jonathan Ruff, who previously ran the popular attraction Tamba Park, announced he has acquired Jersey Bowl for £3.4 million.

In a post on Facebook, Mr Ruff says he's "excited to breathe new life into the venue and make it amazing again."

He teased some planned renovations for the site in St Peter, including refurbishing the bowling lanes, a "bigger and better arcade", and glow-in-the-dark bowling.

Renovations on the lanes will start on 17 March, and we can expect 'noticeable' improvements by the end of next month.

Mr Ruff added: "Although its a little tired at the moment, it's still great fun."

MFA purchased Jersey Bowl for £2.5 million in 2020, after previously operating the bowling alley since 2014 as a leaseholder.

The company also previously operated Guernsey Bowl, which abruptly ceased trading in 2017.

The deal between MFA and Mr Ruff was reportedly agreed on Friday 13th February, with MFA's website for Jersey Bowl already redirecting to tambabowl.com, which was registered earlier this month.

Islanders have welcomed Mr Ruff's announcement. One said it's "brilliant news", adding they have "so many fond memories of the bowling alley in its [heyday]."

Another called the news "amazing", saying "I love the bowling alley but it’s so sad to see the state it is in now. This is such good news for Jersey."

Mr Ruff later thanked islanders for their positive wishes, saying didn't expect such a reaction: "It settles the nerves a little knowing the Bowl is so loved, I took out a rather large loan to make this happen."

He clarified that the renovation work at Jersey Bowl will be carried out in stages, with as much work done outside of opening hours as possible to avoid interrupting normal operations.

He also paid tribute to "King of the Bowl", Dean Cheetham, who has worked at Jersey Bowl since the beginning including as the local general manager under MFA's tenure:

"Dean has been at the bowl since it opened - actually before it opened - starting out as a mechanic he is now the long-suffering general manager, the place would not be standing without his hard work and dedication."

MFA Bowl has been contacted for a response.