Bowling venue operator Hollywood Bowl Group has reported strong performance and continued demand for family-friendly leisure in its interim results for the six months ending March 31, 2025.
The reports highlighted record revenues and EBITDA with growth in the UK and Canada. Total revenue in the UK was up 1.3 per cent and 13.6 per cent in Canada.
Through the six-month period, the company opened three new UK centres in Swindon, Preston and Inverness, which are all trading well and in line with expectations.
Hollywood Bowl has also completed four refurbishments in the UK which are also performing above their target rates.
The company grew its Canadian market with two new Hollywood Bowl-style centres opened in Kanata, Ottawa and Creekside, Calgary, which are both currently trading above expectations.
Hollywood Bowl also completed two refurbishments in the country which have received good feedback and signed three new future locations.
Stephen Burns, Hollywood Bowl’s CEO, said: “We delivered another strong financial performance in the first half and made excellent progress with our growth strategy in the UK and Canada. Investment in new centres, our refurbishment programme and customer experience continue to deliver excellent returns and record customer satisfaction scores.
“The prolonged period of unprecedented dry and warm weather from March to May has had a short-term impact on trading.
"However, we've responded quickly, managing margins and costs while maintaining strong operational performance, which remains as good as it's ever been.
"Looking ahead, we're well positioned for the key summer holiday period, and we remain confident that full-year EBITDA will be within the range of current analyst forecasts. The significant investments we have made in the estate over the last 12 months, put us on course to enhance future EBITDA returns.
“We remain focused on our growth strategy, supported by our strong balance sheet. We have an exciting, growing pipeline in the UK and Canada, and we remain on track to reach 130 centres over the next ten years.”
