HOSPITALITY
AIMING FOR THE PINNACLE
Digital darts and ‘ competitive socialising ’ among Middlesbrough venue ’ s attractions
WORDS : DAVE ROBSON PICTURES : CHRIS BOOTH
Firms looking for somewhere a bit different to hold corporate or team-building events are being urged to try a spot of “ competitive socialising ” at Pinnacle .
Located on the ground floor of Centre North East on Middlesbrough ’ s Albert Road , opposite Middlesbrough Town Hall , Pinnacle Boutique Bowling and Cocktails has , since it opened late in 2023 , established itself as one of the town ’ s premier venues to socialise in .
With its cool , stylish interior and wellstocked bar serving everything from premium cocktails and spirits to nonalcoholic drinks , it ’ s become a welcome addition to Middlesbrough ’ s social scene .
But if you ’ re a business who ’ s never thought of using it for your staff , think again , because Pinnacle is now aiming to really tap into the corporate market . With its range of indoor sports attractions , it ’ s an ideal way to spend a few hours building team morale in a friendly but competitive way – hence the term competitive socialising ! But what ’ s it got to offer ? As the logo on the wall says , its five-lane
Base - Pinnacle is based in Centre North East .
bowling alley invites players to enjoy “ life in the fast lane ” with a high-octane game of ten-pin .
There ’ s a pool table , arcade games and even the chance for a game of beer pong .
And then there ’ s darts with a difference – the only augmented reality dartboards within a 50-mile radius that take a game of “ arrows ” to the next level .
You play on a real dartboard using real darts – but what makes this experience different is its use of digital overlay and graphics .
With animation throughout projected onto the board ’ s surroundings , it gives the choice of 10 different games .
It also keeps track of scores so the player doesn ’ t have to !
And if you like to keep out of the black and in the red ( you get nothing in this game for two in a bed ), there ’ s even a game based on the popular TV quiz show Bullseye .
Pinnacle marketing executive Lucy Bell says : “ People really love the digital darts . Other big cities have it but nowhere around here does .
“ But it ’ s just part of what we offer and we really think it ’ s the perfect venue for corporate events .
“ Say someone wanted a corporate night or staff team-building event , they can come to Pinnacle and we can create a bespoke package depending on what they want to do and what the event is .
“ It could be unlimited bowling , darts or pool , or all three . You could have a welcome drink on arrival with various food options , plus we have a well-stocked bar with cocktails , premium spirits and wines , low- and zero-alcohol drinks – we cater for everyone .
“ And if you fancy some competitive socialising , it ’ s a really good place to get together with your colleagues for a really enjoyable occasion – which can only help build a stronger team for your business .
“ We ’ ve had quite a few corporate and networking events in and we ’ re looking to encourage more . It seems they really enjoy it and whatever the business wants , we ’ ll make a bespoke package for them .”
Pinnacle ’ s opening hours are : Tuesday- Friday , 4pm-midnight ; Saturday , midday to 1am ; Sunday , midday to midnight .
However , it can open outside normal opening hours for corporate events and venue hire .
Lucy added : “ We ’ d just urge people to get in touch if they want somewhere a bit different for their next event . It doesn ’ t have to be a standard corporate event – and the competitive socialising makes it fun and really good for team building .”
Email hello @ pinnaclebowling . co . uk if you ’ re interested in hiring the venue for your business . Visit pinnaclebowling . co . uk
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