The Shifting Landscape of Leisure: Bowling and Gyms in the Spotlight

May 30, 2025, 4:14 am
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Location: United Kingdom, England, City of London
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1801
In the world of leisure, two giants are emerging from the shadows: bowling alleys and gyms. Both are adapting to the whims of a changing society. Hollywood Bowl and The Gym Group are leading the charge, each tapping into the pulse of modern consumers. Their strategies reveal a fascinating shift in how people choose to unwind and socialize.

Hollywood Bowl is rolling forward. The ten-pin bowling operator has reported stable trading, even as it eyes significant expansion across the UK. The company’s latest figures show a modest like-for-like revenue growth of 2.1% for the first half of the year. However, the numbers tell a tale of challenges. A late Easter and a sunny spring drew people outdoors, impacting revenue.

Despite these hurdles, Hollywood Bowl remains optimistic. Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) climbed slightly to £38.8 million. Yet, earnings per share took a hit, falling 11.6% to 13.6p. In response, the company raised its interim dividend by 3% to 4.1p. This move signals confidence, but also raises eyebrows.

The company is not just resting on its laurels. Hollywood Bowl is investing heavily in its future. Capital investment for expansion surged over 50% year-on-year, reaching £14.1 million. Currently, the operator runs 90 centers across the UK and Canada, with plans to expand to 130 by 2035. Three new centers opened in the first half of the year, with more on the horizon.

Refurbishments are also on the agenda. Four centers were revamped, boasting an impressive average return on investment of 33%. The company is clearly betting on a bright future. Yet, some analysts question the wisdom of raising dividends instead of reinvesting in growth.

Meanwhile, The Gym Group is capitalizing on a different trend. Gen Z is reshaping the social landscape. The gym is becoming the new pub. Will Orr, the CEO, sees this as a golden opportunity. The Gym Group reported an 11% revenue increase to £226.3 million in 2024, marking a return to pre-tax profit.

Orr notes that Gen Z has a unique relationship with fitness. They are not just working out; they are building identities. The gym is a place to socialize, express oneself, and prioritize mental health. This generation is savvy. They understand the benefits of physical health and are eager to embrace them.

With 40% of The Gym Group’s customer base being Gen Z, the company is well-positioned. The shift from pubs to gyms is not just a trend; it’s a cultural transformation. Young people are choosing fitness over frivolity. They want to feel strong, both physically and mentally.

Both Hollywood Bowl and The Gym Group are navigating this changing landscape. Hollywood Bowl’s focus on expansion and refurbishment reflects a commitment to growth. The company is betting on the future of leisure, even as it faces short-term challenges.

On the other hand, The Gym Group is riding the wave of a generational shift. The gym is no longer just a place to work out; it’s a social hub. This transformation is reshaping the fitness industry.

As Hollywood Bowl aims for a 19% return on investment from its new centers, The Gym Group is reaping the rewards of a changing social dynamic. The two companies illustrate the diverse ways people seek leisure.

The future of leisure is not a one-size-fits-all model. It’s a tapestry woven from different threads. For some, it’s the thrill of bowling. For others, it’s the camaraderie of the gym.

As we look ahead, both industries will continue to evolve. Hollywood Bowl is poised for growth, while The Gym Group is tapping into a vibrant market. The competition will be fierce, but the opportunities are vast.

In this new era, leisure is not just about entertainment. It’s about connection, health, and identity. The choices we make reflect who we are and who we aspire to be.

As the sun sets on traditional leisure activities, new horizons emerge. The bowling alley and the gym are not just places; they are symbols of a changing society. Each represents a different facet of modern life.

In the end, it’s about finding joy in our choices. Whether it’s the sound of bowling pins crashing or the rhythm of a workout, leisure is what we make of it. Hollywood Bowl and The Gym Group are leading the way, each carving out their niche in a dynamic landscape.

The future is bright for both. As they adapt and grow, they remind us that leisure is not just a pastime; it’s a reflection of our values and aspirations. The journey is just beginning.