My son’s and his best friend’s birthdays are days apart and we have shared birthday parties for as long as I can remember. Far from being stressful occasions for us parents, they are always hugely enjoyable. This year we hired out the private room at the increasingly popular bowling venue, All Star Lanes, in Whiteleys (not to be confused with the bowling alley just up the road which has been there for ever). The venue was fantastic – more than a few parents said they quite fancied having a party here themselves. Having the place to ourselves was liberating: no fear of losing children and there was masses of space to entertain the children when they weren’t bowling. Our host, Tim, advised us to keep the teams small so the kids didn’t have long to wait for their next turn. Competition was fierce – the kids loved seeing their individual and team scores on the overhead screens and were cheering each other on. Equally fun were the other games we had organised: Wrap the Mummy (with loo paper!), apple bobbing, the ever popular hat, scarf and gloves’ chocolate game and, best of all, was the limbo dancing. It was a riot and Tim couldn’t have been more relaxed; nothing was too much trouble. Half way through they stopped for a delicious buffet lunch, which we had pre-ordered. We kept a lid on the drinks ordering by sticking to juice but you can order smoothies and the works. We were most proud of our cake for which all credit can go to Tom’s dad. Room hire £300 per hour, which includes bowling and shoe hire. Buffet food from a menu pre-selected. All Star Lanes, Whiteleys, Porchester Gardens London W2 4DB Call 020 7313 8361 for prices and to book.