Sunday, November 21, 2021

Blockbusters NQ in Manchester

A new video shop-themed bar is opening in Manchester's Northern Quarter.


BLOCKBUSTERS NQ - a video shop-themed bar in Manchester's Northern Quarter
A new sight to see on Oldham Street

We were excited to hear that a new video store-themed bar is opening up in the Northern Quarter in Manchester city centre.

So we had to go along for a look.

Blockbusters NQ can be found on Oldham Street and according to the signs on the windows it is COMING SOON.

BLOCKBUSTERS NQ - a video shop-themed bar in Manchester's Northern Quarter
BLOCKBUSTERS NQ - COMING SOON

We're looking forward to checking it out when it opens.

BLOCKBUSTERS NQ - a video shop-themed bar in Manchester's Northern Quarter
The walls and counter of the bar look brilliant already - we can't wait to see what it'll look like when the installation is completed

Blockbuster Video

We're big fans of video, videos stores, retail history and retro stuff and have been visiting and documenting the last remaining traces of the Blockbuster brand in the UK over the last few years. We've seen a number of the brand's shopfronts, signs and QuikDrop boxes. As well as some other video shops.

The first of the old Blockbuster locations we found was also in Manchester, just up the road from us at Fallowfield Retail Park.

Speakeasies

Blockbusters NQ looks like a cool and nostalgic speakeasy and while we were taking a look at the store the signs were getting some interest from passers-by.

It'll be a fun new speakeasy for us to visit when it opens.

BLOCKBUSTERS NQ - a video shop-themed bar in Manchester's Northern Quarter
It'll be great to see what the full signage will look like

Find out more

Give the Blockbusters NQ Instagram account a follow for more information on the bar.

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

A Father Christmas wacky waving inflatable arm flailing tube man in Dereham

Spotting a festive wacky waving inflatable arm flailing tube man in Dereham, Norfolk.


While having a wander around Dereham on Saturday we spotted this Father Christmas wacky waving inflatable arm flailing tube man outside QD!

A Father Christmas Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man at QD in Dereham
A Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man Santa Claus at QD in Dereham

It's only the second Santa Airdancer we've seen on our travels.



We looked in the store and online but couldn't find one of the Father Christmas Airdancers for sale.

The last wacky waving inflatable arm flailing tube man of any description we saw was before the coronavirus pandemic on a trip to Ashton-under-Lyne where we spotted a wacky waving inflatable arm flailing tube man advertising Albion Mill Carpets.

Putt Noodle Mini Golf at the Castle Quarter in Norwich

Putt Noodle Mini Golf opening at the Castle Quarter in Norwich, Norfolk.


Putt Noodle Mini Golf at the Castle Quarter in Norwich
Coming very soon...

The new Putt Noodle indoor crazy golf and Asian food venue at the Castle Quarter shopping and entertainment centre in Norwich is planned to open this month.

We were a little too early when we swung by on a trip to Norwich last weekend.

Putt Noodle will be home to three minigolf courses and is opening in the former New Look unit in the Castle Quarter.

Putt Noodle Mini Golf at the Castle Quarter in Norwich
Putt Noodle Mini Golf at the Castle Quarter in Norwich

The venue sits below Boom: Battle Bar - a business owned by the same team behind Putt Noodle.

Retailtainment and minigolf

Putt Noodle Mini Golf is one of the latest in the new wave of retail entertainment (retailtainment) activities opening up around the UK.

Minigolf is a big part of this boom, with courses opening as standalone entertainment activities, or as part of large shoppingtainment leisure offerings in malls, high streets and retail parks.

Cream Me Up Scotty

We spotted Cream Me Up Scotty in Downham Market, Norfolk.

Cream Me Up Scotty in Downham Market
Cream Me Up Scotty in Downham Market

Cream Me Up Scotty in Downham Market
Cream Me Up Scotty in Downham Market

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Crazy Golf at the Brighton Christmas Festival

There will be a Crazy Golf pop-up at the Brighton Christmas Festival.


Globetrotters Crazy Golf will be at the Brighton Christmas Festival

Globetrotters Crazy Golf will be set-up at the Brighton Christmas Festival in Victoria Gardens.

Check out the Brighton Christmas Festival and Globetrotters websites for more information.


It's always interesting finding out about new minigolf courses and Christmas pop-ups.

Globetrotters Bar & Golf

Looking on the Globetrotters Bar & Golf website the 9-hole pop-up course at the Christmas Festival is the first event from the business and there are plans for a permanent venue in Brighton in 2022.

It'll be a new course for us to visit on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

Tuesday, November 09, 2021

Boom: Battle Bar opening in Ipswich

A new Boom: Battle Bar will open in Ipswich, Suffolk.


The new Boom: Battle Bar planned for the Buttermarket in Ipswich has been given the green light and is scheduled to open in February 2022.

The new competitive socialising venue in the town centre will be home to minigolf, shuffleboard, beer pong, axe throwing and more.

It'll be another new course for us to visit on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour when we're next back in Emily's home town.


The Crazier Golf course at Boom: Battle Bar in Norwich
The Crazier Golf course at Boom: Battle Bar in Norwich


Boom: Battle Bar
Boom: Battle Bar

New Puttstars Minigolf opening in Speke, Liverpool

Puttstars Minigolf is opening a venue at the New Mersey Shopping Park in Speke, Liverpool.


Puttstars Minigolf is opening a venue at the New Mersey Shopping Park in Speke, Liverpool

Merseyside will be home to a new miniature golf location as a Puttstars indoor minigolf venue is opening at the New Mersey Shopping Park in Speke.

The new Puttstars is planned to open in September 2022.

Visit the Puttstars and New Mersey Shopping Park websites for more information.


Puttstars Minigolf in Rochdale
Puttstars Minigolf

Playing Puttstars

Puttstars Speke will be a new course for us to visit on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour. There are currently Puttstars courses in Rochdale, Leeds and York. We've played two of the three courses at the Rochdale Puttstars.

Puttstars Minigolf in Rochdale
Puttstars Minigolf in Rochdale

The retailtainment and minigolf boom

Minigolf is a big part of the retailtainment boom, with courses opening as standalone entertainment activities, or as part of large shoppingtainment leisure offerings in shopping centres, malls, high streets and retail parks.

Friday, November 05, 2021

Crazy Golf at Jocks Lane Park in Bracknell

A look at the Crazy Golf course at Jocks Lane Park in Bracknell, Berkshire.


Crazy Golf at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground in Bracknell. Photo by Matt Dodd, November 2021
Crazy Golf at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground

Our friend and minigolf rival sent over these photos of the Crazy Golf course at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground in Bracknell, Berkshire from his recent visit.

Crazy Golf at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground in Bracknell. Photo by Matt Dodd, November 2021
Crazy Golf at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground

Crazy Golf at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground in Bracknell. Photo by Matt Dodd, November 2021
Crazy Golf at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground

Crazy Golf at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground in Bracknell. Photo by Matt Dodd, November 2021
Crazy Golf at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground

Crazy Golf at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground in Bracknell. Photo by Matt Dodd, November 2021
Crazy Golf at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground

Crazy Golf at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground in Bracknell. Photo by Matt Dodd, November 2021
Crazy Golf at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground



It's still an 18-hole course, however the 9 Swedish Felt holes have been replaced by 9 others.

Bear Mountain Adventure Golf at GolfPlex in Bracknell

A look at the Polar and Jungle courses at Bear Mountain Adventure Golf at GolfPlex in Bracknell, Berkshire.


Bear Mountain Adventure Golf at GolfPlex in Bracknell. Photo by Matt Dodd, November 2021
Bear Mountain Adventure Golf

A big thank you to our friend and minigolf rival Matt Dodd for sending over these photos from his visit to the new Bear Mountain Adventure Golf courses at the GolfPlex entertainment centre in Bracknell.

Bear Mountain Adventure Golf at GolfPlex in Bracknell. Photo by Matt Dodd, November 2021
Bear Mountain Adventure Golf

The polar and jungle layouts opened this year, with a desert-themed third course opening in Spring 2022.

Bear Mountain Adventure Golf at GolfPlex in Bracknell. Photo by Matt Dodd, November 2021
Bear Mountain Adventure Golf

Bear Mountain Adventure Golf at GolfPlex in Bracknell. Photo by Matt Dodd, November 2021
Bear Mountain Adventure Golf

Bear Mountain Adventure Golf at GolfPlex in Bracknell. Photo by Matt Dodd, November 2021
Bear Mountain Adventure Golf

Bear Mountain Adventure Golf at GolfPlex in Bracknell. Photo by Matt Dodd, November 2021
Bear Mountain Adventure Golf

Visit the GolfPlex website for more information.


Bear Mountain Adventure Golf at GolfPlex in Bracknell. Photo by Matt Dodd, November 2021
Bear Mountain Adventure Golf

They are three more courses to visit on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

Revo Mini Golf in Weston-super-Mare

A look at the new Revo Glo Golf course in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.


Revo Glo Golf in Weston-super-Mare. Photo by Matt Dodd October 2021
Revo Glo Golf in Weston-super-Mare

Many thanks to our friend and minigolf rival Matt Dodd for sending us these snaps from his trip to play Revo Glo Golf in Weston-super-Mare last month.

Revo Glo Golf in Weston-super-Mare. Photo by Matt Dodd October 2021
Revo Glo Golf in Weston-super-Mare

Revo Glo Golf in Weston-super-Mare. Photo by Matt Dodd October 2021
Revo Glo Golf in Weston-super-Mare

Revo Glo Golf in Weston-super-Mare. Photo by Matt Dodd October 2021
Revo Glo Golf in Weston-super-Mare

Check out the Revo Glo Golf Facebook Page for more information.


Revo Glo Golf in Weston-super-Mare. Photo by Matt Dodd October 2021
Revo Glo Golf in Weston-super-Mare

It's another new course for us to visit on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour.

50 days until Christmas

Teezers Crazy Golf course in Coventry
Playing the Christmas-themed hole at Teezers Crazy Golf course in Coventry on Easter Sunday in 2019

Wednesday, November 03, 2021

Grass Putting Course at Northcliffe Park in Shipley

We visited the grass Putting Course at Northcliffe Park in Shipley, West Yorkshire last week.


The Mini Golf Putting Course at Northcliffe Park in Shipley
The Mini Golf Putting Course at Northcliffe Park in Shipley

Tuesday, November 02, 2021

Adventure Mini Golf at Waterworld in Stoke-On-Trent

A look at the Adventure Mini Golf course at Waterworld in Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire


Adventure Mini Golf at Waterworld in Stoke-On-Trent. Photo by Jam Trubridge, 31 August 2021
Adventure Mini Golf at Waterworld in Stoke-On-Trent

A BIG thanks to our friend and minigolf rival Jam Trubridge for sending us some photos from his visit to the new Adventure Mini Golf course at Waterworld in Stoke-On-Trent.

Adventure Mini Golf at Waterworld in Stoke-On-Trent. Photo by Jam Trubridge, 31 August 2021
Adventure Mini Golf at Waterworld in Stoke-On-Trent

He didn't have time to play it this time as he was there for a trip to Waterworld with his family.

Adventure Mini Golf at Waterworld in Stoke-On-Trent. Photo by Jam Trubridge, 31 August 2021
Adventure Mini Golf at Waterworld in Stoke-On-Trent

Adventure Mini Golf at Waterworld in Stoke-On-Trent. Photo by Jam Trubridge, 31 August 2021
Adventure Mini Golf at Waterworld in Stoke-On-Trent

Adventure Mini Golf at Waterworld in Stoke-On-Trent. Photo by Jam Trubridge, 31 August 2021
Adventure Mini Golf at Waterworld in Stoke-On-Trent

Adventure Mini Golf in Stoke is home to two 18-hole adventure golf courses. It's the sister-course of Adventure Island Mini Golf at Star City in Birmingham - a course we've played a lot of tournaments at over the years.

We've been to Stoke a few times, but not since the new Adventure Mini Golf course opened. We'll swing by on our Crazy World of Minigolf Tour in the future.

Check out the Adventure Mini Golf website for more information.

Graffiti Golf in Blackpool has closed

We were sad to hear that the indoor Graffiti Golf course on the promenade in Blackpool closed its doors on the 31st October.


Graffiti Golf in Blackpool
Graffiti Golf in Blackpool in May 2021

We played the course in its original incarnation as Golden Isle Indoor Adventure Golf in September 2009, visited during its time as Merlin Pirate Adventure Mini Golf and then played the course in its final version of Pirate Graffiti Golf in August 2018.

Graffiti Pirate indoor UV glow-in-the-dark Crazy Golf in Blackpool
Graffiti Pirate indoor UV glow-in-the-dark Crazy Golf!

We often visit Blackpool and the Graffiti Golf course was always busy with lots of people playing there.

Visit the Graffiti Golf website and Facebook Page for more information.

Monday, November 01, 2021

Magic Carpet Golf in Galveston, Texas, USA

A look at the Magic Carpet Golf courses in Galveston, Texas, USA.


Magic Carpet Golf Miniature Golf course in Galveston Texas. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, 25th October 2021
Magic Carpet Golf in Galveston, Texas
 
My brother, and charter member of the Crazy World of Minigolf Tour, Christopher and his family recently played the two courses at Magic Carpet Golf in Galveston, Texas, USA.

Magic Carpet Golf Miniature Golf course in Galveston Texas. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, 25th October 2021
A scorecard from Magic Carpet Golf in Galveston, Texas

Magic Carpet Golf Miniature Golf course in Galveston Texas. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, 25th October 2021
Magic Carpet Golf in Galveston, Texas

Magic Carpet Golf Miniature Golf course in Galveston Texas. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, 25th October 2021
A big minigolf windmill

Magic Carpet Golf Miniature Golf course in Galveston Texas. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, 25th October 2021
Magic Carpet Golf in Galveston, Texas

Magic Carpet Golf Miniature Golf course in Galveston Texas. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, 25th October 2021
Magic Carpet Golf in Galveston, Texas

Magic Carpet Golf Miniature Golf course in Galveston Texas. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, 25th October 2021
A minigolf toilet!

Magic Carpet Golf Miniature Golf course in Galveston Texas. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, 25th October 2021
Magic Carpet Golf in Galveston, Texas

Magic Carpet Golf Miniature Golf course in Galveston Texas. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, 25th October 2021
Magic Carpet Golf in Galveston, Texas

Magic Carpet Golf Miniature Golf course in Galveston Texas. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, 25th October 2021
A giant conch

Magic Carpet Golf Miniature Golf course in Galveston Texas. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, 25th October 2021
Magic Carpet Golf in Galveston, Texas

Magic Carpet Golf Miniature Golf course in Galveston Texas. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, 25th October 2021
A minigolf sign

Magic Carpet Golf Miniature Golf course in Galveston Texas. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, 25th October 2021
What to do at the lucky last hole

Magic Carpet Golf Miniature Golf course in Galveston Texas. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, 25th October 2021
Frog's mouth

Check out the Magic Carpet Golf website for more information on the venue and its two 18-hole miniature golf courses.


Magic Carpet Golf Miniature Golf course in Galveston Texas. Photo by Christopher Gottfried, 25th October 2021
Miniature Golf Rules

The Magic Carpet Golf courses were the 1,008th and 1,009th visited overall on our combined Crazy World of Minigolf Tour. Together we've now been to 1,010 courses since September 2006. The latest being the grass Putting Course at Northcliff Park in Shipley, England.