Good to know
FAQs.
The most-asked questions about visiting The Bays — booking, groups, accessibility and more. Can't find what you need? Email us.
Booking & arriving
Do I need to book?+
Once we're open, walk-ins will be welcome. We recommend booking ahead for Friday and Saturday nights, especially for groups of 4+. Online booking is coming soon.
Is there anything to play without booking a bay?+
Yes — cornhole and wall-mounted ring toss are set up in The Dugout and free to play whenever they're not in use. No booking, no charge — just grab them and go.
How long should I book for?+
Sessions are 55 minutes long (we use the extra 5 minutes to reset the bay for the next guests). Most groups go for one 55-minute session for darts, shuffleboard or table football, and 1.5 to 2 hours for golf simulation. Larger groups (6+) usually want 2 hours so everyone gets a fair go.
What happens if I'm late?+
Sessions run for 55 minutes from your booked start time. Arriving late does not extend the scheduled finish, so we can prepare the bay for the next guests.
Can I cancel or reschedule?+
7 days or more before — full refund or free reschedule. 48 hours to under 7 days before — free reschedule (subject to availability); no cash refund. Under 48 hours / no-show — non-refundable. See our Booking & Refund Policy →
Are dogs welcome?+
Yes — well-behaved dogs that do not chase balls are welcome.
Groups & private hire
How many people fit in a bay?+
Up to 6 people comfortably per bay. Larger groups can split across multiple bays or hire The Dugout (our basement) for private events.
Do you host birthdays and corporate events?+
Yes — bays for smaller groups, or hire The Dugout exclusively for parties, work socials and team-building. Email bookings@thebays.co.uk.
Are there any games suitable for younger players?+
Yes — the Interactive Floor Projector is a big hit with younger players, and the golf simulators have fun interactive golf games, while the VR headsets offer mixed reality games designed for children. As well as a bay, The Dugout can also be hired for a birthday party with the interactive projector or VR games.
Can I bring decorations or a cake?+
Yes for private hire and birthdays — just let us know in advance so we can set up.
Food, drink & allergens
Do you serve food in the bays?+
No - Drinks can be served in the bays but to maximise your game time, food is served before or after your hire, in the seated areas. Please be mindful if you have under 18s in your group that this is an 18+ venue after 8pm.
Do you cater for allergies and dietary needs?+
Tell your host before ordering and we'll guide you through the menu. We handle the 14 regulated allergens in our kitchen, so we cannot guarantee a fully allergen-free environment.
Is the venue 18+?+
Under-18s are welcome until 8pm with an accompanying adult. After 8pm the venue is strictly 18+ and we operate Challenge 25.
Dress code & equipment
Is there a dress code?+
Smart casual. The only firm rule: suitable footwear in the bays — flat, closed-toe shoes or trainers. No heels, no studs, no bare feet. This is for your safety and to protect the simulator floor.
Do I need to bring anything?+
Nothing — all equipment is provided, including clubs, darts and balls. Just turn up ready to play. If you would prefer to bring your own golf clubs to practice, that is also fine.
Accessibility
Is the venue accessible?+
We have step-free access to the ground floor and accessible WC facilities. The golf simulator bay is accessible to wheelchair users. The Dugout (basement) is reached by stairs only. If you have specific needs, email bookings@thebays.co.uk before your visit and we'll make sure your bay is set up for you.
Do you have hearing-loop / quiet sessions?+
Get in touch if you'd like a quieter session — we can dim the music and arrange a bay away from the busiest areas.
Gift vouchers & membership
Do you sell gift vouchers?+
Yes — buy any amount from £25 to £120 in our shop, delivered instantly by email, redeemable against bays, food and drink for 12 months.
What is the membership card?+
Top up your membership card with credit and we add a cash bonus depending on how much you load. Use it against bays, food and drink. Non-transferable.
Still got questions?
Drop us a line at info@thebays.co.uk and we'll handle the rest.