14/06/2026
People often ask why we named the eatery ‘The Bowling Club.’ The name comes from the fact that we encourage people to bring their own bowls (or containers). 🔸
The bring-your-own-container scheme was a practical way to reduce waste.... But a nice unintentional effect is that it also encourages The Bowling Club to be a place of sharing. 🔸
People will often walk up to the serving bar & sheepishly put their containers on the counter. "This is my first time here. I don't know what I'm doing," they'll say. "I didn't know what to bring! Are these containers okay?" 🔸
Of course everyone's containers are okay... no matter if they're "too big" or "too small" or “fragile” or “stained” or were “forgotten at home”... or whatever they may be. 🔸
It feels like simply encouraging people to bring something from their personal-lives (even if it's as mundane as a container) unintentionally encourages people to share other snippets about themselves too. People regularly share memories, photos of their family, art, life updates, etc... And people have also shared lots of vulnerable & fragile snippets too, like their disappointments, insecurities & fears. 🔸
The year before Liam and I decided to start The Bowling Club, we were feeling aimless. We'd often go for walks to discuss "what are we doing here??" We didn't (and still don't) know, but we decided that whatever we'd get up to with our lives - we wanted it to focus on sharing. 🔸
We didn't expect to start The Bowling Club... but here we are! We are so grateful to be here, sharing kai & snippets of life (both the hopeful & the heavy) with our team & community. Thank you for creating a place of sharing with us. Thank you for being here. 🔸
Pictured here is our beautiful customer Shirley - one of the most spirited 'sharers' we know. Her painted rocks decorate many of our homes. On a couple of occasions, Shirley has bursted into song while at The Bowling Club, bringing waves of lightheartedness to the eatery. Thank you for all that you are and all that you share, Shirley! 🔸
As always, thank you for being here, everyone!
♡ Jackie & team
☮️🧡🥣
