A BOUTIQUE bowling alley has confirmed a new tenpin venue will be opening in the North-East in time for Christmas following a six-figure investment.

Lane7 has announced it will open a five-lane late night drinks venue by the end of the year and create around 25 full-time and part-time roles.

The company, which is based in Darlington and began its tenpin bowling venture in Newcastle, will now operate on Teesside in a new site occupying the base of Middlesbrough’s tallest building, Centre North East, off Albert Road.

Lane7 operations manager, Charlie Snow, said: “This is a town with a buzzing nightlife and we’re thrilled to be adding a fresh, new dimension to it.

“We launched Lane7 as the antidote to plastic, soulless retail park bowling venues.

“As well as the five super slick lanes, we’re going to be bringing some special twists to the Middlesbrough venue too.

“We’re keeping them under wraps for now, but we promise the people of Boro will love what we’re bringing to the town.”

The Middlesbrough site will be Lane7’s third venue after first launching in Newcastle in 2013 and attracting celebrity visitors, including the cast of Geordie Shore.

The company, which also owns The Fox Hole country pub and restaurant in Piercebridge, near Darlington, has also announced it expects to open a tenpin bowling venture in Durham in 2018.