Manchester Junkyard Golf Club: A Fairly Honest Review & A Little Guide
If you are after something rather different for your usual night out, the Junkyard Golf Club in Manchester sort of promises a memorable time, and that’s almost without even picking up a putter. Picture this: crazy golf, but make it, like, really quirky, with a bar, and the setting is, really, a collection of reclaimed junk. Does it live up to the hype? We had a round to find out. This review gives you, like, a proper rundown on what to expect, a little ticket advice, and my honest view on whether it is actually worth your money.
What, Basically, is Junkyard Golf Club?
Well, in its simplest form, Junkyard Golf Club, too it’s crazy golf. Yet, it isn’t, really, your typical windmill-dodging, water hazard-avoiding setup. In some respects, this is crazy golf turned up to eleven. Imagine playing through a course constructed of scrap metal, old tires, and other upcycled bits and bobs, pretty much all bathed in UV light and pumping tunes. The Manchester venue, in that case, has a few courses to choose from, each with a different theme. From scrapyard challenges to jungle adventures, there is, in other words, something a bit different for everyone. Plus, there are bars dotted around the place, so you can keep yourself refreshed as you play.
The Courses Themselves: Quirky or Cluttered?
Talking about the courses themselves, so they are a visual treat, in a way. Each hole is, you know, thoughtfully (sort of) created with a range of obstacles and challenges. One minute, you are, like, putting through a UV-lit washing machine; the next, you are trying to navigate a maze of tires. It’s certainly different, actually even if it could border on being a little cluttered at times. In that case, the upcycled nature of the materials is cool, and it does give the place a unique vibe.
Vibe and Atmosphere
Arguably, atmosphere can make or break any experience, and Junkyard Golf Club usually does a good job on this front. The music’s pumping, the lights are low, and there is that buzz of people enjoying themselves, so, too it’s palpable. It feels, like, more like a night out than just a simple round of golf. It is very popular with groups, like your work colleagues, so you might find it slightly crowded, particularly at peak times, but that kind of adds to the energy, as I was saying.
Securing Those Tickets: Tips and Things To Bear in Mind
Okay, so, if you are thinking of going, it’s rather important to get your tickets sorted in advance. This place can get busy, actually really busy, so booking online is generally the best bet. You could just check their website for times and availability, yet, like, bear in mind that peak slots (Friday and Saturday evenings) tend to get snapped up quickly.
Price Points
Prices tend to vary depending on when you go. Off-peak times, typically during the week or earlier in the day on weekends, will normally be cheaper. Also, keep an eye out for deals or discount codes, if that’s ok, so there are often promotions running, mainly if you are a student. As a matter of fact, it is generally worth checking comparison sites too, just in case you can bag a cheaper ticket, right?
What Exactly is Included?
Basically, your ticket covers one round of golf on your selected course. Putters and balls are obviously provided, as a matter of fact you do need to return them! The whole experience usually lasts around an hour, that, is if you are not too distracted by the bar. Any drinks or snacks you buy are very much extra, you know.
Putting the ‘Mini’ in Mini Golf: A Round-by-Round Experience
Honestly, the golfing itself is good fun, even if you are, in a way, rubbish at it (like I possibly am). In other words, the courses are well thought out, offering a mix of tricky shots and outright silly obstacles. Be that as it may, do not expect pristine greens, as a matter of fact, these are, kind of, crazy golf courses made of junk. If you can get into the spirit of things, it’s, arguably, a brilliant laugh. What about a few highlights and lowlights from my round, so you get a better idea of what to expect?
Navigating The Hazards
Actually, the courses are inventive, and they make excellent use of the, sort of, junk aesthetic. Like, putting through old tires, around washing machines, and over piles of scrap, too it’s great. As a matter of fact, it’s not just about skill; it’s, like, about having a go and, in other words, seeing what happens.
A Few Bumps In The Road
The main issue, at times, so it’s the crowding. Because the courses are fairly popular, that is that there can be queues at certain holes, and it can feel a little rushed. This kind of detracts from the overall enjoyment, mainly if you are stuck behind a particularly slow group. In the same way, it can get rather warm inside, particularly during peak hours, right?
Sipping and Swinging: What is The Bar Scene Like?
No night of crazy golf, kind of, is complete without a drink or two, and the bars at Junkyard Golf Club does their part. There is, actually, a selection of themed cocktails, beers, and soft drinks on offer. Some of the cocktails are sort of pun-tastic names, which adds to the overall, almost playful vibe.
Quenching Your Thirst on The Green
The drinks are generally reasonably priced for a city centre venue. And there are, for instance, bars dotted around the courses, so you do not have to stray too far from the action to, in some respects, get refreshed. Although, bear in mind that it can get busy at the bar during peak times too.
Snacks on Offer?
For the times when hunger bites, so there are normally a few snacks on offer, you know. These tend to be pretty simple – think along the lines of popcorn, crisps, and other nibbles. They are not particularly healthy, mind, but they will do the trick, right?
Is Junkyard Golf Club Worth Your Money and A Little Bit of Your Time?
Basically, this comes down to what you’re after. In other words, if you are looking for a seriously competitive round of golf in manicured surroundings, you may well be sort of disappointed. However, as I was saying, if you want something a little bit silly, kind of different, and really fun with friends, I’d say it is actually worth it. I had an enjoyable time, actually.
In Conclusion – Some Pros And Sort Of Cons
The experience at Junkyard Golf, at the end of the day it’s, in a way, its quirkiness and novel approach to mini golf. And its downsides come more or less in the form of crowds and maybe slightly inflated pricing. On the other hand, if the ups sound, in that case, like more of you, this might be one for you.
Pros:
- Unique and interesting theme
- Engaging activity
- Great for a group of friends
Cons:
- Can be very busy at peak times
- Can be quite expensive depending on when you book
- Could potentially benefit from, arguably, some clearer directions on where the next hole is!
Handy, Not Even Sort of Mini, Tips to sort of Help You Swing Through
1. Getting in there early will sort of always prove more successful to enjoy the course in some form of peace. You’ll sort of never find it particularly quiet, and as such some level of buzz is expected. I would recommend sort of looking into, if you’re one for a bit of quiet, one of their early slots so you can get in ahead of everyone.
2. Sort of dress in comfortable clothes as it can get quite warm, but arguably you won’t mind. Arguably, it isn’t particularly taxing, yet there are all the obstacles which would require your attention if you’re willing to take the win. It is arguably very beneficial.
3. There is actually quite a fair amount of walking between different holes. Not only will you be putting and, obviously, retrieving, but potentially dancing on over as well. Do keep this, also, in mind!