Eight Go Wild in the Lanes!

A couple of Tuesdays ago Team Affino ventured out for its first proper Post-Pandemic Outing. Back in the day we used to do these sorts of social events on a monthly or bi-monthly basis - while various factors more recently have gotten in the way!

Ours is a uniquely International team - with staff based in Central and South America, Europe and India - and co-ordinating more than a handful of participants can often be tricky. 

On this occasion we were fortunate that our Latin American Contingent was in town - that is to say Sebastian and Chema, and so 8 of Team Affino being able to attend was actually a decent turnout - even though only part of the roster.

Besides Sebastian and Chema, we had Sam, Susan, Chris, Greg, Markus and Myself. Alas Markus is the master of photography here so he doesn’t appear in any of these images. Markus is the best photographer in our family too - he has an unerring eye for ’composition’ (MK note: I was having too much fun here to take lots of photos).

Our most popular outing spot was the now temporarily retired All Star Lanes at Whiteleys, Queensway. And while the new Westfield one is undeniably cool - it doesn’t quite capture the charm of our former favourite. The Whiteleys All Star Lane had a much cooler ambience and better set up - with the dining area sort of overlooking the bowling. There was also typically an entertainingly seedy DJ, waiting staff wore old Americana diner uniforms - and the menu was quite a bit better then - with solid and iconic signature dishes - like the ’Elvis Milkshake’ (Banana, Chocolate, and Peanut Butter!).

By contrast the Westfield All Star Lanes is a little more disjointed and a little less thematically on-point. With the Whiteleys venue you felt you were stepping back in time a little - sort of into the movie Grease - or thereabouts - while Westfield is largely more of a modern setup - with a little less personality.

Everything was decent, and while the food was not quite on point, the staff were really great.

We all still had a wonderful time out - and would for sure do it again at the same venue. We hope that once the Whiteleys refurbishment is complete - hopefully they can restore the glory of their special and iconic All Star Lanes that we so loved!