The demise of Debenhams has left towns and retail parks across Kent with huge, depressingly empty units.

But one of the former stores has now been filled by a brand-new bowling alley, promising a “thrilling game and everlasting memories”.

On a warm autumn evening, we went along to give Hollywood Bowl at Westwood Cross, near Broadstairs, a try.

With its curved entrance and impressive neon lights, the new venue lit up its corner of the shopping centre.

It was the opening party and the place was buzzing. Moving from the quiet, dark street into the bustling, bright interior was quite a contrast.

Once my eyes adjusted, we grabbed a drink and had a look around.

You are first greeted by a huge array of arcade games, from the classics like grabber machines and air hockey to real-life Hungry Hippos.

We checked in at reception and were shown to our lane - number nine.

There’s plenty of seating and space in each booth - perfect for anyone who tends to let go of a ball in the wrong direction…

After settling down, my two friends and I began game one of two.

I hadn’t bowled in a while and in no way claim to be a pro, so I got off to a sticky start.

Each attempt resulted in a kind of funny retro - often mocking - graphic flashing up on the screen.

Eventually, I got the hang of it and actually hit some pins, but suffered a crushing defeat when it came down to the final score.

Soon some food arrived, including a plate of nachos, chips and onion rings.

The nachos were crunchy with ample amounts of cheese, sour cream, guacamole, jalapenos and salsa.

My favourite dish was the fries. They were delicate and crispy with a smokey piri piri seasoning.

We also tried the onion rings, which had a good crunch and a healthy coating of batter.

Everything was hot and came in quick succession.

Round two came around and with a bit more confidence and better aim, I scored two strikes to take the win.

We will ignore the fact I also managed nil pois on two throws.

All the balls, seating and tables were clean and free of sticky finger marks.

We decided to hit the arcade next and try out the fabulous selection of games.

I reigned victorious on air hockey twice, before testing out an amusement involving shooting virtual flying fruit.

Of course, I had to try my luck on the 2p machines. Usually, I’m a real addict and will sit there till my fingers turn green, but I controlled myself on this occasion.

The grabber machines are another classic, drawing in many an over-confident gambler, thinking, ‘This looks easy’.

I have often thought it was genuinely impossible to win on one, but the new alley has a more forgiving machine filled with little capybara teddies. After spending an embarrassing £3, I caught one.

The new Hollywood Bowl was a fab night, and with everything else you could want on its doorstep at Westwood Cross, you could definitely make a day of it.

The former Debenhams at the site closed in 2021 and left behind an expanse of empty floor space.

So big is the unit, that even the giant new Hollywood Bowl does not fill it.

Loungers’ Ricaro Lounge and Jump Inc. - a trampoline park - also take up the area the department store vacated.

Hollywood Bowl Westwood Cross is open every day from 9am till 11pm.

A game starts from £7.60 for adults and £6.30 for under 16s, with a family ticket available from £25.84.