Scruffy

How many people were there? Possibly not enough people are using the venue for the owners to be able to afford to renovate, or they are not being renovated because they will probably close down soon.

We went 10 pin bowling once with the children. It was quite a new venue and it was awful. Dank smell. Grubby. Sticky table top. This was in a beachside area with lots of restaurants and cinemas. Not a deprived are at all. But I wasn't happy there at all. Those awful shoes you're supposed to wear .... who knows whose feet had been in them. Just an unpleasant experience all round. Luckily the children weren't keen so we didn't go there again. So I quite agree with you. And yes ... it's certainly not cheap.

Only been 10 pin bowling once, years ago when the venue was quite new so squeaky clean. Do remember going on Euro Star for a birthday treat. DH up graded to first class so we had wine, newspapers etc but my abiding memory is of worn carpets and seats, all very tired looking. Didn’t detract from my enjoyment though.

Places need a good scrubbing. Surely hiring cleaning equipment wouldn't be that expensive. People aren't going to visit these places if they stink and aren't clean.
I don't understand this need not to be clean and fresh.

On the odd occasion that I eat out ( and it is odd, about once a year ) I take Dettol wipes for the table and cutlery. Any thought of filth puts me off eating.