Bingo: a proud British institution, played everywhere from seaside resorts and rural village halls to vast city centre clubs – and still going strong in the age of streaming and smartphones. Whether it’s the iconic calling phrases (‘legs eleven’, anyone?) or the thrill of a full house shout, there’s something oddly intoxicating about the whole affair. And with Sheffield ranking sixth in the UK for bingo halls per capita – a handy stat sure to break the ice at any social event – we figured it was high time we embraced our inner dabbers and gave it a proper go.
Our post-work team bonding session brought us to Buzz Bingo on Sheffield Parkway, the city’s biggest bingo hall and recently the recipient of a glitzy refurb. With room for up to 1,200 players, a 12-metre games screen in the main room, a new player lounge and a snazzy bar glow-up, it’s not just bingo – it’s bingo with bells on.
We rolled up on a Thursday night for their ‘Dab and Gab’ session – two hours of fast-paced gaming from 7pm to 9pm. Quick tip: don’t cut it fine. The evening slots get busy, so aim to get in at least 20 minutes early to sort your seat, grab a drink and mentally prepare for a sensory assault of numbers.
But how does it work? Well, you can go old-school with paper tickets or opt for the touchscreen packages, which start from just £14 for 25 tickets (and go all the way up to £50 for 150 tickets if you’re feeling particularly lucky). There are also some enticing bonus games like ‘Big Money Live’, a national link-up offering the chance to win £3,000. Not a shabby take-home amount for a Thursday night, eh?
We split between the two. Some of us wanted the classic dabbing experience – there’s something deeply satisfying about dotting out numbers in a flow-like state. Others chose the touchscreen route, which takes care of all the admin and lets you fully relax for the whole session. The latter is a decent shout for beginners – the games are quicker than you’d think, and how my nan ever kept up with three books on the go (ciggie in one hand, dabber in the other) is entirely beyond me.
But there are breaks built in so you can have a breather – perfect for topping up at the bar or having a bite to eat. The menu is solid and won’t empty your wallet: think chicken baskets, pizzas, burgers and curries. Our veggie and vegan colleagues gave the plant-based burger and veggie box a thumbs-up and the staff who served us were friendly, efficient and more than happy to explain the ropes for any bingo novices among us.
As for the wins? Let’s just say that it wasn’t our night. There wasn’t a single full house among us, nor even a measly line to brag about. But honestly, we weren’t there for the prize money. It was all about the buzz (pun entirely intended): trying something different, soaking up the atmosphere and getting stuck into a night out that didn’t cost a small fortune. So whether you’re chasing a jackpot or just fancy a different kind of social gathering with mates, Buzz gets a nod from the Exposed team.
buzzbingo.com
@buzzbingosheffieldparkway
299 Cricket Inn Rd, S2 5AU
